Universities in South Korea

Explore top-rated universities and colleges in South Korea. Discover rankings, campus details, and key information about top South Korean higher education institutions to help you choose the best place to study.

South Korea is home to 403 universities and colleges listed in our directory, spread across 46 cities. Of these, 12 are public and 44 are private institutions. The highest-ranked institution is Seoul National University. The oldest dates back to 1855. Use the filters to compare them by ranking, campus setting, and control type.

403

Universities

Cities

Public

Private

Frequently Asked Questions

How many universities are there in South Korea?

Our directory lists 403 universities and colleges in South Korea across 46 cities. You can filter them by control type, campus setting, and more.

Which is the top-ranked university in South Korea?

Based on the QS 2027 rankings, Seoul National University is the highest-ranked institution in South Korea in our directory at #38.

Are there public and private universities in South Korea?

Yes. South Korea has 12 public and 44 private institutions in our directory. Public universities are typically state-funded, while private institutions are independently run.

How do I choose the right university in South Korea?

Compare institutions by world and country ranking, location, campus setting (urban, suburban, or rural), and control type. Open any university profile for detailed admission information, programs, and fees.

What is the difference between an urban and a rural campus?

An urban campus sits in or near a city, putting internships, public transport, and cultural life within easy reach, though living costs are often higher. A rural or suburban campus offers a quieter, community-focused environment with more space and typically lower costs. Use the Campus Type filter to match the setting to your lifestyle.

Top Universities in South Korea

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403 universities found

Seoul National University

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Type: University

Control Type: Public

Founded: 1946

Yonsei University

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Type: University

Control Type: Private

Founded: 1957

Korea University

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Type: University

Control Type: Private

Founded: 1905

KAIST

Daejeon, Daejeon, South Korea

Control Type: Public

Founded: 1971

Pohang University of Science and Technology

Pohang, North Gyeongsang, South Korea

Type: University

Control Type: Private

Founded: 1986

Sungkyunkwan University

South Korea

Hanyang University

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Type: University

Control Type: Private

Founded: 1939

Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology

South Korea

Kyung Hee University

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Type: University

Control Type: Private

Founded: 1949

Sejong University

South Korea

Chung-Ang University

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Type: University

Control Type: Private

Founded: 1918

Pusan National University

Busan, Busan, South Korea

Type: University

Control Type: Public

Founded: 1946

Kyungpook National University

South Korea

Ewha Womans University

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Type: University

Control Type: Private

Founded: 1886

Sogang University

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Type: University

Control Type: Private

Founded: 1960

Dongguk University

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Type: University

Control Type: Private

Founded: 1906

Inha University

South Korea

Ajou University

Suweon, South Korea

Type: University

Control Type: Private

Founded: 1973

The Catholic University of Korea

Seoul, Seoul, South Korea

Type: University

Control Type: Private

Founded: 1855

Jeonbuk National University

South Korea

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

South Korea

Konkuk University

South Korea

Chonnam National University

South Korea

Yeungnam University

South Korea

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Universities in South Korea

Frequently Asked Questions

How many universities are there in South Korea?

Which is the top-ranked university in South Korea?

Are there public and private universities in South Korea?

How do I choose the right university in South Korea?

What is the difference between an urban and a rural campus?

Top Universities in South Korea

Seoul National University

Yonsei University

Korea University

KAIST

Pohang University of Science and Technology

Sungkyunkwan University

Hanyang University

Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology

Kyung Hee University

Sejong University

Chung-Ang University

Pusan National University

Kyungpook National University

Ewha Womans University

Sogang University

Dongguk University

Inha University

Ajou University

The Catholic University of Korea

Jeonbuk National University

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

Konkuk University

Chonnam National University

Yeungnam University

Helpful Resources

Explore Universities in Other Countries

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