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Foreign Schools in Busan

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There are several foreign schools in Busan which offer pre-school, elementary and secondary education in English. Most of them have standards that are equal to or surpass those of American public and private schools, and most are fully accredited by at least one U. S. agency. The educational philosophies, facilities, student - teacher ratios, and conditions vary among schools, so visits to each of them are advisable. For children whose English language skills are inadequate, some schools provide ESL classes, but they may have limitations as to entrance and completion periods. Check well in advance because they may only accept a limited number of students.

International School of Busan (ISB) (Formerly Busan International Foreign School)

The only WASC Accredited, IB World School in Busan with students from over 30 different countries.
Overview
  • Not for profit school
  • Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) - PYP, MYP, and IB Diploma
  • Age group: 2 - 18 years old (Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle and High Schools)
  • Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • Number of students: 349 (as of Apr. 2026)
  • Student nationalities: 39
  • Number of teachers: 62
  • Student-Teacher ratio: 5.6:1
  • Facilities: soccer field, tennis court, gym, two outdoor basketball courts, two outdoor play areas, indoor play area, three libraries, design technology classroom, four science labs, music and art rooms and music practice rooms.
Leadership
  • Head of School: Simon McCloskey
  • Elementary Principal: Kevin Smith
  • Secondary Principal: Paul Horkan
Details
  • ISB is an English-medium, non-profit making, three programme IB World School, serving the internationally-minded community of Busan. More than 30 nationalities are represented in a diverse school community of students aged 2-18.
  • The school offers a happy, safe and supportive atmosphere, with a strong commitment to helping all children succeed whatever their background or abilities. A carefully selected team of talented international educators provide a school experience that is designed to bring out the very best in the children that they teach. Families describe ISB as a caring, warm and welcoming community where every child is valued, respected and provided with the opportunity to thrive.
  • The impressive, state-of-the-art, purpose-built campus includes a sports field, gymnasium, tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds, well-resourced libraries and a cafeteria serving a range of healthy and nutritious food options.
ISB photo
ISB student photo

Busan Foreign School (BFS)

A WASC-accredited American international school in Haeundae offering AP courses and a student-centered global education program.

Overview
  • Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)
  • Curriculum:
    • High School: Offers more than 15 Advanced Placement (AP) courses
    • Middle School: American curriculum-based education
    • Elementary School: U.S. educational framework and Common Core standards-based learning
    • Preschool: Educational philosophy inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach
  • Age Range: 3–18 years old (Preschool, Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle, and High School)
  • Student Enrollment: 255 students (as of April 2026)
  • Student-to-Teacher Ratio: 5.9:1
Leadership
  • Founder: James F. Haddon
  • Early Childhood and Elementary Principal: Lauren Harvey
  • Secondary Principal: Carl Brenneman
Details
  • Busan Foreign School (BFS), located in Haeundae, is an American international school in Busan with nearly 30 years of history fostering globally minded students. Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and authorized by the Busan Metropolitan City Office of Education, BFS provides an internationally recognized education in a safe, supportive, and student-centered learning environment.
    Through its American-based curriculum and Advanced Placement (AP) program, BFS is committed to educating the whole child by balancing academic excellence with character development, creativity, communication, leadership, and social-emotional growth.
    As a warm and close-knit school community, BFS is dedicated to helping students grow academically, socially, and personally while confidently preparing them for success on the global stage.

    ※ Note: All information on this page(including enrollment, curriculum) is subject to change. Please contact the school’s admissions office to verify the most current and accurate information.

Private School photo
Private School photo Private School photo

Overseas Chinese High School in Busan

  • Course: Middle and High Schools
  • 61 Daeyeong-ro 243beon-gil, Dong-gu (Choryang-dong), Busan
  • Tel: 82-51-467-0275

Chinese Korea Busan School

  • Course: Kindergarten and Elementary Schools
  • 43 Daeyeong-ro 239beon-gil, Dong-gu (Choryang-dong), Busan
  • Tel: 82-51-467-0274

Busan Japanese School

  • Course: Elementary and Middle Schools
  • 11 Millak-ro 19beon-gil, Suyeong-gu (Millak-dong), Busan
  • Tel: 82-51-753-4166 / Fax: 82-51-756-4851

List of Foreign Schools in Busan

(As of April 2026)

List of Foreign Schools in Busan
Category Course No. of Students No. of Teachers & Faculties Location Note
International School of Busan (ISB) Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle and High Schools 349 79 50 Gijang-daero, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun 051-742-3332
Busan Foreign School (BFS) Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle and High Schools 255 63 45 Daecheon-ro 67beon-gil, Haeundae-gu 051-747-7199
Busan Japanese School Elementary and Middle Schools 31 17 11 Millak-ro 19beon-gil, Suyeong-gu 051-753-4166
Chinese Korea Busan School Kindergarten and Elementary Schools 24 7 43 Daeyeong-ro 239beon-gil, Dong-gu 051-467-0274
Overseas Chinese High School in Busan Middle and High Schools 55 12 61 Daeyeong-ro 243beon-gil, Dong-gu 051-467-0275