How does the Korean school system work, and what do I need to know as a foreign parent enrolling my child?

The Korean school system runs from elementary (초등학교, grades 1 to 6, ages 7 to 12), middle (중학교, 3 years, ages 13 to 15), high school (고등학교, 3 years, ages 16 to 18), then optional 2 to 4 year college or university. The school year starts in March and ends in February, with 4 vacations: summer (mid-July to mid-August), winter (late December to late February), spring (1 week in March), and fall (1 week in October).

For foreign children, the choice is between Korean public schools (free for residents, fully Korean instruction), international schools (English instruction, $25,000 to $40,000 USD/year), and international branches of foreign schools like Seoul Foreign School and Dwight School. Public schools are an excellent option for younger kids who pick up Korean fast. Enrollment for foreigners requires your child's ARC, your ARC, parent's residence certificate (주민등록등본 equivalent), translated birth certificate, immunization records, and the child's Korean address. Apply at the local Office of Education (교육청) or directly at the assigned neighborhood school. The process takes 1 to 4 weeks.

Key things to know: Public schools provide free lunch (학교급식) including allergies-friendly options, and uniforms are required from middle school onward (around 200,000 won initial set). Tuition for high school became free in 2021. After-school academies (학원) are nearly universal, costing 200,000 to 600,000 won/month per subject, and most students attend 2 to 4 daily. Multicultural family centers (다문화가족지원센터) provide free Korean tutoring for foreign students. The school system is academically intense with daily homework, monthly tests, and the high-stakes 수능 university entrance exam in Grade 12. Parent-teacher communication happens through the Hi-Class or Hak-bumo app. Teachers are highly respected, and gifts on Teachers' Day (May 15) are now legally restricted, so a simple thank-you card is fine. The Seoul Global Center and 1577-1366 hotline can guide you through enrollment in your language.