Abstract
The purpose of this research is to examine the aim and value that sports careers have in the Korean society and how it accepts them. This research is based on interviews of former top class Korean athletes.
According to the results
(1) Before turning South Korean sports into a world power, it was originally a physical education scholarship system to increase the level of the results of the student-athletes. The system met the expectations of both the South Korean society and its educational intentions.
(2) Even with a weaker academic record the person's game record could insure his life until his graduation from the university under the scholarship system. However only the person's game record during his university years and after could insure his life and status in society after retirement, if he wins an Olympic or world title for example. The students who do not expect to achieve such success should think strategically about their future after retirement.
Therefore, it is important for the government and the people related to sports to find ways to support all career athletes entering the society after retirement.
