▲ Blue Snake @George Shaw (1751~1813)

 

Every new year represents a new beginning. With so much happening in 2024, it seems people are welcoming the start of a new year. According to sexagenary cycle in Asia, 2025 is the year of the Blue Snake, emphasizing wisdom and growth.

 

Understanding the Traditions

Have you ever wondered how the name of each year is determined in Asian traditional sexagenary cycle? Each year in a 12-year cycle corresponds to one of the zodiac animals. The animals, in order, are: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal is believed to shape not only the events of the year it represents but also the personality traits of those who were born in that year.

What makes this system even more fascinating is its combination with the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Each element is associated with a specific color (green/blue, red, yellow, white, and black), and the elements rotate every two years. This creates a 60-year cycle when combined with the zodiac animals. For example, the animal linked to 2025 is a snake, and the element is wood, which is traditionally associated with the color blue. This is why 2025 is referred to as the Year of the Blue Snake.

 

What's New in the Year of the Blue Snake

As we approach the new year, several changes are on the horizon. The first major update is an increase in the minimum wage. Last year, the minimum wage was 9,860 won per hour. This year, it will rise to 10,030 won per hour, marking the first time it has exceeded 10,000 won since it was first established in 1988. While the change is good news for young workers, there are concerns about the impact of higher labor costs on the self-employed and business owners, since it could lead to higher inflation.

The next notable change is in education. Starting in 2025, digital textbooks will be introduced in grades 3-4 of elementary school, grade 1 of middle school, and general electives in high school. Digital textbooks will provide personalized instruction tailored to students' learning levels, and teachers will be able to see how students are doing in real time. Initially, the new digital textbooks will be used in parallel with paper textbooks, with a full transition from 2028 under consideration.

2025 also brings a change in high school, with a new credit system to be fully implemented. Similar to universities, high school students will be able to choose courses and earn credits based on their career paths and aptitudes. The grading system will also be revised to better reflect students' diverse learning experiences. These developments aim to increase students' motivation and encourage them to explore potential career options.

Lastly, there are major updates coming to the parental leave system. The maximum parental leave salary will increase to 2.5 million won. Moreover, the payment will be completed before the end of the leave period, abolishing the previous system of withholding a portion until the employee returns to work.

 

Embrace Change and Opportunity with The SeoulTech

The changes brought with the new year will have a profound impact on our daily lives. This makes it important to be prepared and adapt. The SeoulTech encourages you to stay informed, embrace the opportunities ahead, and wishes the best for the new year!

 

Reporter,

Somin Hong hongsomin@seoultech.ac.kr

Reporter 홍소민

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• e-mail : hongsomin@seoultech.ac.kr