Jeju Island’s international schools are experiencing a significant drop in enrollment, raising concerns about their future viability and impact on local education.
Impact of Declining Enrollment
The international schools on Jeju Island are facing a critical challenge as student enrollment has dropped significantly, from 4,868 in 2023 to 4,133 in 2025. This decline has resulted in an enrollment rate decrease from 90 percent to 71.7 percent, raising concerns about the sustainability of these institutions.
These schools were established to attract global talent and revitalize rural areas, absorbing education spending worth 1.42 trillion won since 2011 that might have been spent on overseas study. However, competition from approximately 130 unaccredited international schools operating in Korea has intensified, further complicating their situation.
Jeju Island hosts four international schools, which have become vital for families seeking quality education. Despite the population of Daejeong-eup, where these schools are located, increasing from around 17,000 in 2010 to 21,600 in 2025, the decline in enrollment suggests a shift in demand or preference among families.
In response to these challenges, local officials are considering various policy measures to ensure that the Global Education City can establish itself as a global hub for residential education services. Oh Young-hun, a local official, stated, “We will review various policy measures so that the Global Education City can establish itself as a global hub for residential education services.”
Moreover, the introduction of new cruise routes, such as the Adora Mediterranea starting operations from Dalian on May 27, 2025, aims to boost tourism by making Jeju Island a key stop for Chinese travelers seeking nature and cultural experiences. However, the impact of these new routes on Jeju’s tourism economy is yet to be fully assessed.
As the local government navigates these educational and economic challenges, the central government has been urged to participate in consultations with a broader perspective. Kim Jin-tae emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to address these pressing issues.
Despite the potential for growth in tourism and education, the long-term sustainability of Jeju’s international schools remains uncertain due to declining enrollment and increasing competition. Additionally, details regarding the full impact of the new cruise routes on the local economy remain unconfirmed.
