Seoul Tops London and Tokyo for the First Time... Foreign Media: "Seoul Is Becoming the New Paris"

The Rise of Holistic Considerations:
Lifestyle and Living Costs Now Key Factors

Increasing Influx of Students with No Prior Ties to Korea

Seoul Ranks First for the First Time
in the 'Best Student Cities' List

According to reports from foreign media outlets, Seoul is emerging as a new study-abroad destination for university students worldwide, taking the place of traditional hubs like London, Paris, and New York. The growing influence of Korean culture, including K-pop, as well as a relatively wide range of living cost options and urban convenience, are cited as factors attracting the interest of international students.

The Financial Times (FT) of the United Kingdom reported on September 18 (local time) under the headline, "Seoul is becoming the new Paris for international students," noting that the criteria for international students choosing study abroad destinations have recently shifted. While the reputation of a university and post-graduation employment prospects used to be the primary factors, there is now a strong trend towards also considering lifestyle, living costs, the urban environment, and cultural experiences in a comprehensive manner.

Foreign international students at a university in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News

One of the most significant changes in Seoul is the influx of students who do not have any special ties to Korea. Fanta Aw of NAFSA: Association of International Educators explained to FT that, "In the past, many U.S. students coming to Seoul were second or third-generation Asian immigrants with cultural connections to Korea. Recently, however, students without any such ties are also choosing Seoul as their study-abroad destination." As K-pop, dramas, and food have become daily aspects of Korean pop culture consumed abroad, Seoul itself is increasingly seen as a cultural experience in its own right.

The actual inflow of international students into Korea is also rapidly increasing. According to data from the Ministry of Justice, as of February this year, the number of international students staying in Korea reached 314,397, surpassing the 310,000 mark for the first time. Compared to 153,361 at the end of 2020, this figure has grown more than twofold in roughly five years. In particular, the number of students enrolled at universities and higher education institutions stood at 238,905, up 22.2% from a year earlier.

Seoul’s competitiveness as a global student city is being recognized in various rankings as well. In the "2026 World's Best Student Cities" ranking published by QS, a global higher education evaluation institution, Seoul claimed the top spot for the first time. London dropped to third place, while Tokyo ranked second. QS explained that Seoul received high marks not only for university competitiveness and corporate activity but also for improved affordability and student preference compared to the previous year.

International students at a university in Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Housing costs are also cited as one of Seoul’s advantages. FT notes that monthly rent for a studio in Seoul is about 900,000 won, while homestays are around 600,000 won. In contrast to the rapidly rising housing costs in traditional study-abroad cities like London and Paris, the wide range of housing options at various price points in Seoul is considered especially attractive to international students.

Alongside Seoul, cities like Lisbon in Portugal and Prague in the Czech Republic are also gaining attention as new study-abroad destinations. According to FT, these cities are attracting international students thanks to comparatively low living costs, rich cultural experiences, and robust transportation and urban infrastructure. Advances in digital technologies such as map and translation applications have also made it easier to live in an unfamiliar city, which is widening the range of study-abroad options available to students.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.