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International School of Busan

South Korea, Busan

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ₩28,008,241 - 44,905,001
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 341
Type Co-educational
Opened 1983
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, Korean, Spanish
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Social and Hobbies, Community and Service
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

International School of Busan (ISB) is a not-for-profit, English-medium school in Gijang, Busan, serving students from Early Years through Grade 12. ISB is authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Class sizes are typically small, averaging 13 in Early Years, 20 in Elementary and 15–18 in Secondary. Facilities listed by the school include a floodlit sports field, gymnasium, outdoor fitness centre, tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds, libraries and a cafeteria. ISB also organises bus transport across multiple areas including Busan and nearby cities, with GPS tracking for parents. A distinctive part of ISB’s history is its Early Learning Centre, noted for converted train carriages.

50 Gijang-daero, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea

The Essentials

International School of Busan has 341 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
The International School of Busan is located at 50 Gijang-daero, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan 46081, South Korea. The campus comprises the Early Years Centre, Elementary School, and Secondary School across four main buildings on a single site. It sits in Busan's eastern coastal area in the Gijang district and is accessible by major routes. The school is connected to Busan by public transport and its own bus service.

Stages
ISB has three main school levels: the Early Years Centre (preschool/kindergarten), Elementary School, and Secondary School. The school serves students from roughly age 2 to 18.

Type
ISB is a co-educational, English-medium, not-for-profit day school. It offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme.

Additional learning support
ISB provides inclusive learning and student support through Learning Support and English as an Additional Language. The admissions and support process involves a team of staff and appropriate documentation to determine feasible support options.

Country affiliation
There is no formal country affiliation.

Religious affiliation
Non-denominational; there is no specific religious affiliation.

School day structure
The school year runs from mid-August to mid-June and comprises about 180 teaching days. School hours are 8:30 am–3:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Bus service
ISB operates its own bus fleet to transport students to and from school and for field trips. Bus routes cover Busan, Ulsan, Jinhae, and Geoje Island, and service may not be available for every location. Morning designated pick‑ups are near students' homes; afternoon buses finish at 3:40 pm (end of school) and 4:40 pm (end of After School Activities). GPS tracking is available for parents.
Diving Deeper

Uniform Requirement
ISB requires the PE uniform for PE classes. Non-marking gym shoes and socks are required, and a hat is strongly encouraged during terms one and three for UV protection. PE uniforms may be ordered online and picked up from The Bear Necessities, the ISB School Shop.

Food Options
Healthy lunches are available to purchase in the school cafeteria. Dishes are prepared on-site daily and there are always vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available. The school encourages healthy eating and discourages foods high in fats, sugars or artificial ingredients.

Governance and Ownership
ISB is governed by a 10-member volunteer Board of Governors drawn from diverse cultural and business backgrounds; Board members, elected by the parents, include four parent representatives and three non-parent representatives, and they oversee mission, bylaws, policy, and financial health while delegating day-to-day operations to the Head of School. The school operates under a management contract with Busan Metropolitan City; in 2025 a renewed agreement provides five-year renewable usage rights and greater autonomy as the city's officially authorized international school operator.
Fees

Annual tuition at International School of Busan ranges from KRW 28,008,241 to KRW 44,905,001 for 2026/27.

Application fee

- A non-refundable application fee of KRW 300,000 (or USD 300) must be paid when submitting an application.

One‑time and recurring school charges (examples applied for new entrants)

- Enrolment / Registration fee: a one‑time enrolment fee is charged on entry (example figures published in the school fee schedule include an enrolment fee).
- Technology Development Fee: a one‑time technology fee is charged for new students (example value published in the school schedule).
- Capital Development Fee: an annual capital development fee is charged (example value published in the school schedule).

Tuition fees by year group (annual amounts in KRW)

- Kindergarten 1 (Age 3): ₩28,591,997 (first year total including one‑time new‑student charges shown separately; example new‑student total given as ₩31,891,997).
- Kindergarten 2 (Age 4): ₩28,591,997.
- Kindergarten 3 / Grade 1 (Age 5 / 6): ₩40,888,685.
- Grade 2 (Age 7): ₩40,888,685.
- Grade 3 (Age 8): ₩40,888,685.
- Grade 4 (Age 9): ₩40,888,685.
- Grade 5 (Age 10): ₩40,888,685.
- Grade 6 (Age 11): ₩41,340,988.
- Grade 7 (Age 12): ₩41,340,988.
- Grade 8 (Age 13): ₩41,340,988.
- Grade 9 (Age 14): ₩45,379,972.
- Grade 10 (Age 15): ₩45,379,972.
- Grade 11 (Age 16): ₩46,903,460.
- Grade 12 (Age 17): ₩45,903,460.

Notes on currency and structure of tuition charges

- Tuition amounts are presented as a mix of KRW and a USD component in the school fee schedule; the published fee schedule shows the tuition structure includes both a KRW portion and a USD portion.

Per‑term amounts and billing (how invoicing and term payments are handled)

- The school issues an invoice to families after an offer of placement is accepted; parents are required to respond to an offer within the time given in the offer letter and will receive the invoice after acceptance. Specific invoice issue dates and payment due dates are set out in the school's tuition and fee handbook.
- Where parents choose to pay by term, the commonly used approach is to divide the annual tuition across the school's term structure as invoiced; the school's tuition handbook contains the official payment due dates and accepted payment schedules. (The handbook is the definitive source for the school's term invoice dates and any available discounts or surcharges for annual vs. term payment.)

Boarding fees

- The International School of Busan operates as a day school for ages 3–18 and does not list boarding or residential accommodation fees.

Other costs and optional fees

- School PE uniform and uniform costs: PE uniform costs are included in the school fee information handbook as a separate item.
- Transportation (bus) fees: bus/transportation is charged separately; specific route fees and annual/term amounts are listed in the tuition and fee handbook.
- Cafeteria / lunch charges: cafeteria fees are charged separately and detailed in the handbook.
- Exam, activity, trips, specialist support or learning‑support charges: the handbook lists additional possible charges (for example extracurricular activities, residential trips, specialist support or EAL) that are billed separately.

Refund information

- The school's tuition and school fee handbook includes the school's refund policy and the conditions under which refunds of fees (or parts of fees) are issued; the handbook provides the detailed refund schedule and procedures. Parents should follow the school's published refund procedure in the tuition handbook.

Payment options and instructions

- Payment by bank transfer is accepted; the tuition and fee handbook contains the school's bank details and payment instructions.
- The school's admissions process notes that an invoice will be issued after acceptance and that payment must be made by the dates shown on the invoice. The handbook contains the full list of accepted payment methods and any charges applicable to payment by credit card or other methods.

Practical summary for parents

- Expect a non‑refundable application fee of KRW 300,000 / USD 300 at application.
- Expect one‑time new‑student charges (enrolment, technology development, capital development) in addition to the published annual tuition for the child's grade; example one‑time values appear in the published fee schedule.
- Annual tuition totals by grade are published (full list above). When offered a place you will receive an invoice showing the exact breakdown, due dates and payment options.

(Selected source material used to prepare this overview: International School of Busan admissions pages and the school's published Tuition & School Fee Information Handbook; a fee summary published by an international school fees database was used to extract the grade‑by‑grade annual totals shown above.)
Academics

International School of Busan teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
The International School of Busan is an IB World School in Busan offering the three IB programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP) in Elementary, Middle Years Programme (MYP) in secondary, and the Diploma Programme (DP) in the upper school. The Elementary School teaches in English and uses the PYP with an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary Programme of Inquiry, authorized since 2009. In the Secondary School, ISB implements the MYP and DP; timetabling supports specialist instruction in English, Individuals and Societies, Art, Mathematics, Science, Design Technology, PE, Spanish, Korean and Music. The DP comprises six subjects from six groups plus the DP Core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, Creativity, Activity and Service), for students typically aged 16-19 and prepared for university study. ISB holds WASC accreditation and is a member of CIS and ECIS, with additional pathways such as the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and a dedicated University/College Counseling program.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
ISB supports social and emotional learning through Secondary School counseling for academic, career, and personal development, and through Elementary School pastoral care provided by homeroom teachers, with wellbeing framed as a core school value in guiding statements and strategic planning.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
ISB states an inclusive admissions approach and provides Learning Support plus access to external service providers for students with learning and language differences; determination of student support involves leaders, teachers, counselors, and support staff.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
ISB provides EAL support with dedicated EAL teachers who offer extra English language instruction and/or curriculum support in inclusive or pull-out models; English is the language of instruction and inclusion.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing is supported via Secondary School counseling for personal development and through Elementary pastoral care, with wellbeing explicitly emphasised in ISB's guiding statements and strategic planning.

Safeguarding
ISB has a Board-adopted Child Protection Policy with prevention-focused lessons, comprehensive staff background checks, a Code of Conduct, and formal safeguarding training, and a designated Child Protection Officer (Amanda Illeperumaarachchi) plus a safeguarding lead on the Board; the school complies with Korean law regarding child protection.
Parent Experience

History
The International School of Busan began as the International School of Pusan (ISP), opening in September 1983 with 12 children in Kindergarten and Elementary School under the leadership of Tracey. In 1986 the school moved to a renovated Choryang campus and was led by Head of School David Taylor, strengthening ties with the Baptist Mission and Hospital. ISP staged its own mini-Olympics in 1988, the year Korea hosted the Olympic Games. In the 1990s the school professionalised and gained international accreditation (ECIS/CIS) in 1994, relocated to Tong Myong University facilities after its Choryang lease ended, and began a major campus project that culminated in the Dalmaji Hill campus opening in 1999. In 2000, following the city's name change, the school renamed from ISP to ISB; in 2010 the Dalmaji campus closed and the Busan International Foreign School (BIFS) opened at the Gijang campus; in 2018 the school returned to the ISB name; in 2023 ISB celebrated its 40th anniversary and in 2025 renewed its governance contract with the Busan Metropolitan City.

Community
ISB maintains a truly international learning community of about 350 students and staff representing more than 40 nationalities. Community life is supported by the PTA and school volunteers, with monthly PTA meetings and a community calendar. The school hosts and participates in events such as International Day and Teachers' Appreciation Day, organized through the PTA. The ISB community also marks major milestones, including the 40th anniversary in 2023 with performances and visits by local government leaders and diplomats, and events like the ISB24 2022 24-hour walkathon to raise funds for cancer treatment and prevention.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The ISB PTA is a team of parents and staff who support the school community. All parents are automatically members and are invited to join by volunteering time to help make each year a success; monthly meetings are held to plan activities. PTA involvement includes volunteering during fundraisers, leading committees, and helping plan events such as International Day and Teachers' Appreciation Day. The PTA maintains a Community Facebook Page and shares updates through the Newsletter and the Community Calendar; the PTA Handbook is available for reference. For those seeking more information or wishing to get involved, the PTA can be reached at pta@isbusan.org.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The International School of Busan sits on a campus built by Busan Metropolitan City in 2010 and comprises four main buildings spanning about 30,000 square meters. The campus includes three libraries with a collection of over 30,000 books and dedicated spaces for Early Years, Elementary, and Secondary education. Academic facilities include five science labs, three design technology rooms, and dedicated art rooms; there are also three music rooms and six music practice rooms to support performing arts. The school provides extensive performance and multipurpose spaces, including three multi-purpose halls and a cafeteria. For physical education, there is a large gymnasium, an outdoor floodlit soccer field, an outdoor tennis court, a 100m running track, and two outdoor basketball courts; outdoor playgrounds serve students of all ages.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
ISB offers After School Activities (ASA) designed to extend learning beyond the classroom. The ASA is organized into five categories, including Academic Enrichment & Digital Literacy. Academic Enrichment & Digital Literacy includes academic challenges, study support, and digital skill-building to promote critical thinking and problem solving. ASAs run in 6- to 8-week blocks across three seasons, with sign-ups managed through SchoolsBuddy; field trips are also part of ASA experiences.

Arts & Creative
ISB's ASA includes Creative & Performing Arts, offering self-expression through music, drama, dance, media, and visual arts. This category emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and appreciation for cultural diversity, helping students develop artistic identity. The campus provides spaces that support the arts, including multiple music rooms and multi-purpose spaces for performances and visual arts.

Cultural & Language
Cultural & Language Enrichment activities nurture intercultural understanding and linguistic growth. Students explore global traditions, languages, and identities, building open-mindedness, empathy, and respect for multiple perspectives. The ASA framework connects students with diverse cultures and languages through experiences beyond the classroom. Sign-ups are managed through SchoolsBuddy as part of the ASA program.

Social & Hobbies
The ASA program provides opportunities beyond academics to participate in activities that promote social interaction and collaboration. It emphasizes safe, inclusive environments and personal growth through regular ASA experiences. Activities run in 6- to 8-week blocks across three seasons, with sign-ups via SchoolsBuddy. Field trips are included as part of the ASA experience.

Community & Service
Service, Leadership & Sustainability (SLS) is a dedicated ASA category that emphasizes leading with integrity, serving communities, and contributing to a sustainable future. ISB has Green Flag Award status, reflecting its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable action. Students participate in service projects, advocacy, and sustainability initiatives as part of their ASA experiences. Field trips and outreach opportunities accompany classroom learning through SLS.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership experiences are embedded in the SLS category, providing opportunities for students to lead service and sustainability projects. The ASA program supports collaboration between students and staff to develop leadership skills and responsible global citizenship. Through project-based work and mentoring opportunities, students gain practical experience in organizing and implementing initiatives. Sign-ups for ASA are handled through SchoolsBuddy.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Physical Wellness & Athletics offers a broad range of individual and team activities designed to promote fitness, wellbeing, and positive sportsmanship. The programs aim to foster healthy lifestyles, perseverance, and teamwork. ISB's campus facilities include a large gymnasium, outdoor tennis court, floodlit soccer field, and a 100m running track to support activities. ISB participates in interschool competitions through SKAIS and EAISAC to provide broader opportunities for students.
Languages

Language Provision
The language of instruction at ISB is English. English is the language of instruction and inclusion, and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided to students whose English language skills need development; EAL instruction can be delivered in an inclusive or pull‑out model, with EAL teachers working closely with subject teachers to ensure understanding of key concepts. In the Diploma Programme, language offerings include Korean A Language and Literature (Korean A LAL) and Korean B, as well as Spanish A Language and Literature (Spanish A LIT) and Spanish B (Spanish AB), with English A Language and Literature (English A LAL) and English B also listed as DP subjects. Additional DP language options include Japanese A Language and Literature (Japanese A LIT), Norwegian A Language and Literature (Norwegian A LIT), Portuguese A Language and Literature (Portuguese A LIT), and Russian A Language and Literature (Russian A LIT).
Reputation

Awards
Common Sense Media Certified School (since 2019) — ISB has been recognized for its digital citizenship education using Common Sense Media resources. Green Flag Award (November 2022) — ISB received the Green Flag Award for environmental sustainability.

Accreditations
The International School of Busan is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). It is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS). The school is authorized to offer all three International Baccalaureate programmes – the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP), making it an IB World School. ISB is an official test centre for the College Board SAT Exams and for ABRSM exams, and it is a member of the East Asia Regional Council of Schools (EARCOS) and the Korea Council of Overseas Schools (KORCOS). ISB participates in the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award programme.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Step 1: Review the Application Checklist. Complete the Online Application and upload required documents. A non-refundable application fee of KRW 300,000 or USD 300 must be paid before the application can be submitted. The fee does not guarantee admission.

2. Step 2: Process and Review of Application. Admissions staff may contact you for additional information, which can take time to gather. In some cases, families are asked to connect with counselors or special education teachers to provide better insights on the learning needs of your child. These steps help the school understand support requirements and planning needs.

3. Step 3: Interview and Assessment. The interview with the Principal is required for all applicants. Assessments in Math and Reading are required for applicants between Grade 3 and Grade 11. The process helps the school gauge fit and academic readiness.

4. Step 4: Acceptance. The acceptance decision is made by the Principal or Head of School after reviewing all documents. For the new school year starting in August, new students are generally not offered places until returning students have completed their reenrollment. Acceptance for foreign students is typically offered before the end of April, and in May for Korean students.

5. Step 5: Payment. Once an offer is made, an official letter confirming the offer is sent by email. If the family wishes to accept, they must inform the school within 7 days. The invoice is sent to parents after acceptance of the offer.

6. Step 6: Submit Additional Documents. Before the first day of school, additional documents are required. Failure to provide these documents can adversely affect the student's initial days at ISB.

Note on fees: The Online Application page states a non-refundable application fee of KRW 300,000 or USD 300. The Tuition and Fees section points to the 2025-26 Tuition and School Fee Information Handbook for full details on tuition, transportation, cafeteria, and other school fees, along with payment due dates and refund policy.

Scholarships
ISB offers an Academic Scholarship Programme for the 2026-2027 academic year. Scholarships are awarded to candidates who demonstrate outstanding academic ability, based on aptitude and potential, at grade levels 9 (age 14+), 10 (age 15+), and 11 (age 16+). Scholarship categories include 100%, 75%, 50% tuition concessions, and Honorary Scholarships with no fee concession. These concessions apply to tuition fees only and do not cover transport, cafeteria, enrolment, technology, or capital development fees. Scholarships are determined in open competition by the Academic Scholarship Selection Panel and can vary in number year to year.

Who May Apply: Students aged 14-17; Korean nationals who have resided overseas for three years or more; international students residing in Korea; some other eligibility nuances described in the page. Existing ISB students are only eligible for Honorary Scholarship. The Educational Leadership Team or Board of Governors members are typically only eligible for Honorary Scholarship.

Scholarship Application Process: Submitting an application; Scholarship Assessment Day for shortlisted candidates (English and Mathematics), Group Discussion, and Interview; Scholarships announced after assessment. Key dates for August 2026 entry include application deadline on February 28, 2026, invitations for Assessment Day on March 6, 2026, and Scholarship Assessment Day between March 9–13, 2026.

Applications Include: MYP candidates must provide a personal statement (350–500 words) explaining how an IB education will help them achieve their goals and a 350–500-word proposal for a Personal Project. DP candidates must provide a similar statement and a 4,000-word Extended Essay proposal. The Academic Scholarship is limited to five students at any one time (1 x 100%, 2 x 75%, 2 x 50%); for more information contact admissions@isbusan.org or call +82 51 742 3332.

Waitlist
ISB uses a waiting list for applicants when spaces are not immediately available. Qualified applicants who are not accepted due to space are placed on the waiting list and will be considered once spaces become available. It is the family's responsibility to provide ISB with updated academic records whenever they become available.
School Events
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