Seoul Foreign School
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$30K - US$41K
Curriculum: IB · British
Age Range: 2-18
Students: ~1,500
Location: Seodaemun, Seoul
Updated April 2026
In Brief
If your family is relocating to Seoul and wants one school for the whole age range - from nursery through to IB Diploma - SFS is the default choice. The 110-year history and 25-acre campus are real; ask specifically about the middle school before committing.
SFS sits at the top of the Seoul international school circuit by reputation and by most measures of output. The full IB continuum, the largest campus in the city, and a track record stretching back to 1912 make it the first call for most corporate relocation families. Roughly half the student body are US citizens; the other half represent 55 nations, with a significant Korean-national cohort whose academic drive shapes the atmosphere throughout.
Academically, the results speak: a 36-point IB average and 98% pass rate sit well above global norms. The arts and sports facilities draw consistent praise from families - the performing arts centre and athletics programme are among the best in Korea. Teachers are recruited internationally, and the school's 40-year IB track record gives it a stability that newer competitors cannot match.
The middle school is the part of SFS most worth asking about. Families have raised concerns about the social environment and how pastoral incidents are handled; the school tends to favour academic rigour over intervention. Fees sit at the upper end for Seoul - the dual KRW/USD structure means costs shift with exchange rates annually, which catches families paying out of pocket off-guard.
What parents value
- –Korea's longest-established international school - 110+ years - with a 25-acre hilltop campus, strong performing arts centre, and athletics facilities that rival anything in the city.
- –IB average consistently around 36 (98% pass rate in 2022), with 40 years of IB Diploma delivery. The high school is the most experienced IB provider in Korea.
- –Full age range 2-18 in one location across four sections, making it a single-school solution for most relocating families.
Points of consideration
- –Middle school pastoral care is worth asking about before enrolling. Ask the admissions team specifically how incidents are handled and request to speak with current middle school parents.
- –Fees combine a Korean Won component with a US Dollar component; the total is exchange-rate sensitive. At 2026 rates, high school runs to roughly US$40K-US$41K annually - ask what is included before comparing with other schools.
- –The academic culture is competitive; some families find the grading thresholds demanding. Students report that an A grade requires above 95%, which reflects the Korean-influenced peer environment rather than IB norms alone.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Kindergarten 2 (Partial Day) | 2 | 18,552 |
| Pre-Kindergarten 2 (Full Day) | 2 | 25,625 |
| Pre-Kindergarten 3 & 4 (Full Day) | 3 | 29,333 |
| Kindergarten - Grade 5 | 5 | 30,163 |
| Middle School (Grades 6-8) | 11 | 31,594 |
| High School (Grades 9-12) | 14 | 35,504 |
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 |
| Registration Fee (non-refundable) | 432 |
| Entrance Fee (non-refundable) | 3,656 |
Photos
Academic Results
| IB average (2022) | 36.0 |
| IB pass rate (2022) | 98% |
Key results: IB average (2022) 36.0, IB pass rate (2022) 98%.
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.