Deutsche Schule Seoul International vs Korea International School Pangyo Campus

	D Deutsche Schule Seoul International Seoul, South Korea	K Korea International School Pangyo Campus Seoul, South Korea
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year ₩18,200,000 - 25,200,000	Fees / year ₩18,850,000 - 26,590,000
Age range	Age range 2 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum German Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)	Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 200	Pupils 1,200
Typical class size	Typical class size 15	Typical class size 20
Instruction language	Instruction language English, German	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1976	Opened 2006
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location The Deutsche Schule Seoul International is located at 123-6 Dokseodang-Ro, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04419, Republic of Korea. The campus sits in the Hannam-dong area of central Seoul. It is most readily reached by public transport, with several bus routes stopping near Hannam Sibeom Apartment, close to the school.	Location Korea International School Pangyo Campus is located in Bundang-gu, Seongnam, just south of Seoul, in the Pangyo area. Pangyo is a planned residential and business district with road connections to southern Seoul and surrounding suburbs. The campus is situated in a hilly, green area slightly away from dense city traffic, while still within commuting distance of Seoul.
Stages	Stages The school offers a continuous path from Kindergarten through Grade 12, including the German International Abitur. The Sekundarstufe runs from Class 5 to Class 12 to prepare students for the Abitur, with English-language components in some subjects.	Stages The school serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. It is organized into Elementary School, Middle School, and High School, with age-appropriate campuses and facilities on the same site.
School type	School type The Deutsche Schule Seoul International is a private, non-profit German international school operated by a registered school association. It is co-educational and serves a multicultural student body drawn from multiple national backgrounds.	School type KIS Pangyo is a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support DSSE provides inclusive learning support, including Deutsch als Fremdsprache (DaF) and additional language and subject support delivered by extra teaching staff. There is a framework for language, subject, and talent development across the school.	Additional learning support Korea International School provides learning support services, including support for students with identified learning needs. Specific details about the scope of SEN provision or specialist facilities are not publicly detailed on the school website, and families are encouraged to discuss individual needs directly with the admissions team.
Country affiliation	Country affiliation The school is the only recognized German Auslandsschule (German international school) on the Korean peninsula, operating under German authorities. It is affiliated with Germany as a German international school.	Country affiliation The school follows an American educational system and prepares students primarily for university pathways aligned with the United States.
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation No religious affiliation is stated; the school operates as a secular German international school.	Religious affiliation Korea International School has no religious affiliation.
School day structure	School day structure The school day runs from 7:30 to 16:30, Monday through Friday. The campus also maintains a canteen serving meals during the day, with a mix of German, Korean, and international options.	School day structure School begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. for all students.
Bus service details	Bus service details The school offers a comprehensive bus service with multiple routes, including stops such as Hyatt Millennium, Itaewon, Yongsan Park Tower, and Seongbuk-dong. Annual route fees vary by location (for example, 2,856,000 KRW for some routes; 3,507,000 KRW for others; 4,242,000 KRW for Seongbuk-dong). Bus rules require seat belts, supervision by a bus escort, and adherence to safety guidelines. Registration is via the school's bus application form, and stops can be planned around the family's home location.	Bus service details KIS Pangyo offers a school bus service for students commuting from Seoul and surrounding areas, including Bundang. Routes and pick-up points are organised by the school, and details are provided directly to enrolled families. The service is optional and arranged separately from tuition fees.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and admission fees - Processing fee (per child, non‑refundable): KRW 300,000. - Admission and membership fee — School (per family, non‑refundable): KRW 2,500,000. - Admission and membership fee — Kindergarten (per family, non‑refundable): KRW 1,500,000. - Supporting membership for persons without children (creditable if children register later): minimum KRW 300,000. Tuition fees (per year and per half‑year) — current published schedule - Kindergarten: KRW 19,070,000 per year / KRW 9,630,000 per half‑year. - School (general progression by length of attendance): - 1st, 2nd and 3rd school year: KRW 26,400,000 per year / KRW 13,300,000 per half‑year. - After the 3rd fully paid school year: KRW 23,770,000 per year / KRW 12,000,000 per half‑year. - After the 5th fully paid school year: KRW 22,450,000 per year / KRW 11,340,000 per half‑year. - After the 9th fully paid school year: KRW 21,130,000 per year / KRW 10,670,000 per half‑year. Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing: tuition is charged as a yearly amount and is payable before the start of the school year according to the invoice. - Installment option: payment in two half‑yearly instalments is possible only on written request submitted within 14 days of receiving the invoice; each half‑year invoice incurs a processing surcharge of 1% of the annual tuition per invoice. - Payment method: fees are paid by bank transfer; bank account details and the required invoice/reference number are provided on the invoice and must be quoted with the payment. No other payment methods are specified in the school's fee regulations. - Late payment: unpaid fees incur interest at 3.3% per annum (calculated in full months) and persistent non‑payment may lead to exclusion from school operations and legal collection measures. Boarding / accommodation - Boarding is not provided; the school operates as a day school (no weekly or full boarding fees are published). Other costs and recurring ancillary fees - School bus (annual charges vary by stop; not included in tuition and billed per year, no instalment option for bus fees): - Hyatt, Itaewon, Shindang‑Dong (Beotigogae), Oksu‑Dong — KRW 2,856,000 per year (round trip). - Hilton Millennium, Alice Monde, Yongsan Park Tower, City Park — KRW 3,507,000 per year (round trip). - Seongbukdong (morning only and return at 16:10) — KRW 4,242,000 per year (round trip). - Cafeteria / meals: a school canteen is operated by an external catering provider (daily meals, snacks and vegetarian options are offered). Meal costs are separate from tuition and are provided through the catering service. - Music lessons and private instruction: individual instrumental and vocal lessons are arranged between families and music teachers as private contracts; lesson fees are paid between the family and the instructor (the school facilitates contact and space). - Ganztags‑ and extracurricular courses: a wide range of after‑school courses and supervised programs are offered; the published materials do not list fixed additional tuition for core school hours, while some extracurricular or externally organised activities may carry separate charges (where applicable those charges are stated in the course communications). - Uniforms: no compulsory school uniform fee is listed among the published fee documents and downloads. Refund information and fee adjustments - Processing fee (application) and the admission/membership fee are non‑refundable. - Prorated calculation on entry or exit during the school year (school‑year fractions are applied as follows): - Entry 1 Aug–31 Oct: 100% of the annual fee due; Exit in that period: 25% refundable. - Entry 1 Nov–31 Jan: 75% of the annual fee due; Exit in that period: 50% refundable. - Entry 1 Feb–30 Apr: 50% of the annual fee due; Exit in that period: 75% refundable. - Entry 1 May–31 Jul: 25% of the annual fee due; Exit in that period: no refund. - Special cases: in cases of force majeure or extraordinary closure (for example extreme weather, war, pandemic) fees are not refundable as specified in the fee regulations. Summary of payment options - Primary payment channel for all fees is bank transfer; invoices include the required bank details and the invoice/reference number that must be used for payments. Half‑year instalment is available on request within the specified timeframe and carries a processing surcharge; school bus fees are billed annually and may not be paid by instalments.	Fee details Application and Registration Fees • Application and Testing Fee: KRW 400,000 (one-time at first application) • Registration Fee: KRW 400,000 (one-time upon enrolment) • Entrance Fee: KRW 4,000,000 (one-time upon first admission) • Book Deposit: KRW 200,000 (one-time, refundable) Tuition Fees (Annual) (Note: fees below include only yearly school tuition and exclude the one-time charges above.) • Pre/ Jr. Kinder : KRW 18,850,000 plus USD 9,270 • Grades K – Grade 5: KRW 21,090,000 plus USD 10,430 • Grades 6 – 8: KRW 22,860,000 plus USD 11,030 • Grades 9 – 12: KRW 26,590,000 plus USD 12,060 Tuition is partly denominated in Korean Won and partly in U.S. dollars (converted into KRW); this reflects the school’s published structure. Other Costs • Uniform: A PE uniform is required; daily uniform information is not prominently listed. • Extras: Bus service, lunches, after-school activities, and materials may incur additional fees; these vary by service and are arranged separately. Refund Information • The book deposit is refundable. Other refunds (e.g., for tuition) are subject to school policy and are not detailed in published fees. Payment Options • Common payment methods at international schools include bank transfer; specific online or card options are not listed in publicly available fee summaries. Parents typically coordinate payment through the school finance office.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements The Pangyo campus operates as a day school with a school bus service. The school provides a bus service with routes covering Seoul and southern Bundang, with safety measures and route management in place.
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options The Kantine operates a canteen serving meals on school days from 8:30 to 16:30 with a daily changing dish and a vegetarian option. A variety of fresh breads, baked goods, and snacks are available. The menu reflects German, Korean, and international cuisine, and ingredients are prepared in-house from market-fresh produce.	Food options There is a cafeteria on campus.
House system	House system —	House system The school has a House League with four houses: Nine Tailed Foxes, Dragons, Serpents, White Tigers.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership The Schulverein (parents' association) has run the Deutsche Schule Seoul International since 1976, overseeing the operation and ongoing development of the Kindergarten and School. The school is recognized by the Zentralstelle für das Auslandsschulwesen (ZfA) as a German Auslandsschule and belongs to a global network; in 2024 it earned the seal Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule. The association elects a board of up to seven volunteer members to represent the school's interests, with a board liaison coordinating with school and administration.	Governance and ownership Korea International School Pangyo is part of Korea International School, a private, non-secular PK-12 international school. The Pangyo campus opened in 2006, and the school holds accreditation from WASC and CIS.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details Deutsche Schule Seoul International offers a continuous German international curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with German as the primary language of instruction and English-language subject classes in the arts, history and geography. In Sekundarstufe (grades 5–12), students follow an eight-year pathway that culminates in the Deutsche Internationale Abitur in the Oberstufe (grades 11–12). After completing Sekundarstufe I, pupils may earn the Hauptschulabschluss as a recognised exit credential. The Oberstufe leads to the Abitur with three written and two oral exams, and the overall result combines 36 points from the Qualifikationsphase with the five Abitur exams weighted fourfold. Instruction is predominantly German, with English-taught Fachunterricht in some subjects and English-language Abitur examinations; English begins in grade 3 and French from grade 6.	Curriculum details Korea International School Pangyo Campus follows an American curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, with instruction delivered in English. In the Elementary School, the curriculum focuses on core subjects including English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, alongside specialist subjects such as world languages, art, music, and physical education. The Middle School programme continues these core subjects while introducing more subject-specific coursework and increased elective options. In High School, students complete a college-preparatory programme leading to a KIS high school diploma, with the option to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses in selected subjects. World languages offered across the school include Korean, Spanish, Mandarin, and French, depending on grade level. The curriculum is designed to align with university entry requirements, particularly for higher education systems in the United States.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results —	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar View document
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning DSSE Seoul International supports social and emotional learning through a strong, trust-based community and a positive school climate, with the Leitbild emphasising a caring, intercultural community and space for individualized development that fosters critical thinking, independence, and student participation.	Social & emotional learning Korea International School states that student wellbeing is supported through school counselling services available to students across divisions. The school employs qualified school counsellors who work with students individually and in small groups. Counsellors are involved in supporting students with personal, social, and school-related concerns.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) SEN is addressed via an inclusive Förder- und Fordern approach, including a dedicated Koordination Förderbereich / Sonderpädagoge and an SEN team delivering individualised support in inclusive classrooms or small groups, with provision for dyscalculia, dyslexia, and speech therapy, plus gifted education.	Special educational needs (SEN) KIS provides learning support through a multi-tier system, offering universal classroom support, targeted short-term interventions, and intensive support through an individual Learning Support Plan (LSP) when required. Support is delivered by learning support teachers working collaboratively with classroom teachers. The school can support students with a range of learning needs, including those requiring strategies for learning organisation, processing, and self-regulation. A Speech and Language Pathologist supports students with developmental language disorders, articulation or speech sound difficulties, and speech and language challenges linked to diagnosed disabilities. KIS is not a specialist SEN school.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language EAL support includes Deutsch als Fremd- oder Zweitsprache (DaF/DaZ) and English-language instruction from Grade 3 onward, with English-taught subjects in certain courses and French introduced from Grade 6.	English as an additional language Korea International School Pangyo offers an English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme for students who require additional English language support. Placement in the EAL programme is subject to availability. In addition to EAL, the school provides other forms of academic support to assist students in accessing the curriculum.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing Mental wellbeing is supported through social pedagogy and a positive social environment, with targeted social-skills development, conflict resolution support, anti-bullying measures, and programs to foster class cohesion and inclusive belonging.	Mental wellbeing Student mental wellbeing at KIS is supported through school counselling services and learning support structures. Counsellors and learning support staff work with students who may experience academic, social, or emotional challenges. Learning support programmes emphasize perseverance, self-awareness, and self-advocacy, particularly as students progress into middle and high school. High school support includes planning for adulthood and helping students recognize and articulate their needs. The school does not publicly disclose additional named mental health programmes.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding Safeguarding includes first aid readiness and reporting to authorities as part of administration, and a Schulbegleiter (school-support assistant) for 20 hours per week starting August 21, 2025 to provide emotional-social support for a secondary student, reflecting a structured safeguarding approach.	Safeguarding Korea International School has a whole-school Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy that applies to all students and adults in the school community. Safeguarding is overseen by a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputies, and all staff are mandatory reporters required to follow formal reporting procedures. The policy aligns with Korean child protection laws and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and includes staff training, student safeguarding education, and clear processes for working with local authorities when concerns arise.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy View document
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The Deutsche Schule Seoul International sits on a Hannamdong campus in central Seoul. The school provides a library and dedicated science spaces on site, including a Bio-Physikraum (biology/physics laboratory) and a Chemieraum (chemistry laboratory). There is an auditorium with a stage for assemblies and performances, and two gymnasiums (a main gymnasium and a smaller gym) for physical education. The campus also includes dedicated spaces for music instruction as part of the Musikschule, and an on-site Kantine (cafeteria) that serves meals prepared in-house.	Facilities overview The KIS Pangyo Campus operates PK-12 on a single campus in Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do. It houses about 1,200 students across elementary, middle, and high school divisions. The campus opened in 2006 and emphasizes applied learning and a strong STEM program, supported by makerspaces and an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary approach. Facilities listed on the campus map include an Elementary School Building with an on-site library, a Middle School Building, a High School Building, a Secondary Library, a greenhouse, and a Performing Arts Center with a Black Box Theater. Outdoor spaces include a Soccer Field, a Pool, a Fitness Center, an Outdoor Basketball Court, hiking trails, and play spaces. Transportation services are provided by school buses serving routes in Seoul and southern Bundang.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities Two gymnasiums are available on campus: a main gymnasium and a smaller gym.	Sports facilities Sports facilities on campus include a Soccer Field, a Lower Gym, and a Pool, with a Fitness Center and an Outdoor Basketball Court for student use. The campus offers hiking trails and other outdoor spaces that support physical education and recreation. The athletic program includes tennis, volleyball, cross country, swimming, soccer, track and field, badminton, and other sports. Athletic programs are organized for middle and high school students with grade-level teams and school-wide competitions. The school competes in inter-school leagues through the Korean-American Interscholastic Activities Conference (KAIAC).
Academic facilities	Academic facilities Academic facilities include a library, a Bio-Physikraum (biology/physics laboratory), and a Chemieraum (chemistry laboratory). Information technology education (ITG) resources are integrated into the curriculum. The campus also features an auditorium with a stage for class activities and performances.	Academic facilities Academic facilities on campus include an Elementary School Building with the ES library and a Secondary Library. The campus map shows a greenhouse and a Performing Arts Center with a Black Box Theater. The arts program covers music, visual arts, and theater, and the high school offers a robust AP program including the AP Capstone program.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities The after-school Ganztagsprogramm offers courses in languages, art, music, sport, technology, and science, and includes activities such as archery, Taekwondo, traditional Korean drums, robotics, theater, art clubs, choir and orchestra, and sports clubs (e.g., football, basketball, swimming, and more). The Musikschule provides instrument lessons in spaces on site, with repertoire spanning piano, violin, cello, drums, guitar, saxophone, and voice. German, English, and Korean language offerings are part of the program, and other cultural and STEM activities are offered through after-school clubs.	Extra curricular facilities Co-curricular activities are central to KIS. Phoenix Athletics provides sport programs for middle and high school students with multiple sports offered and school-wide competition opportunities. The arts program includes music, visual arts, and theater and provides opportunities for performance and exhibition. KIS is a member of KAIAC and other affiliations that support inter-school competitions and exchanges. The school reports more than 50 after-school clubs in elementary and more than 70 student-led clubs in high school.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History The Deutsche Schule Seoul International (DSSI) was founded in August 1976 by the Verein Deutsche Schule Seoul, a registered association formed by German-speaking parents and members of the Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit. It opened with four elementary students taught in a private apartment in Seoul's UN Village, and enrollment grew to eleven within that first year. In December 1985 the school relocated to Itaewon, and in 1988 it moved to its current Hannam-dong location. The school is privately operated by the Schulverein, which has served as its sponsor since 1976. In 2024 the German government awarded DSSI the Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule (Excellent German School Abroad) quality seal.	History Korea International School was established in the late 1990s to serve the educational needs of the international and expatriate community in South Korea. The school expanded with the opening of the Pangyo Campus in 2006, responding to population growth in the southern Seoul and Bundang areas. KIS operates as a non-profit international school under Korean law. It is governed by a board and operates multiple campuses within South Korea. Since its founding, the school has continued to develop as an English-medium international school serving students from early years through secondary education.
Community	Community The school describes its community as a diverse, multicultural group and a place for communal encounters in the heart of Seoul. A key community event is Career Day, featuring DSSI alumni and professionals from business, science, politics, culture, and other fields. The school provides a full-day program with small class sizes, language support, and instruction primarily in German with English-language teaching in certain subjects, along with Korean language offerings. The campus in Hannam-dong fosters engagement with the broader Seoul community and cross-cultural exchange.	Community Korea International School serves a multinational community that includes both international and locally based families. The school brings families together through school-wide events, student activities, and community gatherings held across the academic year. Cultural and community-related events are organized through the school and parent groups.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association The Schulverein is the sponsor and governing body of the Deutsche Schule Seoul International, founded in 1976 and comprised of the parents of DSSI students. Members support the school through volunteering and fundraising, helping operate and develop both the kindergarten and the school. An annual general meeting brings members together to discuss topics and make decisions for the school community. The board consists of seven volunteer members who work closely with the school leadership, administration, and the German Embassy to guide governance. The Beauftragte des Vorstands coordinates the implementation of board directives and supports the leadership, and current board members include André Wysk (chair), Hans Dankwardt (treasurer and deputy chair), Wolfgang Reusch (secretary/communication), Anett Schwarz (HR), Jung Bae Yoon (construction and safety), Philipp Rößl (outreach and quality management), and Christian Groeger (Kindergarten).	Parent teacher association Korea International School has an active Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that supports community engagement across the school. The PTA works with school leadership and staff to support students, families, and school activities. PTA involvement typically includes community events, parent networking activities, and support for school initiatives. However, the school does not publicly disclose detailed information about specific PTA committees, regular events, or programme structures. Families generally receive PTA information after enrolment or directly through school communications.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The after‑school program offers a wide range of courses beyond the regular day, including languages, arts, music, sport, technology, science, and games. It also includes Korean language courses and traditional activities such as archery, Taekwondo, and Korean drumming, reflecting the school's German‑Korean context. In both the elementary and secondary sections, courses cover math enrichment (Math for Aces), robotics, school journalism, art, drama, choir, cooking and baking, and various sports. The program is designed to foster academic and social development outside classroom hours.	Academic & intellectual Lego Creations Club is offered for Kindergarten through Grade 1 at the Pangyo Campus and fosters creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork through hands-on LEGO building, free builds, themed challenges, storytelling with LEGO, and simple STEM-inspired projects. Paint and Draw Club is available for Kindergarten through Grade 2, guiding students in drawing and painting with markers, colored pencils, paint, and crayons to develop fine motor skills. Mindful Coloring Club is for Grade 3–5 and offers calming, creative coloring activities to support focus and well-being, while Origami Club is also for Grade 3–5 and develops creativity through paper folding and mixed-media art.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative The Musikschule offers after‑school private instruction in classical instruments and voice in German, connecting German and Korean musical traditions. It partners with professional musicians and arranges lessons directly with families, with tuition covering instruments such as piano, violin, cello, drums, guitar, saxophone, and singing. In addition to private study, the extended day program provides arts‑focused options such as Art Club, Theatre/Drama, Sculpture, Dance, Choir, and in the secondary grades, Band and Orchestra. These offerings complement classroom learning and provide ensemble opportunities.	Arts & creative Phoenix Choir (Grade 4–5) provides singing and musical development, with performance opportunities and a showcase at KIMEA Choir Festival on March 21, 2026. Violin Club offers Beginner and Intermediate tracks for Grades 2–5, with instruction from a teacher trained at the Royal College of Music and Suzuki repertoire; students must bring their own instrument. Flute Club (Grade 2–5, Beginner Track 3) provides beginner instruction with standard materials and guidance; other clubs include Dance Club (Grade 3–5) which explores contemporary and jazz dance and offers performance opportunities.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language Language offerings include German as a Foreign Language (DaF/DaZ) and Korean language support across beginner to advanced levels. English language options include Early English, Active English, English Movie Club, Art/Craft in English, and Cambridge certificates. An East Asia Club (Ost‑Asien‑AG) coordinates interdisciplinary events with other German schools in the region, promoting intercultural exchange. The after‑school program coordinates language and cultural enrichment alongside regular classes.	Cultural & language Story Telling is offered for Grade 1–2 as an eight-week program that teaches the structure of stories (character, setting, problem, solution). Students learn to invent characters and settings, structure plots, and share stories within the group, fostering confidence and collaboration.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Social and hobby options include the School Newspaper, Art Club, Theatre/Drama, Cooking and Baking, Choir, and various sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and swimming. Additional activities include dancing, origami, and other creative pursuits. These clubs and activities provide structured peer interaction and informal, interest‑driven groups beyond the classroom.	Social & hobbies Dance Club for Grade 3–5 runs on Thursdays with tiered pricing (Grades 3–4: 84,000 won; Grade 5: 72,000 won) and emphasizes movement, technique, and performance. Zumba Club for Grade 3–5 runs on Fridays with an 84,000 won fee and provides a high-energy dance fitness environment. Ice Hockey Club for Grades 2–5 runs on Thursdays with a 350,000 won seasonal fee and uses a rink-based format with intra-squad showcases.
Community & service	Community & service Community service activities include environmental initiatives such as an environmental cleanup during Awareness Week. Students and families participate in climate‑related projects and other outreach activities. Examples include visits to organizations like the Green Climate Fund to develop climate‑protection projects.	Community & service The Applied Learning framework offers student-led clubs, forums, youth philanthropy, and service projects to empower students to translate ideas into action. High school students have internships and the Design Your Impact class to explore interests and develop professional skills. Experiential Education trips and service-focused projects are integral components of the program.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional Leadership and career development opportunities include Career Day events featuring DSSE alumni and professionals from business, science, politics, culture, and other fields. Alumni lectures and visits provide insights into higher education and career paths, and mentoring is offered through school programs. These activities emphasize future planning and real‑world exposure for students.	Leadership & professional Applied Learning includes leadership opportunities through student-led clubs, forums, youth philanthropy, and service projects, empowering students to take initiative. High school students can participate in internships and the Design Your Impact class to deepen professional skills and leadership capabilities. The program emphasizes real-world impact through service and project-based experiences.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports and fitness options include Taekwondo, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and swimming, alongside other activities such as dancing and climbing (bouldering). The program also offers daily homework supervision as part of the open‑day structure to support student well‑being and balance with study.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Yoga and Mindfulness Club for Grade 3–5 focuses on relaxation, breathing, and mindfulness to improve strength, flexibility, focus, and overall well-being. Taekwondo Club for Grades 1–5 provides beginner-level training with belt progression and a structured curriculum, with an optional belt test. Climbing Club for Grades 4–5 uses a local gym and emphasizes strength and resilience, with a required waiver. Swimming Club for Grades 3–5 offers weekly sessions to develop strokes and endurance.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision Languages taught include German as the language of instruction; English is taught as a language from Grade 3 and is used for subject instruction in some areas. French is introduced from Grade 6 or Grade 10. The site does not list additional languages in this section, and it does not detail language-support programs for non-native speakers of German.	Language provision The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. Elementary students speak 17 languages and 19 nationalities are represented; Middle School students speak 11 languages and 18 nationalities are represented. The student support team includes English as an Additional Language (EAL), a School Psychologist, a Speech and Language Pathologist, and Learning Support.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The language of instruction is German. English is used for subject teaching in Art, History, and Geography. English-language instruction begins in Grade 3, and French is introduced from Grade 6 or Grade 10 depending on the track. The school offers Kindergarten through Sekundarstufe (grades 5-12) with small, differentiated classes.	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs The school does not advertise a stand-alone immersion program. English-language instruction is integrated into specific subjects, providing an English-medium component within the German curriculum (Art, History, Geography). English-language instruction begins in Grade 3, and French is introduced from Grade 6 or 10 depending on the track. There is no separate immersion track described in the program.	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards IServ award 'Wir sind Digitale Schule' – The school was awarded for exemplary use of the IServ digital platform, and was the first German overseas school worldwide to join the IServ reference network.	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations German overseas school recognition (DAS) – The Federal Republic of Germany recognizes DS Seoul International as a German overseas school, the only one on the Korean Peninsula, with ongoing support and oversight provided by the ZfA and KMK.	Accreditations * Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) KIS is accredited by WASC, a U.S.-based accreditation body that evaluates schools against established standards for governance, curriculum, teaching, and student support. WASC accreditation confirms that the school meets recognized criteria for American-style international education. * Council of International Schools (CIS) KIS holds accreditation from the Council of International Schools, an international organization that assesses schools on areas such as educational practice, safeguarding, governance, and international-mindedness. CIS accreditation indicates that the school has undergone a comprehensive international review process. * Approved by the Korean Ministry of Education Korea International School is licensed and recognized by the South Korean Ministry of Education as an international school. This approval allows the school to operate legally within South Korea and enroll both international and eligible Korean students.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Admissions Process Look & See and eligibility check. Before applying, review the Korean government prerequisites for international schools in Korea. At least one parent must be non-Korean, or the child must have at least 1095 days (three years) living abroad, or other criteria related to the child's schooling history. You are invited to visit the school for a consultative discussion and a tour, where staff will answer questions about the program, community, and living in Seoul. During this visit you can clarify which eligibility path applies to your family and gather initial information about the campus and schedule. 2. Submission of the admission form. If applicable, provide evidence of German language knowledge; a language test may be conducted on site. If Korean citizenship is held by either parent, documentation of the child's overseas residence days (1095 days) is required. For children of foreign-born parents, Germany-based documentation may also be requested. 3. Bearbeitungsgebühr (admission processing fee) and admission/membership fees. Upon a favorable review, you receive a set of payment requests: a processing fee per child (non-refundable) of 300,000 KRW; an admission and membership fee for the School (per family, non-refundable) of 2,500,000 KRW; and, if applicable, an admission and membership fee for Kindergarten (per family, non-refundable) of 1,500,000 KRW. A minimum additional supporting membership (for individuals without children at the school) is encouraged and creditable if children are registered later. These charges are due after admission confirmation. 4. Admission interview. After payment confirms, you attend an admission interview with the school or kindergarten leadership and the relevant teachers. The interview provides detailed program information and allows you to raise any final questions about the child's start date, class placement, and support needs. 5. Admission decision and School Association membership. The school admission decision is communicated to you in writing. All parents become members of the Deutsche Schule Seoul International School Association as part of the admission process; membership is a prerequisite for enrolling children in kindergarten and/or school. 6. Payment of fees. Following the admission offer, you receive an invoice for the required fees. Payments cover tuition, school/kindergarten fees, and any bus services if applicable. Invoices can be paid in full by the due date or, upon written request within 14 days of the invoice, in two half-year installments. A 1% surcharge applies to semi-annual payments. 7. Submission of additional documents and start preparations. Before the first day of school or kindergarten, additional documents may be requested. Class or group leaders will provide start-day information and guidance to help your child settle in smoothly. Notes on language and program. The school teaches in German as the primary language of instruction, with English-language subject instruction in certain areas (e.g., arts, history, geography). A bilingual environment supports students toward the International German Abitur. This language arrangement is reflected in the program and curriculum materials.	Admissions 1. Application submission Families begin by submitting an online application form for Korea International School, along with required documentation. This typically includes academic records, school reports, and other supporting materials relevant to the student’s grade level. An application and testing fee is required at this stage and is non-refundable. 2. Assessment and review After submission, applications are reviewed by the admissions team. Students may be required to complete grade-appropriate assessments and, where relevant, interviews. English language ability and academic readiness are considered as part of this review. 3. Admissions decision Following assessment, families are informed of the admissions decision. An offer may be made subject to space availability and the school’s ability to meet the student’s learning needs. Some offers may be conditional. 4. Enrolment and confirmation To secure a place, families must accept the offer and complete enrolment requirements, including payment of required registration and entrance fees. Enrolment is finalized once all documentation and payments are received.
Scholarships	Scholarships 3) Scholarships DSSE does not operate a traditional scholarship program. The school provides fee-support options through the Schulgeldermäßigung (tuition reduction) program for families facing financial hardship, and there are also long-term attendance discounts. Details are available through the administration on request. Specifically: - Schulgeldermäßigung (tuition reduction) for families facing financial difficulties; a formal application process exists, with information and the application form available from the administration. - Ermäßigung der Schulgebühr (tuition reductions for long-term attendance) reduces the tuition depending on how many school years a student has attended; the discount is not transferable to siblings and does not credit kindergarten. - The Fees Regulation sets the rules for these reductions, including eligibility and application procedures. These scholarship-like provisions are described in the Fees Regulation (Gebührenordnung).	Scholarships Korea International School does not publicly disclose information indicating that scholarships are offered.
Waitlist	Waitlist 2) Waitlist / Pool DSSE does not publish a waitlist or pool system for admissions. The published admissions process centers on eligibility checks, document submission, processing of fees, an admission interview, and an official admission decision followed by fee payment and onboarding steps. There is no separate waitlist procedure described in the admissions materials.	Waitlist Korea International School does operate a waitlist when year groups are full. Placement on the waitlist does not guarantee admission, and offers are made if spaces become available.
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