Foreign students in South Korea hit record 500,000 as culture boom drives demand
The number of foreigners entering South Korea for study and training surpassed a record 500,000 in 2025, marking more than a sixfold increase since 2021, driven by the global expansion of Korean pop culture.
In 2025, South Korea welcomed a record-breaking 500,410 foreign students and trainees, marking a significant surge in international visitors seeking cultural enrichment and educational opportunities. According to the Korea Tourism Organization's report presented to the National Assembly's Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee, study and training accounted for 2.7% of the total 18.94 million foreign arrivals, underscoring the growing appeal of the country's vibrant K-pop and television drama culture.
Tourism remained the primary driver, with over 15.82 million visitors in 2025, comprising 83.5% of the total. Business and trade followed, with 143,076 arrivals, while official business accounted for 73,303. The influx of international students has soared in recent years, from just 80,084 in 2021 to 500,410 in 2025. Rep. Jin Sun-mee of the Democratic Party attributes this growth to the global popularity of K-pop and Korean dramas, which has heightened interest in learning Korean and pursuing formal education in the country.
To better support these newcomers, customized policy assistance is needed to help them integrate into local communities. The data also reveals that South Korea's international visitor base is becoming increasingly youthful, with visitors in their 20s and 30s making up 46.3% of all arrivals, with the 20s leading at over 4.72 million.
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