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Busan Foreign School

South Korea, Busan

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

Independently researched by doris.
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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₩26,768,102 - 40,247,964
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 260
Type Co-educational
Opened 1996
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Taught languages English, Korean, Spanish
Typical class size 18
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service, Leadership and Professional, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Busan Foreign School (BFS), established in 1996, serves students from early childhood through Grade 12 in Haeundae, Busan. The campus is in a quiet residential neighborhood next to Jangsan Mountain, about a 10-minute walk from Busan Metro Line 2 (Jung Dong Station) and about a 10-minute bus ride from the beach. Facilities include a gym, sports field, maker space, creative arts performance area and a library. Early Childhood is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, while Elementary learning is grounded in American standards-based learning. In High School, students may begin Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Grade 10. Students can join after-school clubs (K–Grade 12). Student publications includes Sharkwave, BUSAN.IZ and Global Affairs Magazine.

45 Daecheon-ro 67beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

The Essentials

Busan Foreign School has 260 pupils, typical class sizes of 18, instruction in English.

Location
The campus is in a quiet residential area in Haeundae, Busan, beside Jangsan Mountain. It is about a 10-minute walk from Metro Line 2 Jung Dong Station and a 10-minute bus ride to the beach. The address is 45, Daecheon-ro 67 beon-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan 48084, Republic of Korea. The campus is near Yangun Elementary School and sits within the Haeundae district.

Stages
BFS serves Pre-K3 through 12th grade. The school is organized into Early Childhood, Elementary (Kindergarten to Grade 5), and Middle & High School (Grades 6–12).

Type
Co-educational, day school.

Pupil Nationality Mix
25 different nationalities, with the majority being US passport holders.

Additional learning support
BFS provides English Language Learner (ELL) support with dedicated teachers for K–2, 3–5, and 6–12. The school also offers Academic Support within Student Life and counseling services. A Child Safeguarding policy is in place to protect students.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation; BFS operates as an international, US standards–based school.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is listed.

School day structure
The standard school day typically runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with after-school activities available.

Bus service
BFS operates a bus service with multiple routes in Busan (and related areas). Bus routes are listed with drivers and designated stops; safe transport procedures are described in the BFS School Handbook, including arrival practices (buses aim to arrive about 10 minutes before the start) and a late bus option for after-school activities.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
Busan Foreign School has a school uniform consisting of three basic sets across the year: a cold-weather uniform, a warm-weather uniform, and a PE uniform. The dress code is Monday through Thursday for uniforms; Friday is a casual dress day, and high school has formal days on Tuesdays. Uniform items are available through local providers: PL Schoolwear (46 Yongso-ro 14beon-gil, Nam-gu, Busan) and Land's End; the PTSO also operates a gently used uniform program.

Food Options
The school cafeteria is managed by Chef Jongin Kim, a culinary professional with experience at the Ritz-Carlton Seoul and other roles. A nutritionist, Ms. Hyemin Park, has joined the team to oversee nutrition. For the 2025-26 school year, BFS introduced the culinary team, and menus are posted online (e.g., Menu December 8–12 and Menu December 15–19).

Governance and Ownership
Busan Foreign School has been a nonprofit organization (Registered Charity #617-82-04528) since 1998. It is overseen by a board responsible for governance, policy development, and strategic decisions; the board meets three times per year. The board is composed of experts in finance, operations, and student welfare.
Fees

Annual tuition at Busan Foreign School ranges from KRW 26,768,102 to KRW 40,247,964 for 2026/27.

Tuition — annual and per-semester amounts (USD and KRW)

- Early Childhood (PK3)
- Annual: USD 5,700 and KRW 16,850,000.
- Per semester: USD 2,950 and KRW 8,700,000.

- K4
- Annual: USD 6,200 and KRW 16,850,000.
- Per semester: USD 3,200 and KRW 8,700,000.

- Elementary School
- Annual: USD 7,800 and KRW 20,180,000.
- Per semester: USD 4,050 and KRW 10,400,000.

- Middle School
- Annual: USD 9,600 and KRW 20,800,000.
- Per semester: USD 4,950 and KRW 10,750,000.

- High School
- Annual: USD 11,200 and KRW 21,950,000.
- Per semester: USD 5,800 and KRW 11,350,000.

Application / one-time enrollment fees

- No numeric application fee or one‑time enrollment fee amount is published in the school's public tuition summary page. If a one‑time application, registration, admission, or capital/technology development fee applies, that amount is not shown on the Tuition & Fees summary.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Tuition is presented on an annual basis and on a per‑semester basis (semester figures are provided above). The school's public summary lists annual and semester frequencies; no detailed multi‑installment schedule, specific invoice dates, late‑fee table, or discount schedule is published on that summary page.

Boarding fees

- Boarding is not applicable. Busan Foreign School operates as a day school and does not list boarding facilities or boarding fees among its campus facilities.

Other costs and typical additional fees

- Uniforms: Approved uniform items are available through PL Schoolwear (local supplier) and Land's End. A PTSO gently used uniform sale offers items at roughly KRW 5,000 when available. Exact new‑uniform pricing is vendor dependent and not itemized on the school pages.

- Transportation: A network of school bus routes is operated and route details are published; specific annual or term bus fees are not itemized on the public Bus Routes page. Transportation is therefore an additional cost to expect but its amount is not shown on the routes page.

- Food / cafeteria: School lunch and weekly menus are published; specific meal pricing is not published on the Food Services page. Meal charges are therefore an additional cost to anticipate but amounts are not listed in the public menu page.

- Incidental fees commonly billed separately (not itemized on the summary): extracurricular activities, field trips, AP and external exam fees, textbooks or specialized course fees, and optional program fees. The Tuition & Fees summary does not present a full itemized list of these incidental charges.

Refund information

- A detailed refund policy (for application fees, enrollment deposits, tuition refunds upon withdrawal, pro‑rata refunds, or late‑payment penalties) is not displayed on the Tuition & Fees summary or the How to Apply / Admissions pages. No numeric refund schedule or conditions are published on those public pages.

Fee payment options

- The school's public Tuition & Fees summary does not list specific accepted payment methods (for example, bank transfer wiring details or credit‑card acceptance). Payment method details and invoicing arrangements are not itemized on the summary page.

Notes for budgeting

- The figures above list the school's published annual and semester tuition amounts in both USD and KRW where shown; other one‑time or recurring charges that commonly apply at international schools (application, registration, capital/technology development, bus, cafeteria, uniforms, exam fees, and extracurricular charges) are mentioned on related pages but many of those amounts are not itemized on the public summary page. When creating a family budget, include allowances for: uniform purchases, regular cafeteria lunches, school bus service, after‑school activities and field trips, and external exam fees in addition to the annual or semester tuition amounts shown above.
Academics

Busan Foreign School teaches Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
Busan Foreign School delivers a rigorous American standards-based curriculum from Early Childhood through Grade 12 and is accredited by WASC; the program includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses and an AP Capstone Diploma for college preparation. In Elementary (PK–Grade 5), instruction aligns with the Common Core for literacy and mathematics, the AERO Standards for Social Studies, and NGSS for Science, with social-emotional learning supported by the Wayfinder program and Responsive Classroom. In Middle and High School, BFS uses the Understanding by Design framework and maintains a 26-credit graduation requirement; the AP program offers courses across English, History, Economics, Chemistry, Psychology, and more, including the AP Capstone Diploma. Instruction is delivered in English, with Korean or Spanish offered as world-language options at the Elementary level and ELL support available for non-native speakers. The Early Childhood program (PK3–K4) uses a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach with a full-day curriculum focused on literacy, numeracy, art, music, physical education, and social-emotional readiness for transition to Kindergarten.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
SEL is supported through the Counseling Department and the Student Success Team, delivering universal social-emotional lessons and coordinating targeted SSTP plans, while Wayfinder and Responsive Classroom practices foster self-awareness, empathy, collaboration, and positive behavior.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
BFS uses an inclusive model with Learning Support and an Academic Support Coordinator to develop Student Success Team Plans addressing academic and social-emotional needs, and provides Language Support for English Language Learners (ELL).

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language Learner (ELL) support is provided under BFS's inclusion model; new students are assessed at enrollment and the level of ELL support is determined using the WIDA assessment when appropriate.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported by the Counseling Department through self-advocacy, social dynamics, and mental-health work, with middle and high school advisory sessions focusing on SEL topics and on-site Military Family Life Counselor support for eligible families.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding is addressed through mandatory staff training via ChildSafeguarding.com, annual review of the BFS Child Protection Handbook by teaching staff, and compliance with Korean reporting requirements and U.S. military safeguarding frameworks.
Parent Experience

History
Busan Foreign School was established in October 1996 by James and Amy Haddon, a U.S. military family with deep ties to Korea. It began with two students and has since grown to serve students from early childhood through high school, representing more than 20 nationalities and more than 250 students. The school is governed by a board that includes the founders and other members, with Ronald Haddon serving as Board Chair. Founders Day celebrations highlight the school's origins, community, and ongoing growth.

Community
BFS hosts an international community with more than 20 nationalities. The annual Community Culture Fair features country booths, student-led activities, and performances such as a Chinese opera mask-changing dance, the Elementary Choir, and the Middle/High School Band. The Pride of Nations Parade is a highlight of the Culture Fair, showcasing home country traditions and national dress. These events bring families, students, and staff together to celebrate diversity and belonging.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Busan Foreign School Parent Teacher Support Organization (PTSO) operates as a volunteer-based body of parents; all BFS families are integral members. The PTSO funds, hosts, or assists with events and programs that support the school's mission and help new families settle in. Major events include Family Orientation Day in August, Halloween, Thanksgiving, a Spring Egg Hunt, and year-round sporting events, with additional activities such as gently-used uniform sales and BFS-branded merchandise like water bottles, bags, and senior luggage tags. The PTSO holds monthly meetings in the school auditorium on the first Friday of each month from September through June to plan activities and discuss topics affecting families and students. Through these efforts, the PTSO strengthens ties among parents, teachers, and students and supports a welcoming school community.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus features a gymnasium, a dedicated sports field, a maker space, and a creative arts performance area, along with a central library. The BFS Library provides access to over 10,000 catalogued books and a media center with 25 Mac computers, plus the BFS Library Database. Recent upgrades include a modernized cafeteria with new kitchen equipment and refreshed interiors. The athletic field has received new turf to enhance safety and performance for physical education, sports practices, and recess. Early childhood classrooms were refreshed with new flooring, calming color schemes, and improved storage to support young learners. A redesigned main lobby and open atrium enhance the welcoming ambiance and learning environment.

Sports Facilities
The school has a gymnasium for indoor physical education and activities. An athletic field with upgraded turf supports PE classes, sports practices and recess. The field upgrade improves safety and performance for students across grade levels. Outdoor spaces for play and organized sports are used as part of the school's comprehensive physical education and activity program.

Academic Facilities
The BFS Library provides access to over 10,000 catalogued books and a media center with 25 Mac computers, plus access to the BFS Library Database. The library supports instruction in reading, research, digital citizenship and academic inquiry. A maker space on campus supports hands-on learning and technology projects. The campus also includes a creative arts performance area for exhibitions and school productions.

Extra Curricular Facilities
A creative arts performance area supports student productions and exhibitions. The maker space enables student-led projects and technology exploration. Library resources support independent reading and research outside class time. The cafeteria upgrades in 2025 support student life and dining for after-school activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Busan Foreign School offers after-school clubs for Kindergarten to Grade 12, providing opportunities beyond the classroom across academic disciplines. The program includes coding and robotics and other STEM work, as well as societies for academic excellence such as the National Honors Society, Model UN, Robotics Club, Hack Club, Computer Science Honor Society, and Math Club. Club activities run from 3:40 pm to 4:40 pm, and a late bus serves families in the Haeundae and Ulsan areas. Extracurriculars are announced during the first month of school and finalized about one week before each quarter, with some clubs subject to participant limits.

Arts & Creative
Arts and creative activities are available after school, with Elementary clubs including Pottery Club, Ballet Club, Bollywood Beats Club, STEM Fair Club, Piano Club, Taekwondo Club, Gymnastics Club, Musical Club, Golf Club, Fencing Club, and French Club. MS/HS offerings include Art Club, Yearbook Club, Newspaper Club, Palette Dance Club, For Girls Club, Gardening Club, and K-Drama club, among others. These clubs support ceramics, dance, music, visual arts, and media/creative production through performance, design, and publication.

Cultural & Language
Cultural and language activities include the French Club for elementary through middle grades and the Model UN program for middle and high school students. The Global Affairs Magazine club provides a platform for global perspectives and writing. BFS also hosts cultural events that celebrate diversity, such as the Community Culture Fair, which features country booths, food, performances, and student-led activities.

Social & Hobbies
A variety of social and hobby-oriented clubs are offered, including Newspaper Club, Unity Club, Yearbook Club, Art Club, and For Girls Club. Additional informal groups such as Gardening Club and K-Drama Club support personal interests and peer connection. These activities provide avenues for social interaction, collaboration, and developing shared hobbies beyond academics.

Community & Service
Service-oriented clubs include Service Club, Gardening Club, and HOSA – Future Health Professionals, which offer service learning and outreach opportunities. BFS also promotes community engagement through events that connect students with the broader school and local community, such as the Community Culture Fair.

Leadership & Professional
Student leadership is supported through National Honors Society, HS STUCO, and MS STUCO, providing governance and leadership opportunities. Model UN and the Global Affairs Magazine club offer experiences in public speaking, research, journalism, and global affairs, contributing to college and career-ready skill development.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
SHARK Athletics provides competitive sports across the school year to all students, emphasizing regular exercise and healthy lifestyles. The Fall season includes Futsal for elementary and middle grades, Volleyball for high school, and Cross Country for grades 3–12; Winter features Volleyball and Basketball across different divisions; Spring includes Basketball and Futsal. BFS participates in SKAIS and KISAC leagues, with events like Cross Country, Volleyball, Futsal, Basketball, STEM Fair, and Model UN contributing to team presence and time management skills.
Languages

Language Provision
Korean and Spanish are taught as languages at BFS; Elementary features language study as specialist classes. In Middle School, World Languages are offered as electives, and in High School Spanish is offered as an AP course. BFS provides English language learning support through an ELL program with dedicated teachers for K-2, 3-5, and 6-12. ELL strategies include using home-language translation tools, bilingual vocabulary, visuals, peer collaboration, and sentence frames to bridge to English.
Reputation

Awards
AP Computer Science Principles Female Diversity Award 2023 – College Board award recognizing BFS for female representation in APCSP in 2023; BFS has previously received this award in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2022. AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award 2023 – College Board award recognizing BFS for female representation in APCS in 2023. AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award – BFS has earned the College Board's AP CS Female Diversity Award for six consecutive years as of 2025.

Accreditations
ACS-WASC accreditation (Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Schools) – a recognized US-based international school accreditation; BFS has held it since 1998 and is currently in a six-year cycle through June 2028, with a mid-cycle review in 2025.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Contact Us. Contact BFS through the inquiry form to get started. This initiates the admissions process and provides BFS with basic information about your child, the grade level you're targeting, and how you prefer to be reached. You may be invited to schedule a campus visit or receive additional instructions from the Admissions Team. 2. Apply. Submit the application through the BFS application portal. The portal guides you through the submission process and collects essential information about the student and family, and you will be guided to the next steps. 3. Submit Documents. Submit all required documents as guided by the portal instructions. Document requirements vary by eligibility category: for students with at least one foreign parent (dual citizenship), you must provide the completed Student Application form, copies of passports, last two years of academic records, birth certificate or family relation certificate, standardized test results (upon request), and letters of recommendation or attendance/good standing as applicable; for Korean-parent families, you must provide the completed form, copies of passports, last two years of academic records for grades 2 and above, family relation certificate, Entry & Exit Certificate, standardized test results (upon request), and letters of recommendation or attendance/good standing as applicable. 4. Interview. Complete an interview with a member of our Admissions Team (in-person or virtual). The interview is an opportunity to discuss the student's background, readiness, and goals, and to ask questions about BFS. 5. Testing. Undergo level and standardized testing if necessary (level testing and/or English language ability). Testing helps determine placement and language support needs. 6. Decision. Our Admissions Committee will review the application and all documents; you will receive a decision within 2-3 weeks. If admitted, the Admissions Office will communicate directly with the family for additional enrollment documents and requirements.

Scholarships
None

Waitlist
Depending on grade level.
School Events
The school has not added events
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