President Kim Dae-jung instructed the government to prepare for the introduction of compulsory kindergarten education in the near future.

Kim said that a truly advanced-level of education can be achieved only after compulsory education at kindergartens are realized. He added that the government should prepare for free compulsory education at kindergartens.

Presidential spokesman Park Joon-young said kindergarten instruction is not only important for education but also for reducing school expenses for the poor, adding the government fully intends to cover the cost of the new classes.

The Education Ministry, meanwhile, will submit a bill to the National Assembly's extraordinary session in March to introduce the one-year compulsory education for kindergartners.

The proposed bill will also enhance the role of kindergartens in pre-schools.

The bill calls for introducing the free compulsory kindergarten education in rural areas before expanding it to urban areas.