South Korea is home to several highly regarded universities, and its leading law schools have developed graduate-level programs for students who want to study Korean and comparative law. Law students in South Korea study legal theory, legal practice, and the role of law in society through professional law school and graduate law curricula.
To help students understand their options, this article presents some of the best law universities in South Korea.
Top Law Schools in South Korea
1. Seoul National University
- Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degrees Offered: J.D., master’s and doctoral programs in law | Medium of Instruction: Primarily Korean, with select courses or exchange options in English
Located in Seoul, Seoul National University is one of South Korea’s major national universities and includes 16 colleges and 11 professional graduate schools. It is also a public institution for higher education in South Korea. Official university figures list more than 17,000 undergraduate students and more than 30,000 degree-seeking students overall.
The university places great importance on legal education, as law helps shape public institutions, private rights, and social order. Historically, Seoul National University’s law education included separate departments for public law and private law. Today, Seoul National University School of Law lists a professional law school curriculum as well as graduate curricula in fields such as constitutional law, civil law, commercial law, criminal law, administrative law, international law, social law, and intellectual property law. For students interested in rigorous legal study in Korea, Seoul National University remains one of the country’s most prominent options.
2. Korea University
- Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degrees Offered: J.D., S.J.D., master’s and doctoral programs in law | Medium of Instruction: Korean, with English-mediated lectures and international programs available
Korea University is a private university established in 1905 in Seoul. Its predecessor, Bosung College, began with specialized studies in law and economics, and Korea University School of Law states that this marked the first establishment of higher education for the law major in Korea. After the implementation of South Korea’s modern law school system, Korea University School of Law was established in 2009. Its law programs include a J.D. program completed over six semesters, as well as S.J.D., master’s, doctoral, and evening master’s programs.
Korea University School of Law is a major law institution in the country and has produced many graduates who work in law, government, academia, and related fields. The school also emphasizes international connections. Korea University reports university-wide exchange programs with institutions in more than 100 countries, while Korea University School of Law has separate ties with institutions in more than 15 countries. These connections support student exchange, joint research, Korean law training for international students, and English-mediated lectures.
3. Yonsei University
- Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degrees Offered: J.D. and graduate programs in law | Medium of Instruction: Korean, with English-taught law courses for exchange and visiting students
A private research institution, Yonsei University is one of Seoul’s best-known universities and is often grouped with Seoul National University and Korea University among South Korea’s most prominent institutions.
The university’s main campus is in Seoul, and Yonsei also operates other campuses and academic units, including its International Campus and MIRAE Campus. Since its founding, the university has been associated with educational and administrative development, and its current academic profile includes a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Yonsei University Law School is a strong option for students interested in law in South Korea. Its J.D. curriculum offers more than 160 courses, and students must complete at least 90 credit-hours to receive the J.D. degree. For international exchange and visiting students, Yonsei Law School also offers more than 20 law-related courses in English.
Due to the country’s turbulent political past, Yonsei University Law School has made it part of its mission to educate lawyers who practice democracy and justice throughout their careers. With this goal, the school has reformed its curriculum, content, and teaching methods and strengthened practical training through upgraded educational facilities.
4. Sungkyunkwan University
Situated in Seoul, Sungkyunkwan University traces its origins to 1398, when Sungkyunkwan was founded as the highest national educational institute in the early Joseon Dynasty. Today, the university connects this long academic tradition with modern research and teaching across its Humanities and Social Sciences Campus and Natural Sciences Campus.
Sungkyunkwan University Law School is dedicated to producing legal professionals with leadership skills and the qualities of democratic citizens. Its law school offers J.D. studies, and its admissions pages also list S.J.D./Ph.D. and Master of Laws pathways. During their studies, students are trained to recognize both global and local legal issues and to contribute to society through legal knowledge, public service, and professional responsibility.
5. Hanyang University
- Study Program | Tuition Fees | Scholarships
- Degrees Offered: J.D., LL.M., Ph.D. | Medium of Instruction: Primarily Korean, with English-only courses available through the university course catalog
Like the universities listed above, Hanyang University has its main campus in Seoul. This private university was founded from Dong-A Engineering Institute, which Hanyang identifies as the nation’s first engineering institute, established in 1939. Hanyang University also established Korea’s first school of architecture and civil engineering. The university has since expanded into many other academic fields and maintains a broad international network for exchange and study abroad opportunities.
Hanyang University School of Law was inaugurated in 2009 as one of the law schools accredited under South Korea’s modern law school system. Its mission is to produce well-prepared and ethical lawyers who serve their clients, the justice system, and the public. The school emphasizes legal theory, practical training, clinical opportunities, public service, and professional responsibility. Because of these strengths, Hanyang University is a notable option for students looking for a law school in South Korea.
Hopefully, this article will serve as a guide for students looking for the best law schools in Korea. For more information, visit our Study in Korea and Available Courses for International Students!
