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Seoul has become a popular destination for international students due to its vibrant urban culture and significantly lower housing costs compared to established hubs such as New York, London, and Paris, according to a report by British daily The Financial Times (FT). The number of international students enrolled at universities in Korea has surged by 69 percent over the past three years, reaching a total of 307,500.

The FT highlighted that Seoul offers students excellent value, providing access to globally renowned K-pop culture and a lively city life at affordable costs. The capital's increasing appeal to European and American students can be attributed in part to the global reach of K-pop. The report also noted that Seoul's energy, culture, food, and cityscape promise a cosmopolitan lifestyle at a cheaper price tag than many students' home cities.

One of the major draws for international students is Seoul's comparatively affordable housing costs. Monthly rent for a one-room apartment or studio averages around 900,000 won ($660), while a Korean-style boarding house, known as hasuk, costs approximately 600,000 won ($440). The primary reasons students choose Seoul for their studies include its relatively low housing costs, access to popular culture, and a dynamic urban lifestyle.