They had a special need for leaders that could head a complicated society and encourage development in many fields. And universities disciplined and tempered students into leaders. That trend has lasted thus far. In Korea most parents want their children to enter a university. So in Korea there are more universities and students per capita compared with with other countries which have a similar Gross Domestic Products.
Most universities have more students, but less educational equipment.
And the material taught in most classes is usually not so practical. University have determined the futures of peoples and countries. Korea cannot help but to depend on the universities in the 21st Century.