Deutsche Schule Seoul International vs Korea International School Pangyo Campus
Deutsche Schule Seoul International and Korea International School Pangyo Campus are both in Seoul, about 19 km apart. Both schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) programmes. Deutsche Schule Seoul International also offers German, and Korea International School Pangyo Campus also offers American. Published annual fees are close, at ₩18,200,000 - 25,200,000 for Deutsche Schule Seoul International and ₩18,850,000 - 26,590,000 for Korea International School Pangyo Campus. Deutsche Schule Seoul International takes pupils from 2 to 18, and Korea International School Pangyo Campus from 3 to 18. Korea International School Pangyo Campus is the larger school, with around 1,200 pupils to Deutsche Schule Seoul International's 200. Typical class sizes are 15 at Deutsche Schule Seoul International and 20 at Korea International School Pangyo Campus.
The Deutsche Schule Seoul International is located at 123-6 Dokseodang-Ro, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04419, Republic of Korea. The campus sits in the Hannam-dong area of central Seoul. It is most readily reached by public transport, with several bus routes stopping near Hannam Sibeom Apartment, close to the school.
Location
Korea International School Pangyo Campus is located in Bundang-gu, Seongnam, just south of Seoul, in the Pangyo area. Pangyo is a planned residential and business district with road connections to southern Seoul and surrounding suburbs. The campus is situated in a hilly, green area slightly away from dense city traffic, while still within commuting distance of Seoul.
Stages
Stages
The school offers a continuous path from Kindergarten through Grade 12, including the German International Abitur. The Sekundarstufe runs from Class 5 to Class 12 to prepare students for the Abitur, with English-language components in some subjects.
Stages
The school serves students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. It is organized into Elementary School, Middle School, and High School, with age-appropriate campuses and facilities on the same site.
School type
School type
The Deutsche Schule Seoul International is a private, non-profit German international school operated by a registered school association. It is co-educational and serves a multicultural student body drawn from multiple national backgrounds.
School type
KIS Pangyo is a co-educational day school.
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
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Pupil nationality mix
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Additional learning support
Additional learning support
DSSE provides inclusive learning support, including Deutsch als Fremdsprache (DaF) and additional language and subject support delivered by extra teaching staff. There is a framework for language, subject, and talent development across the school.
Additional learning support
Korea International School provides learning support services, including support for students with identified learning needs. Specific details about the scope of SEN provision or specialist facilities are not publicly detailed on the school website, and families are encouraged to discuss individual needs directly with the admissions team.
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
The school is the only recognized German Auslandsschule (German international school) on the Korean peninsula, operating under German authorities. It is affiliated with Germany as a German international school.
Country affiliation
The school follows an American educational system and prepares students primarily for university pathways aligned with the United States.
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated; the school operates as a secular German international school.
Religious affiliation
Korea International School has no religious affiliation.
School day structure
School day structure
The school day runs from 7:30 to 16:30, Monday through Friday. The campus also maintains a canteen serving meals during the day, with a mix of German, Korean, and international options.
School day structure
School begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. for all students.
Bus service details
Bus service details
The school offers a comprehensive bus service with multiple routes, including stops such as Hyatt Millennium, Itaewon, Yongsan Park Tower, and Seongbuk-dong. Annual route fees vary by location (for example, 2,856,000 KRW for some routes; 3,507,000 KRW for others; 4,242,000 KRW for Seongbuk-dong). Bus rules require seat belts, supervision by a bus escort, and adherence to safety guidelines. Registration is via the school's bus application form, and stops can be planned around the family's home location.
Bus service details
KIS Pangyo offers a school bus service for students commuting from Seoul and surrounding areas, including Bundang. Routes and pick-up points are organised by the school, and details are provided directly to enrolled families. The service is optional and arranged separately from tuition fees.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Application and admission fees - Processing fee (per child, non‑refundable): KRW 300,000. - Admission and membership fee — School (per family, non‑refundable): KRW 2,500,000. - Admission and membership fee — Kindergarten (per family, non‑refundable): KRW 1,500,000. - Supporting membership for persons without children (creditable if children register later): minimum KRW 300,000.
Tuition fees (per year and per half‑year) — current published schedule - Kindergarten: KRW 19,070,000 per year / KRW 9,630,000 per half‑year. - School (general progression by length of attendance): - 1st, 2nd and 3rd school year: KRW 26,400,000 per year / KRW 13,300,000 per half‑year. - After the 3rd fully paid school year: KRW 23,770,000 per year / KRW 12,000,000 per half‑year. - After the 5th fully paid school year: KRW 22,450,000 per year / KRW 11,340,000 per half‑year. - After the 9th fully paid school year: KRW 21,130,000 per year / KRW 10,670,000 per half‑year.
Billing schedule and payment terms - Standard billing: tuition is charged as a yearly amount and is payable before the start of the school year according to the invoice. - Installment option: payment in two half‑yearly instalments is possible only on written request submitted within 14 days of receiving the invoice; each half‑year invoice incurs a processing surcharge of 1% of the annual tuition per invoice. - Payment method: fees are paid by bank transfer; bank account details and the required invoice/reference number are provided on the invoice and must be quoted with the payment. No other payment methods are specified in the school's fee regulations. - Late payment: unpaid fees incur interest at 3.3% per annum (calculated in full months) and persistent non‑payment may lead to exclusion from school operations and legal collection measures.
Boarding / accommodation - Boarding is not provided; the school operates as a day school (no weekly or full boarding fees are published).
Other costs and recurring ancillary fees - School bus (annual charges vary by stop; not included in tuition and billed per year, no instalment option for bus fees): - Hyatt, Itaewon, Shindang‑Dong (Beotigogae), Oksu‑Dong — KRW 2,856,000 per year (round trip). - Hilton Millennium, Alice Monde, Yongsan Park Tower, City Park — KRW 3,507,000 per year (round trip). - Seongbukdong (morning only and return at 16:10) — KRW 4,242,000 per year (round trip). - Cafeteria / meals: a school canteen is operated by an external catering provider (daily meals, snacks and vegetarian options are offered). Meal costs are separate from tuition and are provided through the catering service. - Music lessons and private instruction: individual instrumental and vocal lessons are arranged between families and music teachers as private contracts; lesson fees are paid between the family and the instructor (the school facilitates contact and space). - Ganztags‑ and extracurricular courses: a wide range of after‑school courses and supervised programs are offered; the published materials do not list fixed additional tuition for core school hours, while some extracurricular or externally organised activities may carry separate charges (where applicable those charges are stated in the course communications). - Uniforms: no compulsory school uniform fee is listed among the published fee documents and downloads.
Refund information and fee adjustments - Processing fee (application) and the admission/membership fee are non‑refundable. - Prorated calculation on entry or exit during the school year (school‑year fractions are applied as follows): - Entry 1 Aug–31 Oct: 100% of the annual fee due; Exit in that period: 25% refundable. - Entry 1 Nov–31 Jan: 75% of the annual fee due; Exit in that period: 50% refundable. - Entry 1 Feb–30 Apr: 50% of the annual fee due; Exit in that period: 75% refundable. - Entry 1 May–31 Jul: 25% of the annual fee due; Exit in that period: no refund. - Special cases: in cases of force majeure or extraordinary closure (for example extreme weather, war, pandemic) fees are not refundable as specified in the fee regulations.
Summary of payment options - Primary payment channel for all fees is bank transfer; invoices include the required bank details and the invoice/reference number that must be used for payments. Half‑year instalment is available on request within the specified timeframe and carries a processing surcharge; school bus fees are billed annually and may not be paid by instalments.
Fee details
Application and Registration Fees • Application and Testing Fee: KRW 400,000 (one-time at first application) • Registration Fee: KRW 400,000 (one-time upon enrolment) • Entrance Fee: KRW 4,000,000 (one-time upon first admission) • Book Deposit: KRW 200,000 (one-time, refundable)
Tuition Fees (Annual) (Note: fees below include only yearly school tuition and exclude the one-time charges above.)
• Pre/ Jr. Kinder : KRW 18,850,000 plus USD 9,270 • Grades K – Grade 5: KRW 21,090,000 plus USD 10,430 • Grades 6 – 8: KRW 22,860,000 plus USD 11,030 • Grades 9 – 12: KRW 26,590,000 plus USD 12,060
Tuition is partly denominated in Korean Won and partly in U.S. dollars (converted into KRW); this reflects the school’s published structure.
Other Costs • Uniform: A PE uniform is required; daily uniform information is not prominently listed. • Extras: Bus service, lunches, after-school activities, and materials may incur additional fees; these vary by service and are arranged separately.
Refund Information • The book deposit is refundable. Other refunds (e.g., for tuition) are subject to school policy and are not detailed in published fees.
Payment Options • Common payment methods at international schools include bank transfer; specific online or card options are not listed in publicly available fee summaries. Parents typically coordinate payment through the school finance office.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
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Boarding arrangements
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Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
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Food options
Food options
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Food options
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House system
House system
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House system
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Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
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Governance and ownership
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Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
Deutsche Schule Seoul International offers a continuous German international curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 12, with German as the primary language of instruction and English-language subject classes in the arts, history and geography. In Sekundarstufe (grades 5–12), students follow an eight-year pathway that culminates in the Deutsche Internationale Abitur in the Oberstufe (grades 11–12). After completing Sekundarstufe I, pupils may earn the Hauptschulabschluss as a recognised exit credential. The Oberstufe leads to the Abitur with three written and two oral exams, and the overall result combines 36 points from the Qualifikationsphase with the five Abitur exams weighted fourfold. Instruction is predominantly German, with English-taught Fachunterricht in some subjects and English-language Abitur examinations; English begins in grade 3 and French from grade 6.
Curriculum details
Korea International School Pangyo Campus follows an American curriculum from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12, with instruction delivered in English. In the Elementary School, the curriculum focuses on core subjects including English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies, alongside specialist subjects such as world languages, art, music, and physical education. The Middle School programme continues these core subjects while introducing more subject-specific coursework and increased elective options. In High School, students complete a college-preparatory programme leading to a KIS high school diploma, with the option to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses in selected subjects. World languages offered across the school include Korean, Spanish, Mandarin, and French, depending on grade level. The curriculum is designed to align with university entry requirements, particularly for higher education systems in the United States.
1. Admissions Process Look & See and eligibility check. Before applying, review the Korean government prerequisites for international schools in Korea. At least one parent must be non-Korean, or the child must have at least 1095 days (three years) living abroad, or other criteria related to the child's schooling history. You are invited to visit the school for a consultative discussion and a tour, where staff will answer questions about the program, community, and living in Seoul. During this visit you can clarify which eligibility path applies to your family and gather initial information about the campus and schedule.
2. Submission of the admission form. If applicable, provide evidence of German language knowledge; a language test may be conducted on site. If Korean citizenship is held by either parent, documentation of the child's overseas residence days (1095 days) is required. For children of foreign-born parents, Germany-based documentation may also be requested.
3. Bearbeitungsgebühr (admission processing fee) and admission/membership fees. Upon a favorable review, you receive a set of payment requests: a processing fee per child (non-refundable) of 300,000 KRW; an admission and membership fee for the School (per family, non-refundable) of 2,500,000 KRW; and, if applicable, an admission and membership fee for Kindergarten (per family, non-refundable) of 1,500,000 KRW. A minimum additional supporting membership (for individuals without children at the school) is encouraged and creditable if children are registered later. These charges are due after admission confirmation.
4. Admission interview. After payment confirms, you attend an admission interview with the school or kindergarten leadership and the relevant teachers. The interview provides detailed program information and allows you to raise any final questions about the child's start date, class placement, and support needs.
5. Admission decision and School Association membership. The school admission decision is communicated to you in writing. All parents become members of the Deutsche Schule Seoul International School Association as part of the admission process; membership is a prerequisite for enrolling children in kindergarten and/or school.
6. Payment of fees. Following the admission offer, you receive an invoice for the required fees. Payments cover tuition, school/kindergarten fees, and any bus services if applicable. Invoices can be paid in full by the due date or, upon written request within 14 days of the invoice, in two half-year installments. A 1% surcharge applies to semi-annual payments.
7. Submission of additional documents and start preparations. Before the first day of school or kindergarten, additional documents may be requested. Class or group leaders will provide start-day information and guidance to help your child settle in smoothly.
Notes on language and program. The school teaches in German as the primary language of instruction, with English-language subject instruction in certain areas (e.g., arts, history, geography). A bilingual environment supports students toward the International German Abitur. This language arrangement is reflected in the program and curriculum materials.
Admissions
1. Application submission Families begin by submitting an online application form for Korea International School, along with required documentation. This typically includes academic records, school reports, and other supporting materials relevant to the student’s grade level. An application and testing fee is required at this stage and is non-refundable.
2. Assessment and review After submission, applications are reviewed by the admissions team. Students may be required to complete grade-appropriate assessments and, where relevant, interviews. English language ability and academic readiness are considered as part of this review.
3. Admissions decision Following assessment, families are informed of the admissions decision. An offer may be made subject to space availability and the school’s ability to meet the student’s learning needs. Some offers may be conditional.
4. Enrolment and confirmation To secure a place, families must accept the offer and complete enrolment requirements, including payment of required registration and entrance fees. Enrolment is finalized once all documentation and payments are received.
Scholarships
Scholarships
3) Scholarships DSSE does not operate a traditional scholarship program. The school provides fee-support options through the Schulgeldermäßigung (tuition reduction) program for families facing financial hardship, and there are also long-term attendance discounts. Details are available through the administration on request. Specifically: - Schulgeldermäßigung (tuition reduction) for families facing financial difficulties; a formal application process exists, with information and the application form available from the administration. - Ermäßigung der Schulgebühr (tuition reductions for long-term attendance) reduces the tuition depending on how many school years a student has attended; the discount is not transferable to siblings and does not credit kindergarten. - The Fees Regulation sets the rules for these reductions, including eligibility and application procedures. These scholarship-like provisions are described in the Fees Regulation (Gebührenordnung).
Scholarships
Korea International School does not publicly disclose information indicating that scholarships are offered.
Waitlist
Waitlist
2) Waitlist / Pool DSSE does not publish a waitlist or pool system for admissions. The published admissions process centers on eligibility checks, document submission, processing of fees, an admission interview, and an official admission decision followed by fee payment and onboarding steps. There is no separate waitlist procedure described in the admissions materials.
Waitlist
Korea International School does operate a waitlist when year groups are full. Placement on the waitlist does not guarantee admission, and offers are made if spaces become available.
