Korea's foreign schools and unlicensed 'international schools': check recognition first

This guide is for parents looking at international or foreign schools in Korea. Similar names can hide very different legal status and recognition, so this summary uses Ministry of Education and Ministry of Government Legislation sources.

Foreign schools: entry conditions for Korean nationals

Foreign schools are 'miscellaneous schools' under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. Besides foreign children, Korean nationals who have lived abroad for a total of three years or more may enrol, up to 30% of places (50% if the superintendent allows).

Recognition differs by school

Study at a foreign school is recognised only if the superintendent designates it on the principal's application, and Korean students then need 102 hours a year each of Korean language and social studies (Korean history). Designation differs between schools, so check each one.

Unlicensed facilities: no recognised qualification

Graduating from a licensed alternative school gives recognised attainment, but unlicensed facilities do not; students need the qualification exams instead. The same applies to unlicensed facilities that call themselves 'international schools'.

Checklist

• Is it a licensed school or an unlicensed facility?
• For a foreign school, does your child meet the three-year overseas requirement?
• Is it designated for recognised study?
• Does it run the Korean language and social studies hours?
• Have you thought about moving to a Korean school or applying to Korean universities later?

Ask the school

• The legal basis of its licence and designation status, in writing
• Documents needed to prove eligibility for Korean nationals
• Hours of Korean language and social studies

Rules can change, so confirm with the regional education office.