International schools in Seoul

Seoul is home to a sizeable diplomatic community as well as a significant population of US Army personnel and their accompanying families. To meet the demands of educating their children, there is a wide range of international schools in Seoul. Because of the large US expat community, a number of these schools follow the American curriculum. That said, there are also schools following British, French and German curricula, to name a few.

Expat parents should research and apply to international schools well in advance. Space is limited at these schools, so competition for admission is fierce. International schools are also notoriously expensive and expats will need to figure this into their cost of living. On a positive note, these schools usually have small classes which ensures children get individual attention. The standard of education is also typically high. 

Expats will need to consider several factors when choosing an international school for their children. Proximity from their home and workplace will likely be chief among them. Parents will be delighted to find that most of the top international schools in Seoul offer a range of extracurricular activities and excellent facilities.

Below is a list of the best international schools in Seoul.

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International schools in Seoul

Asia Pacific International School 

Asia Pacific International School is a purpose-driven international school that stems its pedagogical approach in Christian values. With a passion for personalised education and individual care, Asia Pacific International School is a small school by design. 

Gender: Co-educational 
Curriculum: American 
Ages: 3 to 18 
Website: www.apis.org

Dwight School Seoul

Established 150 years ago, Dwight School Seoul is the first and only school in Seoul to receive accreditation for all three IB programmes and has since then focused on its three founding principles of community, global vision and personalised learning. The school prides itself on providing personalised learning and nurturing students' unique talents. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.dwight.or.kr

ECLC International Kindergarten

ECLC International Kindergarten takes a holistic approach to learning and has developed programmes that enable children to learn through fun and engaging activities. Founded in 1969, ECLC International Kindergarten has continued to hone its ability to differentiate learning. The school offers excellent facilities as well as bus service to support busy parents. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Early Years Curriculum
Ages: 2 to 6
Website: www.eclcseoul.com

Kids of the Nations International School

Kids of the Nations International School (KONIS) is a Montessori pre-school in Seoul where children learn to speak English and a variety of subjects, including mathematics and geometry. KONIS aims to cultivate children's concentration, independence, coordination and order. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: Montessori
Ages: 2 to 7
Website: www.koniskorea.com

The Korea Kent Foreign School

Korea Kent Foreign School offers the International Baccalaureate and boasts one of the highest concentrations of expat students in Seoul. This allows its students to develop a unique world view that is informed by interactions with their fellow students from all over the world. The school values academic excellence while encouraging involvement in extracurricular activities. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: International Baccalaureate
Ages: 5 to 18
Website: www.kkfs.org

The Korea International School

The Korea International School boasts a 1:8 student-to-teacher ratio and more than 125 extracurricular activities. The school prides itself on its educational philosophy, which allows its students to apply the knowledge and skills they've learned. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American (including AP)
Ages: 3 to 18
Website: www.kis.or.kr

Yongsan International School of Seoul

Yongsan International School of Seoul (YISS) aims to develop truth-seeking leaders that value collaboration, compassion and creativity. YISS boasts world-class facilities that include an auditorium, athletic building and cafeteria. 

Gender: Co-educational
Curriculum: American (including AP)
Ages: 5 to 18
Website: www.yisseoul.org