South Korea has become a sought-after destination for international students due to its outstanding education system, modern infrastructure, and high standard of living. The number of international students in Korean higher education has continued to grow, reaching 253,434 in 2025. Across the country, students can find energetic cities with universities, public transportation, food, culture, and housing options at different price points.
South Korea also gives international students access to many amenities that can improve their quality of life, from convenient transit systems to student housing and campus services. This article identifies five major cities in South Korea for international students, helping you compare possible study destinations and choose the city that best fits your academic goals, budget, and lifestyle.
Top Cities to Study in South Korea for International Students
1. Seoul
Seoul is one of the most popular and busiest cities in South Korea. It is the capital of South Korea and is known for its dense urban landscape, technology, public transportation, cultural attractions, and student life. International students often choose Seoul because it offers a wide range of universities, food options, cultural activities, and opportunities to experience Korean daily life.
Seoul is also home to many universities that offer different courses for international students. Some popular ones are Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University. Many universities in Seoul offer English-taught courses or international programs, but availability depends on the university, department, and semester.
Because Seoul is the country’s largest study hub, living costs can be higher than in many other Korean cities. For budgeting, the Korean government’s Study in Korea portal estimates monthly living expenses in Korea at about KRW 750,000 to KRW 1,000,000, or roughly $493 to $658 at late-May 2026 exchange rates. This estimate includes housing, food, transportation, and other basic expenses. Tuition varies widely by university and major, but the listed average annual undergraduate tuition in the metropolitan area is about KRW 7.65 million, or roughly $5,036. Students should always check the official tuition page of their chosen university before applying.
2. Daejeon
If there is one city where international students can find a strong focus on science and technology, that city would be Daejeon. This city is known as a central hub for land, transportation, administration, science, culture, and distribution in South Korea. It also has parks and mountains for students who enjoy nature.
Apart from being more relaxed than Seoul, Daejeon has several well-known institutions, such as KAIST, or Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon University, Chungnam National University, and the University of Science and Technology Korea.
For cost planning, students outside the Seoul metropolitan area can use the national non-metropolitan undergraduate tuition average of about KRW 6.32 million per year, or roughly $4,156, as a general reference. However, exact tuition depends on the institution, degree level, and major. The Study in Korea living-cost estimate of KRW 750,000 to KRW 1,000,000 per month can also be used as a starting point, though actual expenses may be lower or higher depending on housing, meals, and lifestyle.
3. Busan
If you are an international student looking for a Korean city that offers an interesting mix of city life and nature, Busan is a strong option. This major coastal city is often described as Korea’s second city and a southern maritime hub. It is known for its beaches, markets, mountains, port culture, and lively city atmosphere.
Many international students choose Busan because it combines urban convenience with a different pace from Seoul. The city has universities such as Pusan National University, Pukyong National University, and Dong-A University. Pukyong National University is especially relevant for students interested in marine and fisheries-related fields.
Busan can be more affordable than central Seoul for many students, but costs still vary by district and lifestyle. As a general guide, students should plan for monthly living expenses of about KRW 750,000 to KRW 1,000,000, or roughly $493 to $658, before tuition. Tuition fees should be checked directly with each university, since costs differ by program and whether the university is public or private.
4. Gwangju
Gwangju is a city in the southwest of South Korea known for its history, culture, food, and arts scene. It is closely associated with the May 18 Democratic Uprising, and the city has museums, memorial sites, and cultural spaces that help visitors understand an important part of Korea’s modern democratic history.
Many international students consider this city because it has several universities and research-focused institutions, such as Chonnam National University, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju University, Chosun University, and Honam University.
Gwangju is often considered a more budget-friendly option than Seoul, although the exact cost depends on housing and lifestyle choices. For planning purposes, students can use the Study in Korea monthly living-cost estimate of about KRW 750,000 to KRW 1,000,000, or roughly $493 to $658. Students should check official university pages for current tuition because fees vary by school, department, and degree level.
5. Daegu
Daegu is another major city in South Korea that combines modern urban life with local traditions. International students can find cultural attractions, food streets, festivals, shopping districts, and access to universities in and around the city.
Some of the notable universities and institutions in this area include Kyungpook National University, Catholic University of Daegu, Keimyung University, and Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology. Depending on the institution and program, students may be able to take selected courses or programs in English.
The cost of living in Daegu can be lower than in central Seoul, but students should still plan carefully. A useful national estimate is KRW 750,000 to KRW 1,000,000 per month for living expenses, or roughly $493 to $658, excluding tuition. Tuition varies by institution and major, so students should confirm the latest figures directly with their university before applying.
South Korea has great cities for international students, each with its own charm. Whether it is bustling Seoul, science-focused Daejeon, coastal Busan, cultural Gwangju, or student-friendly Daegu, there is a city for many different study goals and budgets. Many universities in these cities also offer classes in English, but students should confirm English-taught course availability with the specific department or program before applying.
We hope that you found this article on the best cities for international students in South Korea informative and helpful. Find more articles about studying in Korea on the Study in Korea Page. You can also search for currently open courses at the Available Programs for International Students!
