Lycee Francais de Seoul
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$11K - US$20K
Curriculum: French
Age Range: 3-18
Students: ~500
Location: Seocho, Seoul
Updated April 2026
In Brief
LFS is the natural and usually only choice for French-national families in Seoul, or for any family wanting the French Baccalaureat as their child's leaving qualification. For non-French families, the instruction language is the defining filter: the core curriculum is in French throughout, with English as a subject, not the medium of instruction.
The Lycee Francais de Seoul has been running since 1974 and sits in the Seorae Maeul neighbourhood of Seocho-gu - the historically French enclave of Seoul, a few hundred metres from the cluster of French-owned cafes and restaurants that define that part of the district. Around 500 students are enrolled, with the school running 35 classrooms from Maternelle (age 3) through Terminale (Grade 12). AEFE accreditation means the school is recognised and overseen by the French Ministry of Education; students sit the French national Baccalaureat at the end of Terminale, with a 100% pass rate in recent years.
The curriculum follows the French national programme throughout, with English taught as a foreign language from primary onwards. An international pathway is available for non-French-speaking students at extra cost - typically KRW 2-3.5M more per year than the classic pathway - which eases integration at entry. The campus was renovated in 2019 and includes four playgrounds, two gyms, and a Fab Lab. Cambridge English exam preparation is offered alongside the Bac, which helps students whose families are considering English-medium universities after graduation.
Fees on the classic pathway run from KRW 14.76M for primary to KRW 23.0M for high school - the lowest tuition range of any school in this guide. The one-time first-registration levy (DPI) of KRW 4.0M is non-refundable and applies only to new students. An annual re-enrollment fee of KRW 300,000 applies each year from the second year. For French-national families whose children are already in the French system, continuity and cost both point in the same direction. For families from other backgrounds, the decision comes down to whether the French Baccalaureat is the target qualification.
What parents value
- –Founded 1974, AEFE-accredited, French Ministry of Education recognised. The Bac is universally accepted by French universities and increasingly recognised internationally. 100% Bac pass rate in recent years.
- –The most affordable school in this Seoul guide for primary-age children - KRW 14.76M for the classic pathway, considerably below the KRW 25-40M range at most other schools in these listings.
- –Seorae Maeul location in Seocho puts the school within the main French-speaking expat community in Seoul, with a strong parent network and easy social integration for new French-national families.
Points of consideration
- –All core instruction is in French. Children who do not speak French at entry will need time and the international pathway to reach curriculum pace; ask admissions how long integration typically takes for non-French speakers at different ages.
- –The Baccalaureat is the exit qualification. Families with a target of UK A-levels, IB Diploma, or an American high school diploma will need to plan a curriculum switch during secondary - ask at what point this would need to happen.
- –The school serves primarily French-national and French-speaking families. The social environment, parent communications, and school culture are French-language throughout. This is the right fit for French families and a significant adjustment for everyone else.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten (Maternelle) | 3 | 9,812 |
| Elementary (Elementaire) | 6 | 9,812 |
| Middle School (College) | 11 | 13,561 |
| High School (Lycee) | 15 | 15,289 |
Fees converted from KRW. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee (non-refundable) | 266 |
| First Registration Levy - DPI (non-refundable, one-time) | 2,659 |
| Annual Re-Enrollment Fee | 199 |
Academic Results
| Baccalaureat pass rate | 100% |
Key results: Baccalaureat pass rate 100%.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's age group.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Seoul's international schools serve a diverse mix of diplomatic, corporate, and locally-based families. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
School leadership
Contact the school for details.