Social work is a field that focuses on improving the quality of life and well-being of communities, individuals, and families by addressing social issues in a fair and ethical manner. Social workers promote positive social change by supporting policies, advocating for underrepresented groups, and providing resources and support for people who need them.
By studying social work in South Korea, students can gain deeper insights into the country’s social welfare system, community development needs, and cultural context. South Korea’s evolving welfare landscape also makes it a meaningful place to study social policy, social services, and community-based support.
For aspiring social workers, this article gives a brief overview of South Korea’s social welfare scene, along with a list of some of the strong university options for social work and related social welfare studies in the country.
Top Schools Offering Social Work in South Korea
1. Seoul National University
Founded in 1946, Seoul National University (SNU) is among South Korea’s most elite educational institutions. It is a leading university known for its research and education. SNU offers a comprehensive range of programs in numerous disciplines, including fine arts, engineering, education, and social sciences.
SNU also has a notable list of graduates in public service, international affairs, and other fields. Prominent alumni include former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and former World Health Organization Director-General Lee Jong-wook.
2. Yonsei University
Yonsei University is one of the oldest universities in South Korea and is known for its academic reputation and global engagement. It traces its history to 1885 and offers a wide range of academic programs in areas such as liberal arts, life sciences, engineering, social sciences, and business. Yonsei University’s global connections and commitment to internationalization provide students with opportunities to engage in internships, research collaborations, and global exchanges.
Yonsei University offers social welfare studies at both undergraduate and graduate levels. At the graduate level, its School of Social Welfare offers a Master of Social Welfare (MSW), and Yonsei also has graduate study options related to social welfare policy.
3. Ewha Womans University
Ewha Womans University was established in 1886 as Korea’s first modern educational institution for women. Ewha has played a prominent role in women’s education in South Korea and offers a variety of academic programs that combine academic training with social responsibility.
For students interested in social welfare, Ewha’s College of Social Sciences includes Social Welfare among its majors, and its Graduate School of Social Welfare was established in 1993 as Korea’s first specialized graduate school in the field. Its programs emphasize both social welfare theory and practical professional training.
4. Korea University
Founded in 1905 as Bosung College, Korea University was elevated to university status and renamed Korea University in 1946. It is among South Korea’s leading private institutions and is recognized for its academic programs, research activity, and global partnerships.
Students interested in social welfare can pursue graduate-level study through Korea University’s Department of Social Welfare at the Sejong Campus. Established in 1999, the department operates master’s and doctoral programs with majors in Social Welfare and Social Policy, combining field experience with policy theory and research training.
5. Sungkyunkwan University
Founded in 1398, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) traces its history to the highest national educational institution of the early Joseon Dynasty. Today, SKKU is a major private institution for education and research, with a strong academic reputation and programs across many study fields.
SKKU’s social welfare programs are designed to train professional researchers and competent social workers. Students can study Social Welfare at the undergraduate level, pursue graduate coursework in the field, or explore more practice-oriented study through the university’s special graduate school in Social Welfare.
6. Ajou University
Located in Suwon, the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) at Ajou University offers a related pathway for students interested in social policy, civil society, and development leadership. Its KOICA-AJOU Civil Society Leadership program leads to a Master of Arts in Social Studies (Civil Society Leadership) and has a 17-month stay duration, including a pre-session. While it is not a professional social work licensure program, it connects civil society studies, policy, development, and practical leadership skills in an English-medium GSIS environment.
Alfa, a master’s student at Ajou University, highlights the academic rigor and real-world relevance of the program: “the program beautifully combined theory with practice,” and class dialogues “connected global frameworks with real issues happening in our own countries.” The English-medium learning environment further supports international engagement: “All classes under the GSIS are conducted in English,” making it easier for students to participate fully, collaborate across cultures, and sharpen the analytical and management skills useful for social policy, civil society, and community development work.
FAQS About Studying Social Work in South Korea
Is Pursuing a Degree in Social Work Abroad Worth It?
Pursuing a social work degree abroad can be worthwhile for several reasons. Students studying social work abroad can gain a broader perspective on cultural diversity and social issues, which can improve their awareness, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. In addition, pursuing an education abroad can create networking opportunities and help students build international connections in the social welfare field.
South Korea’s welfare needs are changing as the country responds to demographic change and rising social security needs. Students interested in social welfare, social policy, and community development can gain valuable academic and field perspectives in the country. However, students who plan to become licensed social workers should check each program’s language of instruction, curriculum, and qualification pathway before applying.
South Korea offers several strong university options for international students interested in social work, social welfare, social policy, and related fields. These universities can help students build academic knowledge, practical skills, and a stronger understanding of welfare issues in South Korea and beyond.
Hopefully, this article has encouraged you to pursue your academic journey abroad. If you are interested in finding more information about available programs for international students, check out these available courses for international students and Study in Korea pages for more insightful articles!
