Cheon Gyeongrok Modern Korean language education(KLE) began in the period of enlightenment(from 1895) and, until the 3rd national curriculum(from 1973~) focused on the formation of the national spirit, which is equal to nationalism based on communitarianism. However, the 4th curriculum(from 1981~) reflected a turn toward intellectualism, as con- tent changed to focus on knowledge and skill. Postmodernism in KLE emerged after 6th curriculum(from 1992~). This includes cultural theory, constructivism, and New Literacies, but these could not replace intellec- tualism. In the future, traditional functional literacy will still be valued. Considering the pluralistic society of future, we should note citizens not people, and engage in communautaire liberalism.