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Premium International Schools in South Korea

Last updated 5 October 2026

About international schools in South Korea

Premium international schools in South Korea are a group of well-established, higher-fee English-medium schools concentrated in Seoul and other major cities, offering overseas curricula aimed at families seeking continuity with foreign systems. These schools most commonly offer the International Baccalaureate, British National Curriculum/IGCSE pathways and American college-preparatory programmes (often including AP), alongside a small number of national-language or bilingual options. Published fee guides and school schedules show typical annual tuition for these premium schools in the mid-range to high-range for the country (many schools publish figures in the tens of millions of won), with additional compulsory charges for buses, activities and specialised programmes. Admissions usually follow a northern-hemisphere academic rhythm (main intake for an August/September year and a mid-year intake in January), require application materials and assessment or interviews, and include eligibility rules for Korean nationals tied to recent overseas residency or parental nationality in some cases.

Compare 10 Premium international schools in South Korea. Filter by curriculum, fees (average KRW 41,715,282), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 10 schools · avg fee KRW 41,715,282

Schools listed: 10
Curricula: 11
Average annual fee: KRW 41,715,282
Fee range: KRW 31,829,986 – 60,197,655
Most common curriculum: IB (PYP) (6 schools)
Average school size: 830 pupils
Largest by enrolment: Chadwick International School
Oldest: Seoul Foreign School (1912)
With boarding: 3

5 international schools in Seoul

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Exterior view of Dulwich College Seoul campus building.

Dulwich College Seoul

IB (PYP), IB (MYP) · Ages 3 to 18

₩40,700,000 - 44,800,000

Ages 3 to 18 years

IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), British Curriculum

Instructs in English

Campus buildings and open plaza at Chadwick International School.

Chadwick International School

IB (PYP), IB (MYP) · Ages 4 to 18

₩51,591,690 - 60,197,655

Ages 4 to 18 years

IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)

Instructs in English

Campus entrance and buildings at Seoul Foreign School.

Seoul Foreign School

IB (PYP), IB (MYP) · Ages 2 to 18

₩37,612,549 - 52,279,697

Ages 2 to 18 years

IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), British Curriculum

Instructs in English

Exterior view of Seoul International School overlooking an athletic field.

Seoul International School

American Curriculum · Ages 3 to 18

₩31,991,809 - 39,374,690

Ages 3 to 18 years

American Curriculum

Instructs in English

Asia Pacific International School Seoul campus overlooking the outdoor sports field.

Asia Pacific International School Seoul

American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum · Ages 3 to 18

₩33,116,839 - 40,963,695

Ages 3 to 18 years

American Curriculum, Christian Curriculum

Instructs in English

3 international schools in Jeju

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Branksome Hall Asia campus

Branksome Hall Asia

IB (PYP), IB (MYP) · Ages 3 to 18

₩40,464,955 - 49,500,285

Ages 3 to 18 years

IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)

Instructs in English

Exterior view of North London Collegiate School Jeju.

North London Collegiate School Jeju

IB (PYP), IB (MYP) · Ages 4 to 18

₩36,345,821 - 50,939,757

Ages 4 to 18 years

IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), British Curriculum

Instructs in English

Front entrance of St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju.

St. Johnsbury Academy Jeju

American Curriculum · Ages 3 to 18

₩36,579,894 - 40,212,419

Ages 3 to 18 years

American Curriculum

Instructs in English

1 international school in Geoje

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Atherton International School campus with playgrounds and sports courts.

Atherton International School

IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum) · Ages 2 to 18

₩34,357,564 - 47,016,343

Ages 2 to 18 years

IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum), IPC (International Primary Curriculum), IMYC (International Middle Years Curriculum), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels

Instructs in English

1 international school in Sacheon

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Exterior view of Gyeongnam International Foreign School campus.

Gyeongnam International Foreign School

IB (PYP), IB (MYP) · Ages 5 to 18

₩31,829,986 - 34,429,986

Ages 5 to 18 years

IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)

Instructs in English

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FAQs for South Korea

What curricula will my child find at premium international schools in South Korea?

Most premium international schools offer internationally recognised curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), the British National Curriculum with IGCSEs and A-levels or an American college-preparatory programme with Advanced Placement options; some schools combine elements of these systems. Parents should confirm which specific programmes and examination pathways are offered at each campus, because availability varies by school and by grade.

How much should we budget for tuition and additional costs?

Published fee guides show wide variation, but typical annual tuition at premium international schools in South Korea commonly sits in the mid-to-high range for the market, with some schools publishing figures in the tens of millions of Korean won and international comparators quoting median fees in the low tens of thousands of US dollars. Families should also budget separately for compulsory items such as registration or enrolment fees, school bus transport, uniforms, extracurricular trips and examination or technology charges, which can add materially to the headline tuition.

When should we apply and what does the admissions process usually involve?

The main intake for most international schools follows a northern-hemisphere calendar with an August/September start and a secondary intake in January, so families relocating should begin enquiries many months in advance and expect testing, interviews and submission of school records as part of the process. While many schools accept rolling applications where space exists, the more sought-after places are filled earlier, so parents are advised to check each school’s published deadlines and to register interest well before the intended start date.

Can Korean citizens and children of expatriates both attend these schools?

Admission eligibility is set by each school and by national rules: many international schools give priority to children with foreign nationality or to Korean citizens who have lived overseas for a specified period, while a smaller number of schools operate under different rules that permit broader local enrolment. Parents who hold Korean nationality or who have recently returned to Korea should check the school’s eligibility criteria and required documentation early, because the rules and proof required (for example, length of overseas residency) differ between schools.

What languages are used and will my child be taught Korean at an international school?

English is the primary language of instruction at the large majority of premium international schools, but most schools also offer Korean language lessons and some provide bilingual or heritage-language programmes depending on the campus. If preservation or development of Korean language and culture is important, check each school’s language curriculum and the availability of mother-tongue or dual-language options before applying.