Any child living in Korea can attend a Korean public school, whatever their nationality, visa or Korean level. Elementary and middle school are free, and most high school costs are covered too. The difference for foreign families is that no enrollment letter arrives: you must contact the school or the local education office yourself.
Key facts
| Who | Any school-age child living in Korea, including children without legal status |
| Ages | Elementary 6 years (starting in March of the year after the child turns 6), middle 3 years, high 3 years |
| Cost | Public elementary and middle: no tuition. Most high schools: tuition-free program. You may pay for meals, trips and after-school classes |
| Where | The public school for your address, or your district education office (교육지원청) |
| Documents | Proof of the child’s age, proof of residence, past school records |
| School year | Starts in March; second semester in late August |
How enrollment works
Korean children get an elementary school entry notice (취학통지서) from their district office. Foreign children usually do not, even if they were born in Korea. You start the process yourself:
- Find your school. Each address is assigned to an elementary and middle school district. Ask the district education office (교육지원청) or your community center (주민센터) which school covers your address.
- Contact the school. Call or visit the school office (행정실 or 교무실). Ask for an admission (입학) or transfer (전학) application.
- Bring documents (see below). The school may ask your consent to check immigration and residence records itself.
- Grade placement. The school decides the grade based on the child’s age and past schooling. If you think a different grade would suit your child, discuss it with the school, but the final decision is theirs.
If a school refuses or delays, contact the district education office or the regional multicultural education support center (다문화교육지원센터). Under the enrollment rules, a lack of legal status alone should not keep a child out of school.
Documents
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Proof of birth date | Passport, or birth certificate with translation |
| Proof of residence | Residence card or registration certificate (외국인등록사실증명). If you have none, a lease contract or other proof of where you live |
| Entry/exit record | The school may check it with your consent |
| Past school records | Report cards, transcripts or enrollment certificates from abroad, with translation |
| Vaccination record | Often requested by elementary schools |
Schools in the Ministry of Education’s list of certified foreign schools may accept records without an apostille. Otherwise, foreign school records may need an apostille or consular confirmation. Requirements differ by region, so ask the school which form they want.
If your child has no school records at all (for example after a long gap), the education office can arrange a placement review or recognition of prior learning. Ask for "학력 인정" at the district education office.
Middle and high school
- Middle school works like elementary school: you apply to the school for your address or through the education office.
- High school admission depends on the region. In many areas students are assigned by lottery or apply to specific schools. Foreign students can join, but the process is decided by each regional education office. Contact it early, ideally several months before March.
- Most high school students are covered by the national tuition-free program (admission fees, tuition, operating fees and textbooks). Some private schools that set their own tuition are excluded.
Korean language support
- Korean language classes (한국어학급). Many schools with migrant-background students run special Korean classes, where children spend part of the day learning Korean before joining regular classes.
- Multicultural preparatory programs. Some regions place new arrivals in a short preparation course first.
- Multicultural education support centers in each province advise parents, arrange interpreters and help with placement.
- Seoul Global Youth Education Center (서울시글로벌청소년교육센터) offers Korean and adjustment programs for migrant-background youth in Seoul. Other cities have similar centers.
Availability differs a lot between schools. A school with many foreign students often has more support than one with very few.
Costs you may still pay
- School meals (free in many regions, but not everywhere)
- After-school programs (방과후학교)
- Field trips, uniforms and supplies
- Private academies (학원), which many Korean children attend but are optional
Low-income and multicultural families can sometimes get help with these costs. Ask the school’s administration office.
Public school vs international school
| Public school | International or foreign school | |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Korean | Mostly English (some Chinese, Japanese, others) |
| Cost | Free or low | Average about ₩26.4 million a year for high school (2024 data) |
| Eligibility | Any child living in Korea | Usually at least one foreign parent |
| Diploma | Korean diploma | Depends on the school’s legal status |
See international and foreign schools.
The Nguyen family moves to Incheon in July with a 9-year-old. They call the education office, learn which elementary school covers their address, and bring her passport, their lease contract and her report cards from Vietnam to the school. The school places her in grade 3 for the fall semester and enrolls her in its Korean class for two periods a day.
Common questions
Can my child go to school if we are undocumented?
Yes. A lack of legal status alone should not prevent a child from attending, and you can prove residence with a lease or other document. Schools are among the institutions exempt from the duty to report undocumented status to immigration.
Do foreign children have to attend school?
The legal duty to send children to school is written for Korean nationals. Foreign children have the right to attend, but the same duty is not imposed on their parents. In practice, enrolling early helps children learn Korean and adjust.
Is there a deadline?
Children can join during the year. For March entry to elementary school, contact the school by January if possible.
Will my child’s school record count if we move abroad?
Yes. You can request certificates of enrollment and transcripts in English from the school before you leave.
Who can help me talk to the school?
Danuri (1577-1366) and 1345 offer phone interpretation. Many education offices also provide interpreters for parent meetings.
Official sources
This guide explains the general rules as of the date above. Rules change and every case is different, so confirm with the office named here (or the 1345 Immigration Contact Center) before an important decision. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.