South Korea Welcomes Over 310,000 International Students for the First Time
Synopsis
In a historic achievement, South Korea has welcomed over 310,000 foreign students, marking significant growth in international education. This surge not only reflects the country's educational appeal but also highlights trends in global mobility amidst changing dynamics.
Key Takeaways
314,397 foreign students in South Korea as of February.
Increase of 15 percent in foreign students over the past year.
Top nationality: Vietnamese students at 115,131 .
Significant rise in university enrollments by 22.2 percent .
Overall foreign nationals in South Korea: 2.71 million .
Seoul, March 28 (NationPress) In a significant milestone, the number of international students in South Korea has exceeded 310,000 for the first time, as reported by government data on Saturday.
The Korea Immigration Service, part of the justice ministry, indicated that there are currently 314,397 foreign students as of February, marking a historic high beyond the 310,000 threshold, according to Yonhap news agency.
Breaking it down by category, 238,905 students are enrolled in universities and higher education institutions, while 75,033 are participating in Korean language programs and 459 are in other language courses.
This figure has approximately doubled over the last five years, rising from 153,361 at the end of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic to surpassing 300,000 for the first time in August of the previous year.
As of February, the total count of foreign nationals residing in South Korea reached 2.71 million, a rise of 4.4 percent from the previous year, with foreign students seeing an impressive growth rate of 15 percent in the same timeframe.
Notably, the number of students arriving to attend universities surged by 22.2 percent year-on-year, climbing from 195,450 to 238,905.
In terms of demographics, Vietnamese students constitute the largest group at 115,131, followed by Chinese students at 78,529, Uzbek students at 20,609, and Mongolian students at 18,992.
Additionally, the influx of foreigners visiting South Korea this month has surged by over 30 percent compared to the previous year, reflecting a potential rise in global BTS fans ahead of the K-pop band's upcoming concert in Seoul.
According to the Korea Immigration Service, the number of foreigners entering the country, excluding crew members, from March 1-18, reached 1,099,700, indicating a 32.7 percent increase of 271,200 from 828,500 during the same period last year.
Point of View
Fostering global connections among students.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many foreign students are currently in South Korea?
As of February, there are 314,397 foreign students in South Korea.
What programs do foreign students enroll in?
Foreign students are enrolled in various programs, including 238,905 in universities and higher education, 75,033 in Korean language courses, and 459 in other language programs.
Which nationality has the highest number of students in South Korea?
Vietnamese students make up the largest group, with 115,131 students.
How has the number of foreign students changed over the years?
The number of foreign students has roughly doubled in the past five years, increasing from 153,361 at the end of 2020.
What does this increase mean for South Korea?
This increase signifies South Korea’s growing appeal as an educational hub and contributes positively to its economy and cultural diversity.
