Music is among the oldest known forms of artistic expression. Research suggests that music listening and music-based activities may support emotional well-being and stress reduction. Music expresses thoughts and feelings through sound, including melody, harmony, rhythm, and tone color. Because the power and artistry of audio are deeply connected, the music and audio industries continue to develop rapidly.
South Korea’s music industry has grown alongside the worldwide popularity of K-pop and other Korean cultural content. Recent industry reporting based on Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) and Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism data shows that Korean content exports reached record levels in 2024, while KOCCA reported music as one of the fastest-growing content sectors by sales and exports.
In 2024, South Korea’s copyright sector posted a surplus of about $3.36 billion, and cultural and artistic copyrights, which include areas such as music and video, recorded a surplus of about $520 million. Aspiring artists and musicians can apply for a bachelor’s or master’s degree program in music to strengthen their theoretical knowledge and develop skills in composition, performance, and related areas.
South Korea offers advanced music programs from top-tier institutions, which will be discussed further in the article below.
Top Music Schools in South Korea
1. Seoul National University
To this day, Seoul National University is a leading public university in Korea. Established in 1946, this public institution has been recognized by the university as the first comprehensive university of independent Korea.
SNU’s College of Music offers undergraduate programs in vocal music, composition, musicology, piano, orchestral instruments, and Korean music. The programs combine theoretical coursework with performance-based training and department-specific requirements.
Also known as one of the most affordable universities in Seoul, SNU lists College of Music tuition at 3,916,000 KRW in its 2026 Spring undergraduate international admissions guide, based on the 2025 academic-year tuition table and subject to change. Selected international students may also be eligible for scholarships such as the Global Korea Scholarship, which can cover benefits such as tuition, living allowance, airfare, Korean language training, medical insurance, and a settlement allowance depending on the program year and scholarship track.
At the graduate level, SNU’s College of Music currently lists music majors such as vocal music, composition and conducting, theory and musicology, piano, orchestral instruments, Korean music, and Korean-music-related composition, conducting, theory, and performance areas. These graduate programs are designed for students pursuing advanced training as musicians, educators, researchers, and scholars.
2. Korea National University of Arts
Our second recommendation for the top music schools in South Korea is Korea National University of Arts. Since its official opening in 1993, Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts) has grown as a national arts institution with programs across multiple artistic disciplines. The School of Music opened in 1993, and its graduate program opened in 1994.
From its founding, the K-Arts School of Music has aimed to stand shoulder to shoulder with schools such as the Juilliard School, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Paris National High Conservatory. Its intensive courses, one-to-one tutorial system, practice facilities, concert opportunities, and Computer Music Technology Lab are designed to help students develop as performers, composers, researchers, and music professionals.
K-Arts offers undergraduate study through departments such as vocal music, instrumental music, composition, conducting, and musicology, and it also offers graduate-level programs, including music technology. The School of Music describes its programs as centered on practical training, musical sensitivity, creativity, and broad musical knowledge.
K-Arts lists its annual tuition at 4,800,000 KRW. For foreign students, the AMA+ scholarship is available to eligible applicants from OECD DAC recipient countries and can include full tuition, living expenses, and pre-course Korean language training.
3. Sejong University
Our third recommendation is Sejong University, which is well established in research and liberal arts. Among private universities in Seoul, South Korea, Sejong University is currently ranked #=392 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Sejong University’s Department of Music offers courses in academic and performance areas. Current admissions materials list Department of Music options including voice, piano, contemporary music, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, bassoon, oboe, horn, and trumpet, as well as a Department of Music English Track in contemporary music.
In the 2026 Fall undergraduate international admissions guide, Sejong lists tuition for Arts programs, excluding physical education, at 6,392,000 KRW. International freshmen generally need to have completed primary and secondary education and meet the relevant language requirements for their track, such as IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 71, or New TEPS 327 for English Track applicants.
4. Sung Shin Women’s University
Another great school in South Korea with top music programs is Sungshin Women’s University. The school’s College of Music includes undergraduate and graduate departments in vocal music, instrumental music, and composition.
The university offers music training in areas such as vocal music, instrumental music, and composition. The Department of Vocal Music combines theory and practice through activities such as concerts, operas, and choruses; the Department of Instrumental Music includes piano and several wind, string, and percussion majors; and the Department of Composition includes composition and theory majors.
These programs help students develop as professional performers, composers, educators, and other music-related specialists. Sungshin’s graduate music offerings also include areas such as vocal music, instrumental music, composition, collaborative piano, and musicology.
We hope that after reading this article on the best music schools in South Korea, you will be better able to decide which school is right for you. To explore more programs available to international students worldwide, visit our available courses for international students. To learn more about Korea, visit our Study in Korea Page.
