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Number of Overseas Schools Teaching Korean Rises 54 Percent in Four Years
The number of elementary, middle and high schools abroad offering Korean-language classes reached 2,777 at the end of 2025, up 54 percent from 2021. Student enrollment in those classes grew 38 percent to 236,089 over the same period. The education ministry attributed the increases to Korean cultural influence, demand to study in South Korea and government support.
May 9, 9:48 PM·1m read1 source
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The number of schools overseas teaching the Korean language increased by 54 percent over the last four years, a lawmaker said Sunday, citing education ministry data. As of the end of last year, there were 2,777 elementary, middle and high schools overseas offering Korean-language classes. That figure represents a 9.9 percent increase from 2024 and a 54 percent rise from 1,806 schools in 2021.
The count grew each year, reaching 1,928 in 2022, 2,154 in 2023 and 2,526 in 2024, according to the data released by Rep. Kim Moon-soo of the ruling Democratic Party. During the four-year period, the number of students taking Korean classes at these schools rose 38 percent to 236,089.
The education ministry attributed the increase to the influence of Korean culture, growing demand to study in South Korea, and the government's financial support for Korean classes, textbooks and teaching staff. Schools in 47 countries offered Korean-language classes last year, up from 42 countries in 2021.
Between 2024 and 2025, 68 schools were added in Uzbekistan, followed by 43 in Sri Lanka, 37 in Vietnam and 26 in the Philippines.
" — Rep. Kim Moon-soo (Yonhap) An undated file photo shows a Korean language class at a school in Paraguay.
