Jokbo-based learning among Korean medical students

When the physician-government conflict was triggered by the Korean government's plan to increase medical school enrollment by 2,000 students, the government proposed the establishment of a "Jokbo Sharing Center." In Korean medical education, jokbo refers to collections of previous examination questions, summarized notes, and anticipated topics compiled by senior students and transmitted across cohorts. Their scope extends beyond preclinical education and written examinations to include practical tips and informal norms passed down during clinical clerkships and internship rotations. More than a mere compilation of study resources, jokbo functions as a form of hidden curriculum within medical education. As a learning culture that has emerged organically among students, it operates implicitly beneath the formal curriculum. The creation and sharing of jokbo can foster solidarity and a sense of belonging, and may serve as a process through which students begin to internalize the professional culture essential to their future roles as physicians. Nevertheless, reliance on jokbo- based learning may undermine the depth and quality of learning over time, impeding critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the acquisition of integrated medical knowledge. Unregulated distribution of such materials also raises concerns about examination fairness, and their reproduction without faculty consent raises legitimate ethical concerns. At the same time, given their demonstrable educational benefits, some argue for institutionalizing jokbo through transparent procedures for constructive use in medical education. Despite its widespread presence, research on jokbo remains virtually nonexistent. This study aims to establish a scholarly and policy foundation for discussion of jokbo in Korean medical education by reviewing international cases of examination material sharing and providing a comprehensive analysis of jokbo in Korea.