Seoul draws global attention as a top study-abroad destination

Seoul is emerging as a new study-abroad destination drawing young people from around the world, according to a foreign media report that describes the South Korean capital as a city where students can pursue both academics and daily life — and a rising alternative to traditional favorites such as London, Paris and New York.

The Financial Times ran an article in a recent weekend edition headlined "Seoul is the new Paris for students living abroad," according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

The FT noted that global student mobility is expanding beyond established destinations to cities including Seoul, Lisbon and Prague, and gave prominent coverage to Seoul's rise among them.

The newspaper cited the popularity of Korean culture, including K-pop, along with the city's dynamic urban lifestyle, food, scenery and relatively affordable cost of living as key draws.

The number of international students enrolled at South Korean universities has surged 69 percent over the past three years to 307,500, the FT reported. It also highlighted a shift in the profile of American students choosing Seoul: whereas many previously had Korean or broader Asian ties, a growing number of American and European students with no such connections are now selecting the city.

Seoul had already topped QS's Best Student Cities ranking for the first time in the 2026 edition and retained the top spot in the 2027 edition, making it two consecutive years at No. 1.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it has been driving this shift through policies focused on attracting and retaining global talent — a priority initiative since the start of the current mayoral term.

The city added that it plans to deepen cooperation with universities, businesses and private institutions to strengthen policy coordination, so that international students and young talent can pursue education, employment, entrepreneurship and cultural life in Seoul while engaging with local communities.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said Seoul is growing into a global city where young people from around the world come in search of new opportunities and experiences. "We will continue to build on Seoul's unique urban competitiveness — where culture, education, industry and jobs reinforce one another — and pursue a city strategy that attracts and nurtures talent from across the world," he said.