Busan's foreign student population reaches record high of 24,328

Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, has seen its foreign student population reach a record high of 24,328 this year. This represents a 30% increase from the previous year's count. The surge is attributed to the city's efforts to expand programs that facilitate students' study, work, and settlement in Korea. According to data released by Busan Metropolitan City on August 27, 2025, the number of foreign students in Busan was 18,630 in 2025 and 14,961 in 2024.

In a bid to attract more international students, the city has been collaborating with local universities since 2024. Their goal is to enroll 30,000 foreign students by 2028. To support this objective, Busan has consolidated various recruitment and support programs. In February, the city inaugurated the Study Busan Hub, a centralized hub that provides comprehensive support for foreign students.

This hub facilitates connections with universities and government agencies, addressing daily life, healthcare, finance, visa issues, Korean language education, and employment opportunities.

Moreover, the Study Busan Hub assists with group fingerprint registration for new foreign students, a crucial step in the immigration process. It also ensures students have access to three designated hospitals: Daedong Hospital, Dong-Eui Medical Center, and Good Gang-An Hospital. The city's initiatives aim to not only accommodate the growing number of foreign students but also ensure they have a smooth transition into Korean society.