List of 41 Best Schools in South Korea (2026 Fees)

A country in East Asia, South Korea is known for being a technologically advanced country. South Korea is home to globally recognized institutions for learning, from primary to tertiary education. A huge bonus to expatriates and students in South Korea is the country’s rich cultural heritage.

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Table of Contents

• Facts about Schools in South Korea
• Education System in South Korea

Facts about Schools in South Korea

• South Korea is listed as one of the best-performing OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries in terms of literacy, numeracy, and science.
• Students and parents in South Korea place a high regard on education. Most students, i.e. high school students, attend school from 8 o’clock in the morning to 10 o’clock in the evening. This is because students aim to enter the top universities upon graduation from high school.
• Students in South Korea have study sessions before and after school, which is proof  of how highly they value educational achievement.
• Parents in South Korea send their children to private tutorial centers, called “hagwon”, to better prepare them for higher education.
• Traditionally, schools in South Korea are not co-educational. At present, there are still a number of schools in the country which teach boys and girls separately.
• Public school teachers and principals in South Korea change school assignments every five years. This is to ensure the teaching quality as well as the professional growth of every educator.
• There are state schools, private schools, and international schools in South Korea. Public and private schools receive government funding, although private schools receive smaller subsidies. Thus, private institutions collect fees from students.
• Schools in South Korea usually follow two semesters. The first semester starts in March and ends in July, whereas the second semester starts in the last week of August and ends in mid-February.
• Private and international schools in South Korea often have a different schedule of school terms.
• Most international schools in South Korea follow the American curriculum or the International Baccalaureate curriculum. Moreover, they usually use English as the medium of instruction.

Education System in South Korea

Education in South Korea is one of the most competitive in Asia. Parents are obsessed with providing their children the best education. Children in South Korea are required to attend school starting age 5 or 6. Preschool or kindergarten is optional and can be taken by age 3. Primary school or “Chodeung Haggyo” lasts for 6 years. After primary school, children move to middle school or “Jung Haggyo”, which lasts for 3 years. The next stage of education is secondary school or “Godeung Haggyo”, which allows students to specialize in several courses, such as arts, music, foreign language, or other general subjects. Secondary education is non-compulsory, and may be taken in specialized schools or vocational schools. After secondary school, students can pursue a university degree.

Below is a comprehensive list of all schools in South Korea (Andong, Ansan, Anseong, Anyang, Asan, Boryeong, Bucheon, Busan, Changwon, Cheonan, Cheongju, Chuncheon, Chungju, Daegu, Daejeon, Dangjin, Dongducheon, Donghae, Gangneung, Geoje, Gimcheon, Gimhae, Gimje, Gimpo, Gongju, Goyang, Gumi, Gunpo, Gunsan, Guri, Gwacheon, Gwangju, Gwangmyeong, Gwangyang, Gyeongju, Gyeongsan, Gyeryong, Hanam, Hwaseong, Icheon, Iksan, Incheon, Jecheon, Jeju, Jeongeup, Jeonju, Miryang, Mokpo, Mungyeong, Naju, Namwon, Namyangju, Nonsan, Osan, Paju, Pocheon, Pohang, Pyeongtaek, Sacheon, Samcheok, Sangju, Sejong, Seogwipo, Seongnam, Seosan, Seoul, Siheung, Sokcho, Suncheon, Suwon, Taebaek, Tongyeong, Uijeongbu, Uiwang, Ulsan, Wonju, Yangju, Yangsan, Yeoju, Yeongcheon, Yeongju, Yeosu, Yongin). Edarabia strives to offer the latest updates, helping you find the best schools in South Korea with information on tuition fees, accreditation details, videos, photos, location map, community reviews and ratings.

Edarabia showcases all private schools in South korea through which parents can filter by tuition fees, curriculum, rankings & ratings. There are many public, private and charter schools near you that cater to both expat and local students.

Depending on the level of education; kindergartens (pre-schools), primary, secondary and high schools will all have varying tuition fees. Most K-12 schools offer different curriculums and extra-curricular activities to support the intellectual and physical wellbeing of students. Admissions for the top international schools in South korea tend to have waiting lists so it is recommended that parents apply well in advance to secure a spot for their children. Additionally, each school has ratings based on parent reviews and are ranked below accordingly.

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