Iseut’s interest in South Korea began when she was in high school in France. Initially drawn to Japanese culture, she soon became captivated by Korea — especially its “beautiful language.” Her fascination deepened as she became an avid fan of K-pop, particularly the 13-member group Super Junior. This growing passion eventually brought her to Korea, first as a language student and later as an exchange student. Now, after more than a decade of living and studying in Korea, Iseut is set to receive her master’s degree this summer. She hopes to find a job and settle permanently in what has become her second home.

Iseut is one of nearly 210,000 foreign national students who were registered at Korean institutions last year — a staggering 15 percent increase from the previous year. After a brief slowdown during the pandemic, the number of foreign students is surging again, now making up nearly 10 percent of all university students in the country. Since the launch of the Study Korea Project in 2004, which aimed to attract international students, the number has increased nearly twentyfold. Leading universities such as Hanyang, Kyunghee and Yonsei each host thousands of foreign students on their campuses. The Korean government estimates this number will exceed 300,000 by 2027.

Several factors explain this rapid growth. First, many foreign students are initially drawn to Korea by its vibrant pop culture — K-pop, K-dramas and more. Their initial curiosity often evolves into a deeper interest in the Korean language, history and society. Additionally, Korean universities are eager to attract international students to offset financial challenges caused by a 16-year tuition freeze, part of the government’s anti-inflation policy. Compounding this is the country’s plummeting birth rate, which has dramatically reduced the pool of domestic college-age students. The number of eligible students has fallen from over 600,000 in 2000 to around 310,000 today, and it's expected to drop further to 200,000 by 2039.

Asian students account for 91 percent of Korea’s international student population, followed by 5 percent from Europe and 2 percent from North America. By country, China sends the largest share (35 percent), followed by Vietnam (27 percent), with Mongolia and Uzbekistan contributing 6 percent each. About 70 percent of these students are enrolled in degree programs, while the rest are either exchange students or enrolled in language courses. Among degree-seeking students, 62 percent are pursuing a bachelor's degree, 24 percent a master’s and 14 percent a Ph.D. Humanities and social sciences dominate with 68 percent, followed by arts and athletics (15 percent), engineering (12 percent) and natural sciences (5 percent).

However, the growing number of international students brings challenges. Language barriers are among the most frequently cited issues. To attend Korean universities, students must meet a certain level on the Test of Proficiency in Korean, or TOPIK. Many struggle to meet this requirement, resulting in difficulties understanding lectures delivered in Korean. This, in turn, can lead to frustration among both Korean classmates and professors, who report that it impacts the quality of classroom instruction.

There is also concern about students who come to Korea under the guise of studying but primarily aim to work. While international students are permitted to work up to 30 hours a week, some exceed this limit, often working full-time in violation of visa rules. Government data shows that around 17 percent of foreign students are residing illegally, often overstaying their visas. Many end up in exploitative labor situations. In response, the government has imposed penalties, including a three-year visa suspension for universities found to be breaking recruitment regulations.

International students also have their own grievances. Many, especially those from developing countries, report experiencing discrimination, which can significantly impact their perception of Korean society. One study found that 41 percent of Chinese students who had lived in Korea for two to four years reported developing negative views of the country. While 28 percent of overall foreign students felt such sentiments during their first year, the number rises to 57 percent by their third or fourth year.

Bureaucratic hurdles are another frustration. Everyday tasks such as opening a bank account or securing a mobile phone contract can be difficult, often requiring a Korean ID card that most new students don’t have. A more pressing issue is that many students wish to remain in Korea after graduation, but few succeed in doing so due to a highly competitive job market and language barriers. Without securing a job, their only other path to staying in Korea is through marriage to a Korean citizen.

To address these issues and better support international students, the Korean government has launched several initiatives. These include partnering with regional governments to connect students with local job opportunities — a strategy aimed at addressing population decline in rural areas. The government is also expanding Korean language education and easing visa regulations to attract and retain talented foreign students.

These efforts stem from the growing recognition that international students can significantly benefit Korea. Beyond providing financial support to cash-strapped universities, they contribute cultural diversity and global perspectives to Korean society. Their presence can also help foster greater openness and reduce lingering xenophobic attitudes. This is particularly evident in my classroom, where nearly 20 percent of students are international. One Korean student recently remarked with delight, “It’s like studying abroad without having to spend the money or time.”

Lee Byung-jong

Lee Byung-jong is a former Seoul correspondent for Newsweek, The Associated Press and Bloomberg News. He is a professor at the School of Global Service at Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul. The views expressed here are the writer’s own. — Ed.