International and Foreign Schools in Korea

“International school” in Korea covers three very different things: licensed foreign schools (외국인학교) for children of foreigners, foreign educational institutions (외국교육기관) in free economic zones and Jeju, and unlicensed academies that only call themselves international schools. Check the legal status before you pay, because it decides whether your child’s diploma is recognized.

Key facts

The three types

1. Foreign schools (외국인학교)

Licensed by the regional education office, set up mainly to educate the children of foreign nationals. They teach in a language other than Korean and follow a foreign curriculum (American, British, IB and others).

• Eligibility. A child is generally eligible if at least one parent is a foreign national, regardless of the child’s own nationality.
• Korean nationals can apply if they have lived abroad for at least three years in total. They do not have to have attended school abroad for the whole period, but each school and education office decides how residence is counted and which documents are needed.
• Quota. Korean nationals may usually fill no more than 30% of the authorized places. The education superintendent can raise this by up to 20 percentage points, to a maximum of 50%.

Examples include long-established schools in Seoul, Busan, Daejeon and other cities serving expatriate and diplomatic families.

2. Foreign educational institutions (외국교육기관)

Branch campuses of foreign schools set up under a special law for free economic zones (경제자유구역, such as Songdo in Incheon) and the Jeju Free International City. Jeju’s Global Education City hosts several well-known boarding and day schools.

• These follow separate rules from ordinary foreign schools, and Korean students with no time abroad can often enroll.
• Fees are usually at the top of the market and often include boarding options.

3. Unlicensed “international schools” (미인가 대안교육기관)

Private academies that use “international school” in their name or advertising but are not legally schools in Korea.

• Classes may look similar, but education there may not count as elementary, middle or high school in the Korean system.
• A student with no other recognized qualification may need to pass the school equivalency exam (검정고시) before moving to a Korean school or university.
• The outcome can be different if the child completes an accredited foreign curriculum (for example a recognized foreign diploma or exam). Ask the school exactly what qualification your child will receive and whether universities accept it.

How to check a school

1. Search the school on isi.go.kr (외국교육기관 및 외국인학교 종합안내), the Ministry of Education’s information site for foreign schools and foreign educational institutions. It shows licensed schools, curricula and disclosed information.
2. Ask the school for its license from the regional education office.
3. Ask whether its diploma is recognized in Korea and in the country where your child may go to university.
4. Ask about accreditation (for example WASC, CIS or IB authorization).

Costs

Fees vary widely by school and grade. Ministry of Education data released in 2025 put the average annual tuition for high school programs at international schools at about ₩26.4 million as of October 2024, excluding admission fees. On top of tuition, expect:

• One-time application and enrollment or “capital” fees
• School bus, meals and uniforms
• Technology, activity and trip fees
• Boarding fees at boarding schools

Many employers of expatriates (embassies, international companies) pay part or all of these fees. Ask about an education allowance before you sign your contract.

Admission timing

Most English-language foreign schools follow an August or September to June year, unlike Korean schools that start in March. Popular schools have waiting lists, especially in lower grades. Apply as soon as you know you are moving, and ask whether the school accepts mid-year transfers.

Typical requirements:

• Application form and fee
• Passport copies for the child and parents (to show foreign nationality)
• Previous school reports and teacher recommendations
• Entrance assessment or interview, sometimes an English test
• Proof of three years abroad, for Korean nationals

Alternatives

• Korean public schools are free and open to all children living in Korea, and offer Korean language classes. See enrolling foreign children in Korean schools.
• Bilingual or international programs at some public and private Korean schools, which teach part of the curriculum in English.

Common questions

Can a Korean child with no time abroad attend a foreign school?

Not a licensed foreign school (외국인학교), unless at least one parent is foreign. Foreign educational institutions in free economic zones and Jeju have different rules and often accept them.

Are international school fees tax-deductible?

Education expense deductions in year-end tax settlement have rules about which schools qualify. Ask your payroll team or check the guide on income tax and year-end settlement.

Is a foreign school diploma recognized for Korean universities?

A diploma from a licensed foreign school with a recognized foreign curriculum is generally accepted, but check with the target university. Diplomas from unlicensed academies may not be.

Where are most foreign schools?

Seoul has the largest number, followed by Gyeonggi, Busan and other major cities. Free economic zone schools are in places like Songdo; several large schools are in Jeju’s Global Education City.

This guide explains the general rules as of the date above. Rules change and every case is different, so confirm with the office named here (or the 1345 Immigration Contact Center) before an important decision. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.