Seoul Foreign School (SFS)
Yeonhui-dong, Seoul
Curriculum
British / IB Continuum
Grades
PreK2-Grade 12
Annual Tuition
~45-48M KRW/year
Enrollment
~600 students
Korean Student Admission
As a 외국인학교, Korean nationals must have lived abroad for 3+ years to qualify. Korean students are capped at 30% of enrollment. SFS is one of the few non-profit international schools in Seoul.
Overview
Seoul Foreign School is the oldest international school in Korea, founded in 1912 by Christian missionaries. Located in Yeonhui-dong in central Seoul, SFS is the only non-profit international school in the city, meaning tuition revenue goes back into the school rather than to shareholders. The school offers a British curriculum through IGCSE combined with the full IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, IB DP), giving families a dual-track academic pathway. With over 112 years of history, SFS carries deep institutional traditions and a loyal community of alumni and long-term families.
What parents like
- +Oldest international school in Korea with 112+ years of history and tradition
- +Only non-profit international school in Seoul, with tuition reinvested into the school
- +Central Seoul location in Yeonhui-dong, accessible from most neighborhoods
- +Dual British and IB curriculum offering flexibility in academic pathways
- +Strong institutional culture and engaged, loyal parent community
- +Smaller school size allows for more personalized attention
Things to consider
- -Campus is older and more compact compared to newer schools with modern facilities
- -Smaller student body means fewer course options and extracurricular variety
- -Tuition is at the higher end (45-48M KRW) with additional bus fees of approximately 4M KRW/year
- -Limited mid-year availability in popular grade levels
- -The school's long traditions can feel insular to families unfamiliar with the community
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Academics
SFS follows a British National Curriculum structure through the lower and middle years, transitioning to IGCSE and then the IB Diploma Programme in the senior years. The school is an IB World School offering the full continuum (PYP, MYP, DP), which provides a cohesive academic framework from early years through graduation. Class sizes tend to be small, often under 20 students, which allows for close teacher-student relationships and individualized instruction. The school has a solid track record of IB Diploma results and university placements across the UK, US, Canada, and Europe. Academic expectations are high but balanced with a focus on the whole child.
Admissions
Admissions at SFS follow an application process that includes academic records, teacher references, and a student visit or assessment. Entry years (PreK2, Year 1, Year 7) tend to be the most competitive, and the school frequently maintains waitlists for these grades. As a non-profit school, SFS offers some financial aid, though availability is limited. Annual tuition is approximately 45-48M KRW depending on grade level, with an additional bus transportation fee of around 4M KRW per year. Families should plan to apply early, as the school's small size means spaces fill quickly.
Campus and Facilities
The Yeonhui-dong campus reflects the school's long history. Facilities include classrooms, a library, science labs, art rooms, a gymnasium, and outdoor play areas. The campus has been updated over the years but remains more compact than newer suburban schools. Families accustomed to large campuses with extensive sports complexes may find the physical space limiting. However, the central Seoul location is a significant trade-off, providing convenience and accessibility that suburban schools cannot match. The school supplements its on-campus facilities with partnerships at nearby venues for certain sports and activities.
Community and Culture
SFS has one of the most established and loyal parent communities among Seoul's international schools. Many families have multi-generational connections to the school, and the community includes a strong mix of diplomatic, NGO, missionary, and corporate families. The non-profit structure reinforces a sense of shared ownership and investment in the school's mission. Social events, traditions, and alumni gatherings are a regular part of school life. New families may need some time to integrate into the close-knit community, but the school makes efforts to welcome newcomers through orientation programs and parent group activities.
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