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Search & filter all 4 schools Compare 4 schools in South Korea

International Schools in South Korea

Compare 4 international schools in South Korea. Filter by curriculum, fees (average KRW 7,970,625), location, and more to find the right international school now.

Edited by · B2C Marketing Manager

Schools listed
4
Curricula
2
Average annual fee
KRW 7,970,625
Fee range
KRW 2,400,000 – 16,200,000
More school facts
Most common curriculum
French Curriculum (2 schools)
Average school size
384 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Lycée Français de Séoul
Oldest
Overseas Chinese High School Seoul (1948)
With boarding
1
About international schools in South Korea

International schools in South Korea form a small, tightly regulated sector concentrated in a few city clusters (chiefly around Seoul, Songdo, Busan and Jeju) and primarily serve expatriate families and Koreans who have lived abroad. Most schools teach mainly in English and commonly follow the International Baccalaureate, British (IGCSE/A-Level) or American (US diploma/AP) pathways, while a number of national systems and language-specific schools also operate. Tuition is among the highest in Asia: in Seoul typical annual fees cluster around ₩20 - 30 million, with lower charges in early years and some premium campuses charging toward ₩40 - 47 million a year. Admissions are handled school-by-school but the main enrolment season is usually in winter for an academic year that commonly begins in August; expect assessments, interviews and document checks (passports, transcripts, proof of overseas residence) as standard.

View by curriculum (1)

View by curriculum

French (2)

Choosing an international school in South Korea

Curricula

There are 4 international schools in South Korea covering 2 curricula. The most widely offered are French Curriculum (2), Bespoke Curriculum (2). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.

Fees & what they cover

Annual tuition across South Korea runs from about KRW 2,400,000 to KRW 16,200,000, averaging roughly KRW 7,970,625. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.

Admissions & timing

Sought-after schools in South Korea run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.

Boarding

1 of the 4 schools offer boarding — useful if you're relocating or want weekly or full boarding.

How doris stays impartial

doris lists every international school in South Korea we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.

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FAQs for South Korea

Which curricula are usually available at international schools in South Korea?
You will most commonly find the International Baccalaureate, British curricula (Cambridge IGCSE and AS/A-Level) and American-style programmes (US diploma with AP options), with some schools offering national systems such as French, German or Japanese-language pathways. Many IB and international schools also publish which programmes they offer on their accreditation or programme pages, so checking each school’s curriculum listings is essential.
How much should we budget for international school fees?
Fees vary by campus, grade and curriculum, but in Seoul typical annual tuition is roughly ₩20 - 30 million; early-years programmes are often cheaper and some premium secondary campuses charge toward ₩40 - 47 million a year. Beyond tuition expect additional costs such as application and assessment fees, capital or development levies, school bus charges and external exam fees.
Who is eligible to attend international schools in South Korea?
Most foreign-designated international schools enrol children of foreign passport holders and Koreans who meet defined overseas-residence criteria; national laws and local education offices set the precise eligibility rules and quotas. Each school publishes its admissions eligibility (for example requirements on passports, alien registration or proof of extended residence overseas), so verify eligibility with the school before applying.
When should we apply and how does the admissions rhythm work?
Timetables vary by school but most run a main admissions cycle in the winter for entry to the next academic year, and many international schools in Korea follow a Northern-hemisphere calendar beginning in August. Schools commonly run assessments, interviews and document checks, and some grades have rolling or mid-year entry if places become available, so start enquiries early and confirm each campus’s calendar and deadlines.
What languages are used and will my child learn Korean?
English is the primary language of instruction at most international schools, but nearly all offer Korean language classes and many provide additional modern-language options such as Chinese, Japanese, French or German. Some schools are explicitly bilingual or run immersion tracks, so check the language provision and support services (including mother-tongue and EAL/ESL programmes) when shortlisting schools.
What should a relocating family look for when comparing schools in South Korea?
Focus on curriculum and university-preparation outcomes, language support and pastoral care, accreditation (IB authorisation or international accrediting bodies), class sizes and the school’s approach to Korean language and local integration, plus practical matters like location, transport and total cost of attendance. Also review a school’s published admissions policy and eligibility rules early - these determine whether your child can apply and what documentary evidence you must supply.