How do I enroll my foreign child in a Korean public elementary school?

Yes, a foreign child can attend a Korean public elementary school, and enrollment is possible regardless of visa status as long as you can confirm your residence. The usual process is to ask your local community center (jumin center) or the district education support office for a school assignment, or to contact the neighborhood school directly, preparing the Alien Registration Cards for the child and parents, a lease or proof of residence, and any school records from your home country if available. You can apply for a mid-year transfer too, and getting guidance from the community center or education office at enrollment time is the most accurate route. For a child who speaks no Korean, many schools and education offices run Korean-as-a-second-language (KSL) classes, multicultural preparatory programs, and after-school Korean support, and multicultural family support centers also help with study. Public schools are tuition-free, and meals are free or low-cost in many areas, so the cost burden is small, though you will spend on things like supplies, field-trip fees, and after-school programs. I would start by calling your local community center, a nearby elementary school's administrative office, or the education office's multicultural education staff to confirm your assigned school and the documents needed.