The Korean kindergarten curriculum involves a mixture of Japanese, American, and Korean methods. The Japanese influence is reflected in the use of large group instruction and an expectation of uniformity from the children, influences from the United States include a consideration for children's individual interests, and the Korean influence is seen in a focus on self-esteem, Korean culture, and a strong Korean identity. Korea has two kinds of kindergarten, public and private, both of which are regulated by the Ministry of Education. The curriculum focuses on physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and language development. Day care is available for prekindergarten children through day care centers, Semaull Head Start (a program for low-income children), and infant schools. Teacher training for early childhood education relies heavily on vocational training colleges. Three major cultural factors which contribute to the character of Korean children are Confucian ideology, Korea's history as an agricultural country, and the value Korean culture places on the group. Korean children express their love and respect for teachers differently than do American children, and are taught to be quiet and obedient. It is important for Americans who teach Korean children to be sensitive to these cultural differences. (MM)