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Deutsche Schule Seoul International

South Korea, Seoul

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English, German
Fees ₩18,200,000 - 25,200,000
Ages 2 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 200
Type Co-educational
Opened 1976
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum German Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages English, French, German, Korean
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Kindergarten
Introduction

Deutsche Schule Seoul International (DSSI) is a German overseas school in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, described by the school as located “in the heart of Seoul.” It offers a continuous school pathway from Kindergarten through the upper levels that prepare students for the German International Abitur in grades 11 and 12. German is the school’s core language and the secondary section highlights foreign languages including English (from class 3) and French (from class 6/10). After lessons, students can join the Ganztagsprogramm, which the school describes as offering courses across areas such as languages, art, music, sport, technology, science and games. It also mentions activities like Taekwondo, archery and Korean language courses. DSSI is also recognized as a “MINT-freundliche Schule,” and the school references projects such as science club work and 3D printing.

123-6 Dokseodang-Ro Yongsan-Gu 04419 Seoul Republic of Korea

The Essentials

Deutsche Schule Seoul International has 200 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English, German.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated; the school operates as a secular German international school.

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.

Bus service
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.
Diving Deeper

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.

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at Deutsche Schule Seoul International ranges from KRW 18,200,000 to KRW 25,200,000 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

Deutsche Schule Seoul International teaches German Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP) for students aged 2 to 18.

Curriculum
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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.

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.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
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.

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.

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.
Parent Experience

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.

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.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
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).
Facilities

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.

Sports Facilities
Two gymnasiums are available on campus: a main gymnasium and a smaller gym.

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.

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 Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Languages

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.

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.

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.
Reputation

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.

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.
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.

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).

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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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