Abstract: Junior college are an important part of the higher education system in South Korea,which together with ordinary 4-year universities builds the dual structure of higher education in South Korea.Junior college,founded in the late 1970s,are a higher vocational education institution promoted by the government,which are adapted from vocational education institutions such as junior universities and junior college.In the 1980s and 1990s,under the influence of many factors,junior colleges developed rapidly,the number of colleges and enrollment scale expanded rapidly,and the college-running mode became mature.Since the end of 1990s,in order to cope with a series of internal and external challenges,junior colleges have continued to carry out the reform with “individuality” as the core feature,and their educational level and social recognition have been significantly improved.During its 40 years of development,the college has developed its distinctive features,such as clear orientation,scientific discipline setting,close cooperation between industry and college,and coexistence of multiple functions.The development process and characteristics of South Koreas junior colleges have very practical reference value for promoting the high-quality development of higher vocational education in China.

Key words: junior college, higher vocational education, South Korea