Key facts
- South Korea has exceeded its target for attracting foreign students.
- The country aims to host 230,000 international students by 2027.
- Over 200,000 foreign students were enrolled in 2023.
- Challenges remain in retaining foreign graduates due to limited job prospects and visa issues.
South Korea has successfully met its objective of increasing the number of foreign students within its educational institutions. The Ministry of Education reported that over 200,000 international students were enrolled in 2023, surpassing the government's target. The nation aims to further expand this figure to 230,000 by 2027. Despite these successes in attracting students, the country faces significant hurdles in retaining them after they complete their studies. Many foreign graduates depart South Korea due to limited employment opportunities and restrictive visa policies that hinder their ability to secure long-term work and residency.