South Korea is one of the wealthiest and most advanced countries in the world. Its economy is built on the back of one of the best university systems in the world, with a wide variety of courses for all kinds of interests.
The government and private sectors prioritize enhancing the best educational system in higher education. Its public and private institutions collaborate with international universities to provide unique and advanced programs to its students.
Such a unique program that has been gaining popularity in recent years is Public Health Studies. For students interested in the subject, there are many excellent options to choose from in Korea. In this article, we will discuss some of the best universities that offer Public Health programs in the country.
Top Schools Offering Public Health Programs in South Korea
1. Kyung Hee University
Founded in 1949, the Kyung Hee University in Seoul is home to some of the best medical programs in Korea. The university has earned a strong reputation for the quality of its medical graduates, which is reflected in its international rankings. Currently, Kyung Hee University is ranked amongst the top 300 universities worldwide.
Public health is an important topic of study within the university. For students interested in studying public health, the Master in Global Public Health and Korean Medicine Management is the best choice.
Beyond the classroom, the university also assures students that their time in school will be as enjoyable and pleasant as possible. This is accomplished in a variety of ways. International students can join the Dowoomi – a program that links them up with native Korean speakers to improve their skills with the language. Students who excel academically can also join one of the tutoring programs to assist others who may be struggling.
2. Korea University
Operating since 1905, Korea University has grown to become one of the most important research institutions in the country. Today, it is home to over 30,000 students at all levels and teaches a vast array of different courses. As one of the SKY universities, Korea University has consistently ranked as one of the best universities in all of South Korea.
For students interested in pursuing a career in public health, the Department of Public Health Science offers a wide variety of majors to study. Some of these options include health policy and management, biomedical and food sciences, as well as epidemiology and risk management.
The university campus is one of the largest in the country, with many unique sights. Just a few examples include the Chungsan-MK Culture Center, a school ice rink, and the Korea University Museum.
3. Seoul National University
Located in the urban center of the capital city, Seoul National University is another one of the best public health universities in South Korea. SNU is one of the best universities in the country, consistently ranking highly in international rankings.
The Seoul National University Graduate School of Public Health is home to many high-quality public health programs. A few examples of the courses a prospective student of public health could take include health demography, biostatistics, and health policy.
Outside of the classroom, the campus is frequently busy with a variety of activities. The university frequently hosts guest speakers and events, many of which are open even to undergraduate students. This can be a great way for students to connect with some of the most important people in their field as well as improve their knowledge.
4. Hanyang University
Hanyang University is another college in South Korea that offers an excellent set of options for students interested in studying public health. Founded in 1939 and home to over 31,000 students, Hanyang University is known as one of the best colleges in the country.
The Graduate School of Public Health offers several high-quality courses. For students interested in studying public health, some of the options include epidemiology and health statistics, health policy and management, as well as health business and health promotion.
Students attending the university have the option to join a wide variety of student clubs. From clubs that focus on sports, the arts, culture, or politics, there is such a wide variety that it is impossible not to find something interesting to do on the campus.
5. Yonsei University
Yonsei University, one of South Korea’s most prestigious institutions, is renowned for its leadership in public health education and research. The Graduate School of Public Health (GSPH) plays a central role in addressing global and domestic health challenges through interdisciplinary programs that combine epidemiology, policy, biostatistics, and global health management. Located in Seoul, Yonsei fosters a collaborative learning environment where innovation meets compassion, training public health professionals to strengthen health systems, improve community well-being, and respond to global health crises. Its programs are particularly recognized for their focus on infectious disease control, health policy development, and international cooperation, making Yonsei a top choice for students pursuing impactful public health careers.
For many international scholars, Yonsei offers a transformative academic experience that bridges theory and practice. As Ecuadorian physician Santiago Bravo described, “Yonsei has a diverse, international student body, and the program was academically rigorous… I found a very supportive environment, both academically and socially.” Specializing in Global Control of Infectious Diseases, he emphasized how the curriculum’s practical and case-based approach deepened his understanding of health system resilience and preparedness. “It combined strong theoretical foundations with very practical, case-based learning,” he explained, highlighting how Yonsei’s emphasis on real-world applications prepared him to strengthen Ecuador’s health infrastructure upon returning home. The MPH program’s blend of global perspective and local relevance exemplifies why Yonsei is regarded as a leader in public health education.
The universities listed above are some of the institutions in South Korea that offer students the chance to study public health. We hope this article has given you some ideas about courses you should consider if you want to study public health in South Korea. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students and Study in Korea pages to learn more!
