South Korea as a Study Destination: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities

1. South Korea’s Evolving Role in Global Higher Education

South Korea is increasingly positioning itself as a dynamic and competitive destination in the global higher education market. With international student enrollment surpassing 200,000 in 2024, the country is not only expanding its global reach but also actively leveraging its cultural soft power—namely K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean language education—as an integral part of its internationalization strategy. South Korean universities are attracting students through short-term language programs, full degree offerings, and scholarship schemes. However, this growth comes with considerable challenges. Cultural and linguistic barriers persist, and many academic programs remain inaccessible to students who do not speak Korean fluently. Moreover, limited post-study employment opportunities and insufficient support structures continue to affect the student experience. While Korea’s appeal is rising, ensuring that international students can thrive both academically and socially remains a key concern.

2. Institutional Pressures and the Impact of Demographic Decline

The South Korean higher education system is under intense pressure due to a combination of demographic decline and prolonged financial constraints. With the world’s lowest fertility rate and a shrinking youth population, universities are competing for a diminishing pool of domestic students. Over 400 institutions now operate nationwide, many of which are struggling to stay afloat under a 16-year tuition freeze that has severely limited revenue growth. These pressures are especially acute in non-metropolitan regions, where smaller universities face the risk of closure or forced mergers. As a result, many institutions have turned to international student recruitment as a survival strategy. While this offers a temporary buffer, it also raises questions about the long-term sustainability of higher education in Korea and the ethical implications of instrumentalizing international students primarily for financial stability. Government initiatives such as RISE (Regional Innovation System and Education) and IEQAS (International Education Quality Assurance System) aim to balance regional development, accessibility, and academic quality, but the effectiveness of these policies in reversing structural decline remains to be seen.

3. Understanding the Complexities of Student Mobility Trends

The steady growth in international student mobility to South Korea reflects both strategic success and operational complexity. While the number of inbound students has increased significantly over the last two decades—from fewer than 20,000 in the early 2000s to over 200,000 today—this growth is uneven across program types, academic levels, and institutions. A large proportion of international students enroll in Korean language programs under the D-4 visa, with fewer entering undergraduate or graduate degree tracks. The imbalance between non-degree and degree-seeking students raises concerns about the depth of academic integration. Moreover, visa overstays and discrepancies in student data between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Justice highlight systemic challenges in policy coordination and student monitoring. The majority of students come from a small number of countries—primarily China and Vietnam—creating a lack of diversity that limits Korea’s broader global engagement. To maintain credibility and competitiveness, there is an urgent need for better data governance, diversified recruitment strategies, and more equitable institutional practices.

4. Leveraging Cultural Capital and Emerging Opportunities

Despite these challenges, South Korea’s global appeal as a study destination continues to grow, driven by the sustained popularity of its culture, technological advancements, and reputation for academic excellence. The rise of “Hallyu” (the Korean Wave) has played a critical role in attracting culturally curious students, many of whom begin their journey through language programs and later transition into degree pathways. This unique cultural entry point sets Korea apart from many Western study destinations. Moreover, the post-COVID-19 recovery in international student enrollment, especially in degree programs, demonstrates the resilience and adaptability of the sector. There is also significant potential in expanding engagement with underrepresented regions. For instance, student numbers from countries such as Pakistan, Mongolia, and Bangladesh have seen exponential growth in recent years. These markets represent untapped potential that can be strategically developed through bilateral agreements, targeted scholarships, and curriculum offerings tailored to student interests and labor market trends. Furthermore, regional diversification within Korea itself—extending educational opportunities beyond Seoul and other metropolitan centers—could reduce overcrowding, revitalize local economies, and support balanced national development.

5. Rethinking Internationalization: Toward Inclusion, Quality, and Sustainability

Looking ahead, South Korea must adopt a more inclusive, student-centered, and sustainable model of internationalization. This involves not only increasing the number of English-taught programs and improving academic advising but also embedding values of diversity, equity, and inclusion across campuses. Efforts by leading universities like Seoul National University and Korea University to establish DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) councils reflect a growing recognition of the need for cultural change. Yet challenges remain in ensuring that all students—regardless of language ability, country of origin, or academic discipline—can access quality education and holistic support. In particular, the humanities and social sciences remain underfunded compared to STEM fields, making it harder to attract students pursuing those areas of study. 

Moreover, as Korean universities seek to deepen their international engagement, more strategic partnerships with institutions in regions like South Asia, Africa, and Latin America will be critical. The growing academic interest in Korea from Indian students—especially in doctoral and research programs—offers a promising avenue for mutual collaboration. With India’s transformative National Education Policy (NEP 2020) creating new opportunities for transnational education, there is potential for Korean institutions to co-develop academic programs, conduct joint research, or even establish satellite campuses abroad. Ultimately, South Korea’s continued relevance as a global education hub will depend on its ability to evolve beyond numbers and rankings—focusing instead on meaningful experiences, long-term outcomes, and reciprocal partnerships.

* This is a summary of the invited guest lecture I delivered for the Korea Research Circle (https://www.krcin.org/) in November 2024.