A Guide to Educating Foreigners in Korea
A few years ago, Angelina Jolie's son's admission to Yonsei University in Korea became a hot topic. Recently, more and more foreign students can be seen in Seoul, and their numbers continue to grow. Korea is no longer just an attractive destination for travel and work but is also emerging as a great place for raising children. With a well-structured education system, competitive academic environment, and an increasing number of international schools, Korea is becoming a preferred choice for foreign families considering their children's education. Most importantly, the safety of Korea, where even young students can commute to school alone, is a major advantage. This guide provides essential information for foreigners educating their children in Korea. Let’s start with a brief introduction.
๐ 1. Overview of the Korean Education System
Korea's education system is known for its emphasis on academic achievement. The structure is as follows:
Kindergarten (ages 3-5)
Elementary School (grades 1-6)
Middle School (grades 7-9)
High School (grades 10-12)
University & Higher Education
Foreigners have multiple options, including international schools, public schools, and private institutions, each with unique advantages.
๐ 2. Trends in Foreign Student Growth (Last 10 Years)
Over the past decade, the number of foreign students in Korea has steadily increased. The following factors contribute to this trend:
Government policies encouraging foreign enrollment
The rise of Korea’s global cultural influence (Hallyu, K-pop, etc.)
High-quality educational opportunities
๐ Foreign Student Growth Trend Graph
(A graph illustrating the foreign student growth trend over the last 10 years is inserted here.)
๐️ 3. Recommended Cities for Foreign Students
Some cities in Korea offer a better environment for foreign students due to the availability of international schools and foreigner-friendly communities:
Seoul – The hub of international schools and top-tier universities (also where I live!).
Busan – A strong expat community with excellent educational infrastructure
Incheon – A smart city centered around Songdo, providing an international education environment
Jeju – Home to the Jeju Global Education City with numerous international schools
These cities provide well-established support systems and educational infrastructure for foreign students.
๐ฐ 4. Estimated Education Costs
Education costs in Korea vary greatly depending on the type of school:
Public Schools – Low tuition fees (~KRW 0-3 million per year, approx. $0 - $2,300)
Private Korean Schools – Moderate tuition fees (~KRW 5-10 million per year, approx. $3,800 - $7,700)
International Schools – Expensive (~KRW 20-40 million per year, approx. $15,400 - $30,800)
University Education – Costs vary significantly based on institution and major
Additional expenses may include school uniforms, textbooks, extracurricular activities, and private tutoring (hagwons).
๐ฐ️ 5. Recommended Age for Moving to Korea
The ideal age for foreign children to adapt to Korea’s education system depends on their background:
Ages 3-5 – Best for adjusting to Korean culture early through kindergarten
Ages 6-12 – Good for learning Korean language and entering the school system smoothly
Ages 13+ – More challenging but possible with international schools or strong Korean language support
Moving to Korea at a younger age helps children integrate more easily into the local education system.
๐ฏ Conclusion: Should Foreigners Consider Educating Their Children in Korea?
Korea offers excellent educational opportunities for foreign students, whether through international schools or local public schools. Every family’s situation is different, but considering factors such as cost, language barriers, and cultural adaptation is crucial. However, the fact that even young students can safely attend school in Korea is a strong advantage.
If you are thinking about moving to Korea for your child’s education, thorough research and planning are essential. Finding helpful organizations and selecting the right city and school will make the transition smoother.
