International Student Status
The number of international students in Korea has been steadily increasing. As of 2024, it exceeded 210,000, reaching an all-time high. K-culture, the global status of Korean companies, and excellent educational infrastructure are the main factors.
2024 Key Indicators
- Total international students: 211,026 (16% increase from previous year)
- Degree program students: 165,866 (78.6%)
- Language training students: 45,160 (21.4%)
- Universities accepting international students: approximately 380
Yearly Student Trends
| Year | Total | Degree Programs | Language Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 160,165 | 100,215 | 59,950 |
| 2020 | 153,695 | 113,003 | 40,692 |
| 2021 | 152,281 | 120,018 | 32,263 |
| 2022 | 166,892 | 131,049 | 35,843 |
| 2023 | 181,842 | 141,610 | 40,232 |
| 2024 | 211,026 | 165,866 | 45,160 |
Trend Analysis
- The number of international students has been steadily increasing since 2015
- Particularly rapid growth after the COVID-19 pandemic recovery
- Growing popularity of K-culture contributes to increased interest in studying in Korea
By Degree Level (2024)
| Program | Students | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Associate | 15,233 | 9.2% |
| Bachelor's | 108,547 | 65.4% |
| Master's | 29,869 | 18.0% |
| Doctorate | 12,217 | 7.4% |
* Degree programs include bachelor's, master's, and doctoral courses
UNIVijob Tip
Students by Nationality
International students come from diverse countries, with the largest numbers from Asian countries including China, Vietnam, and Mongolia.
Top 10 Countries (2024)
| Rank | Country | Students | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 72,459 | 34.3% |
| 2 | Vietnam | 57,361 | 27.2% |
| 3 | Uzbekistan | 17,543 | 8.3% |
| 4 | Mongolia | 9,127 | 4.3% |
| 5 | Japan | 5,891 | 2.8% |
| 6 | Nepal | 5,234 | 2.5% |
| 7 | USA | 4,521 | 2.1% |
| 8 | Indonesia | 4,118 | 2.0% |
| 9 | Taiwan | 3,456 | 1.6% |
| 10 | India | 2,987 | 1.4% |
Growth Trends by Nationality
- China: Still the largest group but proportion decreasing
- Vietnam: Rapidly growing, now 2nd largest nationality
- Mongolia: Steady growth, strong preference for Korean universities
Country-Specific Insights
- Chinese students mainly focus on business and Korean language programs
- Vietnamese students prefer IT and engineering fields
- Uzbek students show interest in trade and manufacturing sectors
- Mongolian students often choose healthcare and education majors
UNIVijob 인사이트
Regional Distribution
International students are distributed across Korea, with the highest concentration in Seoul and the metropolitan area.
Distribution by Province (2024)
| Region | Students | Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul | 78,432 | 37.2% |
| Gyeonggi | 32,156 | 15.2% |
| Busan | 14,823 | 7.0% |
| Daejeon/Chungcheong | 21,345 | 10.1% |
| Daegu/Gyeongbuk | 18,567 | 8.8% |
| Gwangju/Jeolla | 12,234 | 5.8% |
| Incheon | 11,892 | 5.6% |
| Other | 21,577 | 10.2% |
Regional Features
- Seoul: Highest number of universities and most diverse programs
- Gyeonggi: Growing international student community near Seoul
- Busan: Second largest city with strong maritime and trade programs
Local Government Benefits
- Some regions offer housing subsidies for international students
- Local scholarship programs available in certain provinces
- Career support programs in industrial cities
Location Tip
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary significantly by university type and major. National universities generally offer lower tuition than private universities.
Average Annual Tuition (2024)
| Type | Humanities/Social | Natural Sciences | Engineering | Arts/Physical Ed. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| National/Public | ₩4.1M | ₩5.1M | ₩5.3M | ₩5.5M |
| Private | ₩6.8M | ₩8.1M | ₩8.4M | ₩8.9M |
Tuition Comparison
- National universities: Average 4-5 million KRW per year
- Private universities: Average 7-10 million KRW per year
- Graduate programs: Generally higher than undergraduate
Scholarship Information
- GKS covers full tuition plus living expenses
- Many universities offer 30-100% tuition reduction
- TOPIK score often linked to scholarship eligibility
실제 등록금 부담
장학금을 받으면 실제 부담은 크게 줄어듭니다. 평균적으로 30~50% 감면 혜택을 받으며, 성적 우수자는 100% 전액 장학금도 가능합니다.
예시: 사립대 인문계열 680만원 → TOPIK 5급 장학금 50% = 실납부액 340만원/년
Tuition Tip
Employment Rate
Korea offers various employment opportunities for international graduates, with an increasing number staying to work after graduation.
Post-Graduation Employment Status
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Korea stay rate after graduation | About 35% |
| E-7 work visa conversion rate | About 18% |
| Major employment fields | IT, Trade, Tourism, Manufacturing |
Industry Breakdown
- IT/Technology: Highest demand for international talent
- Manufacturing: Traditional sector with stable employment
- Trade/Commerce: Growing opportunities for multilingual workers
Salary Range
- Entry-level: 30-40 million KRW annually
- Mid-career: 40-60 million KRW annually
- Senior positions: 60+ million KRW annually
Favorable Conditions for Employment
- TOPIK Level 5 or higher
- STEM majors (IT, Engineering, etc.)
- Domestic internship experience
- Relevant certifications
취업 시 겪는 어려움
- 비자 발급 요건 충족 어려움 (회사 규모, 직종 제한)
- 한국어 비즈니스 커뮤니케이션 능력 부족
- 한국식 채용 프로세스 이해 부족
- 네트워크/인맥 부족
Employment Tip
TOPIK Test Statistics
TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is essential for university admission, scholarship applications, and employment in Korea.
Yearly Test Takers
| Year | Domestic | Overseas | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 98,765 | 187,432 | 286,197 |
| 2021 | 112,543 | 203,876 | 316,419 |
| 2022 | 134,567 | 245,123 | 379,690 |
| 2023 | 156,789 | 289,456 | 446,245 |
Level Distribution Among Students
- Level 3-4: Most common among university students
- Level 5-6: Required for graduate programs and professional jobs
- Level 1-2: Basic level, usually for language course students
Pass Rate Information
- TOPIK I: Generally high pass rate (70%+)
- TOPIK II: More challenging, varies by target level
국가별 응시자 수 상위 5개국
- 1위: 중국 (약 35%)
- 2위: 베트남 (약 18%)
- 3위: 일본 (약 12%)
- 4위: 인도네시아 (약 6%)
- 5위: 태국 (약 4%)
TOPIK Tip
Study Satisfaction
International student satisfaction surveys show overall positive experiences, with room for improvement in some areas.
Overall Satisfaction
4.1/5.0
Based on comprehensive surveys of international students
Key Satisfaction Factors
| Factor | Rating |
|---|---|
| Safety | 4.5 / 5.0 |
| Transportation | 4.4 / 5.0 |
| Education Quality | 4.2 / 5.0 |
| Living Infrastructure | 4.3 / 5.0 |
| Cultural Experience | 4.4 / 5.0 |
Key Strengths
- Quality of education and facilities
- Safety and public transportation
- Cultural experiences and activities
Areas for Improvement
- Language barriers in daily life
- Part-time job opportunities
- Integration with Korean students
추천 의향
78%
응답자의 78%가 '다른 사람에게 한국 유학을 추천하겠다'고 응답
Satisfaction Tip
Data Sources
- Ministry of Education (www.moe.go.kr)
- KEDI (www.kedi.re.kr)
- Study in Korea (www.studyinkorea.go.kr)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Why is the number of international students increasing in Korea?
A. Key factors include K-culture popularity (K-pop, K-drama), relatively affordable tuition, safe living environment, and high-quality education. Rising global status of Korean companies also attracts career-focused students.
Q. Why is the employment rate for international graduates relatively low?
A. Main challenges include visa requirements (company size, job restrictions), business Korean communication skills, and unfamiliarity with Korean hiring processes. However, well-prepared students have much higher success rates.
Q. Which region should I study in?
A. Depends on your goals. For job opportunities, choose the Seoul area. For cost savings, regional cities. For specific fields (tech, marine sciences), choose specialized regions.
Q. Are scholarships difficult to get?
A. Competition varies, but most universities offer 30-50% tuition reduction. Your chances improve with high TOPIK scores, good grades, and applying to regional universities with less competition.
Q. Where does this statistics data come from?
A. From official government sources: Ministry of Education, KEDI (Korean Educational Development Institute), NIIED, and Study in Korea. Visit these websites for the latest updates.