Education and Schools in Busan

The quality of education and schools in Busan is among the best in South Korea. Public schools in the city follow a rigorous approach to teaching and maintain high academic expectations, which can make them a challenging fit for expat families unfamiliar with the Korean education system.

Public schools in Busan

Public schools in Busan use Korean as the exclusive language of instruction. This language barrier, paired with South Korea’s intensely competitive academic culture, leads most expats to opt for international schools instead.

International schools in Busan carry a strong reputation, although they come with substantial school fees. These fees typically don’t cover additional costs such as uniforms or school excursions. Expats should therefore try to negotiate a schooling stipend as part of their employment contract.

See Education and Schools in South Korea for more on the national education system.

International schools in Busan

Expats moving to Busan with children will find that international school fees are their most significant expense. Busan offers fewer international school options than Seoul, but the schools maintain high educational standards. Most of these schools cater to English-speaking families and follow American or International Baccalaureate curricula. Some schools offer ESL classes to students who aren’t native English speakers. Busan also has a school that follows the Japanese curriculum.

Class sizes are generally small, giving students better individual attention. That said, expat parents should know that South Korea’s culture of academic achievement does spill over to international schools to some degree. Because of this, expat children might feel more pressure to excel academically than they did in their home countries.

Expats should research schools well before relocating to Busan. Parents should contact schools as early as possible, as waiting lists can be long. Expat children might need to complete an interview before acceptance. Schools accept applications throughout the year, so timing can work in your favour if spaces open up.

Read more about International Schools in Busan.

Special-needs education in Busan

By law, children in South Korea cannot be refused admission or discriminated against by any school because of disabilities. Education in South Korea is free for children with physical and intellectual disabilities from kindergarten through high school. While there are special-needs schools throughout the country, and Busan is no exception, many children with disabilities attend mainstream schools. Students who spend extended periods in the hospital can study online while receiving medical treatment.

For a child to attend a special-needs school, parents must first register the child as having a disability at their local district office. Parents can then apply to their chosen school. Not all international schools accommodate children with special educational needs, so expat parents should verify provisions with individual schools.

Tutors in Busan

Tutors in Busan prove helpful for expat children transitioning into a new school environment. They can be hired for general school subject assistance, to help maintain a child’s mother tongue, or to support Korean language learning. Differences in education systems may leave expat children behind in certain curriculum areas, and tutors offer an efficient way to bridge these gaps.

South Korea’s tutoring industry is extensive, giving expats numerous options to consider. Tutoring takes various forms: one-on-one sessions, online classes and videos, or attendance at a hagwon (private after-school academy). Many schools maintain lists of tutors or hagwons they can recommend.

Online tutoring has become increasingly accessible for expat families in Busan. Multiple platforms connect students with tutors for Korean language learning, academic subjects, and maintaining proficiency in their native language. Online options offer flexibility for busy families and can sometimes prove more affordable than in-person sessions. Schools often have experience working with online tutors and can advise on reputable platforms.