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 content 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 intellectualism. 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.