Seoul is one of Asia's most established international school markets, with a clear cluster of foreign-passport-only schools serving diplomats, K-pop and entertainment-sector families, multinationals and US military communities. Admissions rules in Korea are strict, and the calendar is unforgiving, so understanding the process step by step is essential.
This 2026 guide walks through international school admissions in Seoul from eligibility checks to acceptance, including assessments, fees and the documents you'll need.
Eligibility: Who Can Attend International Schools in Seoul
Korean law restricts who can enrol at foreign schools:
- The child must hold a foreign passport, or
- The child must have lived abroad continuously for at least three years (the rule sometimes phrased as "three years of overseas residence").
Many schools also limit the number of Korean nationals to a fixed percentage of the student body. Confirm eligibility in writing before you start the application — schools will not waive this requirement.
Available Curricula in Seoul
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Available across PYP, MYP and Diploma at several Seoul schools.
- American curriculum: AP and US high school diploma at the larger American-style schools.
- British curriculum: IGCSE and A-Levels at one or two long-running British schools.
- French and Japanese curricula: National schools serving the relevant expat communities.
Top International Schools in Seoul
Dulwich College Seoul
British curriculum from Early Years through to A-Levels and IB, part of the international Dulwich network. Located in Seocho-gu, popular with British and international families.
Chadwick International School
An IB World School in Songdo offering the full PYP-DP continuum. A flagship choice for families based in or near the Incheon Free Economic Zone.
Korea International School Pangyo
American-curriculum K-12 in Pangyo, close to the Korean tech corridor. AP courses, robust university counselling and an active sports and arts programme.
Seoul Academy
A smaller, English-medium school with personalised teaching for international families.
Korea Foreign School
A long-established option in Seoul for foreign-passport families, with a mix of IB and American programmes.
Admissions Timeline: Step-by-Step
- August - October: Confirm eligibility, attend open days, narrow down to three or four schools.
- September - December: Submit the formal application. Required documents include the eligibility evidence, transcripts, recommendation letters and passport scans. Pay the application fee (KRW 200,000 - 400,000).
- November - February: Take assessments. Most schools test Maths and English, sometimes with a short writing task, and conduct a video or in-person interview from Grade 1 upwards.
- January - March: Offer letters issued. Accept within the deadline and pay the deposit, normally equivalent to one quarter of tuition.
- Spring - Summer: Complete medical paperwork, uniform orders and bus registrations before the August start.
International School Fees in Seoul
Indicative 2026 tuition ranges (KRW, annual):
- Early years (ages 3-5): KRW 22,000,000 - 32,000,000
- Elementary: KRW 28,000,000 - 38,000,000
- Middle school: KRW 32,000,000 - 42,000,000
- High school / IB DP / AP: KRW 36,000,000 - 48,000,000
Plan to add an application fee, a one-off enrolment fee (KRW 5,000,000 - 12,000,000), a refundable deposit, a building fund at some schools, school bus, lunches and uniforms.
Document Checklist
- Child's foreign passport and Korean Alien Registration Card (once issued)
- Evidence of three years of overseas residence, if relying on that exception
- Parents' passports and Korean visa
- Last two years' academic transcripts
- Two recommendation letters from current teachers
- Standardised test scores where available (e.g. MAP, ISEE)
- Immunisation record translated into English or Korean
Build your Seoul shortlist
Browse international schools in Seoul by curriculum, location and fees on International School Advisor before reaching out to each admissions office.
FAQ
Can a Korean national attend an international school in Seoul?
Only if the child has lived abroad for at least three years continuously. Schools also keep Korean nationals to a defined percentage of the student body and prioritise foreign-passport applicants for capacity reasons.
When do Seoul international schools open admissions for the next year?
Most open between August and October for the following August intake. Popular year groups can close by January or February.
How long does the admissions process take in Seoul?
Typically six to ten weeks from submitting a complete application to receiving an offer, provided assessments and interviews are scheduled promptly.