What are the options for international schools in Seoul?

Seoul has a strong selection of international schools serving expats and Korean returnees. The major established ones offer either American, British, IB, or French/German curricula, with annual tuition ranging from 25 million won (lower grades) to 50 million won (high school) plus enrollment fees, capital fees, and busing.

American curriculum: Seoul Foreign School (Seodaemun, founded 1912, K-12, 38 to 50 million won), Yongsan International School of Seoul (Hannam, IB program, 39 to 49 million won), Korea International School (Pangyo, K-12, 40 to 48 million won), Chadwick International (Songdo, K-12, 35 to 47 million won), Asia Pacific International School (Nowon, more affordable at 25 to 35 million won).

British curriculum: Dulwich College Seoul (Banpo, K-12, 38 to 47 million won), British International School Hanoi has a Seoul partner. International Baccalaureate (IB) options at Seoul Foreign, Yongsan International, and Branksome Hall Asia.

French/German: Lycée Français de Séoul (Seoul, French curriculum, 16 to 25 million won, more affordable), German School Seoul International (Seoul, 18 to 25 million won). The European schools tend to be smaller and cheaper than Anglo-American ones.

Enrollment process: Application opens December for the following March start (Korean academic year). Required: Previous school transcripts, English proficiency test (TOEFL Junior, MAP, or in-house), parent and child interviews, immunization records, recommendation letters from current teachers, and a non-refundable application fee of 200,000 to 500,000 won. Most schools have wait lists for popular grade levels (especially Grades 1, 6, and 9 entry points), so apply 6 to 12 months ahead. Sibling priority and corporate priority spots fill first. Some schools require both parents present in person for interviews, which can be hard for international applicants but Zoom alternatives are increasingly accepted.

Key considerations: Most international schools require at least one parent to hold a valid Korean visa other than tourist visas (F-2, F-4, F-5, F-6, or sponsoring company E-7 confirmations). Korean public schools are FREE and excellent for younger kids who pick up Korean fast (most foreigners are surprised how well it works). Multicultural family centers and the Seoul Global Center have free advisory services for international school selection in 6 languages. Tour 3 or 4 schools in person and get a feel for community fit, since the social scene at each is quite different. Annual tuition increases of 5 to 7 percent are normal.