Law Schools
15 Best Law Schools in Korea | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply
In South Korea, earning a legal degree from a prestigious institution is seen as a great achievement both domestically and abroad.
Due to its high levels of academic accomplishment, law schools in South Korea have been one of the top destinations for students looking for a top-notch education.
In South Korea, law students get the opportunity to study the letter of the law in a highly technologically advanced setting while also having the chance to engage with eminent legal scholars.
To help you better grasp the legal curriculum in Korea, this article lists some of the best law schools in Korea 2024.
What are the Best Law Schools in Korea in 2024?
There are 15 best law schools in South Korea listed below.
- Seoul National University School of Law
- Chonnam National University Law School
- Korea University Law School
- Kyungpook National University,
- Pusan National University.
- Sungkyunkwan University
- Yonsei University Law School
- Ewha Women’s University
- Chonbuk National University,
- Yeungnam Law School.
- Kyunghee Law School
- Wonkwang Law School
- Seoul, South Korean law school
- Ajou Law School
- Chung-Ang Law School
Read Also: 15 Best Law Schools in Spain | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply
How Long is a Law School in Korea?
A foreign applicant must complete a three-year graduate program at a Korean university law school under the new policy, which became effective in 2009.
Foreign lawyers must also have a work visa to practice in Korea. Foreign lawyers can work as foreign legal consultants or in law firms after meeting the necessary prerequisites. Visit the International Bar Association for further details.
Read Also: 10 Best Law Schools in South Carolina | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply
What are the Requirements of Law Schools in Korea 2024?
Since the introduction of the 2007 Act calling for reform in legal education, law schools in Korea have transformed into graduate schools (similar to the US system). And, the following are required to get into a law school for a bachelor’s degree:
- You must have graduated from high school successfully (for a maximum of 3 years).
- Law school admissions do not require a Korean diploma; however, TOPIK 3 or better is required.
- Free of infectious or fatal diseases, outstanding warrants, or prior arrests.
- Have the resources to pay for living costs and tuition
- Application fees
- Pass the Legal Education Eligibility Test (LEET), a test based on the LSAT used for admission to US law schools.
- Achieve a minimum grade point average for undergraduate work.
- Fluency in a foreign language.
- The school-administered essay exams, essays, interviews, and other application materials are utilized to assess additional factors.
Read Also: 15 Best Law Schools in Washington DC | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply
How Much is the Tuition of Law Schools in Korea?
It costs between $2,000 and $20,000 to study law in some of the most prestigious law schools in South Korea. It is important to note that most tuition does not cover other living expenses.
For instance, international students will pay more to study in Korea than resident students. Intending students should research the average living expenses in the area where their school is located. Generally, international students studying law in Korea budget an average of $400-$500 a month aside from basic tuition.
The 15 Best Law Schools in Korea
Choosing the best school law school in Korea for you shouldn’t be a herculean task. Read through this list of schools in Korea and find the one that best fits your academic needs.
#1. Seoul National University School of Law
One of Seoul National University’s professional graduate schools, Seoul National University School of Law is situated in Seoul, South Korea. Its Korean name is 서울대학교 법학전문대학원; SNU Law. South Korea’s SNU Law is usually regarded as having the highest academic standing. [3]
It is the oldest and most renowned law school in South Korea, having opened its doors in 1895 under the name “Pakwan Yangsungso.” Following changes to legal education in 2009, it adopted a 3-year law school system with American influences and now confers the J.D., J.S.D., LL.M., and Ph.D. degrees in law. The law school no longer accepts undergraduate law students as a result of the creation of the graduate J.D. program. The graduate programs offered by the Law School will gradually replace the LL.B. program. Each J.D. class at SNU Law currently has 150 students enrolled.
The law school at Seoul National University in South Korea provides undergraduate, master’s, and doctorate programs.
A bachelor’s degree as well as 327 on the TEPS or 86 on the TOEFL (IBT) for overseas applicants are prerequisites for admission to the master’s program.
A master’s degree and a minimum TEPS score of 327 points or TOEFL (IBT) score of 86 points are requirements for admission to the doctoral program.
#2. Chonnam National University Law School
The national law school in Gwangju, South Korea is called Chonnam National University Law School.
The school has produced numerous lawyers who have helped create justice in Korea since it was formed in 1954. The newly established law school system allowed the establishment of an approved three-year JD program in 2008, and as a result, the school has grown to become one of the biggest, with an average enrollment of 120 students per JD class.
Chonnam National Law was recently named ninth among the best law schools in Korea for 2017 by Hankyung Business Magazine.
#3. Korea University Law School
Korea University Law School has been a leader in South Korean legal education for more than a century. Korea University Law School, the oldest in the country, has its roots in the 1905-founded Bosung College Law Department.
Early in the 20th century, the college’s Law Department became the first private institution in Korea to offer legal training. It has had a significant impact on how South Korea’s current law education system was developed. Being ranked first in passing the bar exam has helped the school establish itself as a top provider of legal education in South Korea.T
The Legal School has produced many of the country’s most significant attorneys, prosecutors, judges, and legislators, making it one of the most prestigious law schools in South Korea.
The option of taking in-depth classes led by well-known professors from around the world is available to students. Along with master’s and doctoral degrees, the institution also offers diploma, Juris Doctor, and Doctor of Jurisprudential Science programs.
4. Kyungpook National University
One of Kyungpook National University’s professional graduate programs is its law school, which is situated in Daegu, South Korea. With each class in the three-year J.D. program having about 120 students, it is one of the major law schools in South Korea and one of the founding institutions.
5. Pusan National University
One of Pusan National University’s professional graduate programs is the school of law, which is situated in Busan, South Korea. With each class in the three-year J.D. program having about 120 students, it is one of the major law schools in South Korea and one of the founding institutions.
6. Sungkyunkwan University
One of Sungkyunkwan University’s professional graduate schools, Sungkyunkwan Law School is based in Seoul, South Korea. With each class in the three-year J.D. program having about 120 students, it is one of the primary law schools in South Korea and one of the founding institutions.
Although more than 40% of the courses are taught in English, the majority of the courses are taught in Korean due to the nation’s global competitiveness.
7. Yonsei University
One of Yonsei University’s professional graduate schools, Yonsei Law School is situated in Seoul, South Korea. It is considered to be one of the top three law schools in Korea and is a member of SKY (universities). The law school in Korea is dedicated to providing the best education possible by utilizing resources like Gwang-bok Hall and hiring the most skilled faculty.
Through the university’s collaboration with 10 universities in seven nations, students can obtain dual J.D./LL.M. degrees as well as eligibility for the Korean and US bar exams if they take part in international exchange programs.
8. Ewha Woman’s University
Ewha Woman’s University, which is based in Seoul, South Korea, has several professional graduate schools, including Ewha Law School. Only 100 female students are admitted to each class in the three-year J.D. program at this law school, which was one of the first to open in South Korea and was founded in 2009; male students are not permitted to enroll here.
9. Jeonbuk National University
Chonbuk National University School is one of the professional graduate programs offered by the university in Jeonju, South Korea. It was one of the first law schools in South Korea to open in 2009 and is a medium-sized institution with an average of 70 students in each of the three classes that make up the J.D. program.
10. Yeungnam Law School
One of Yeungnam University’s professional graduate schools, Yeungnam Law School is situated in Kyungsan, South Korea. It was one of the first law schools in South Korea to open in 2009 and is a medium-sized institution with an average of 70 students in each of the three classes that make up the J.D. program.
11. Kyunghee Law School
One of Kyunghee University’s professional graduate schools, Kyunghee Law School, is situated in Seoul, South Korea. It was one of the first law schools in South Korea to open in 2009, and it is also one of the smaller ones, with an average of 60 students in each class over the three-year J.D. program.
12. Wonkwang Law School
One of Wonkwang University’s professional graduate schools, Wonkwang Law School, is situated in Iksan, South Korea. It was one of the first law schools in South Korea to open in 2009, and it is also one of the smaller ones, with an average of 60 students in each class over the three-year J.D. program.
13 Seoul, South Korea law school
One of the professional graduate schools of the University of Seoul, which is situated in Seoul, South Korea, is a law school. It was one of South Korea’s first law schools to open in 2009 and is also one of the smallest ones, with only about 50 students enrolled in each of its three-year J.D. classes.
14. Ajou Law School
One of Ajou University’s professional graduate schools, Ajou Law School is situated in Suwon, South Korea. It was one of the first law schools in South Korea to open in 2009, and it is also one of the smaller ones, with an average of 50 students in each class over the three-year J.D. program.
15. Chung-Ang Law School.
One of the professional graduate schools of Chung-Ang University, which is situated in Seoul, South Korea, is Chung-Ang Law School. It was one of South Korea’s first law schools to open in 2009 and is also one of the smallest ones, with only about 50 students enrolled in each of its three-year J.D. classes.
Visit School
How to Apply to a Law School in Korea
Step1: Select one of the 15 best law schools in South Korea and submit an application.
Step2: Determine where to send your college application.
Many universities in South Korea allow applicants to submit their forms online. You must visit each institution’s website to find the application form because there is no centralized system.
Step3: Meet the requirements for entering a university.
While each university has its standards for admission, the following are some of the usual ones:
- apply.
- evidence that the application cost was paid (if applicable).
- A high school diploma is required for a bachelor’s application.
- A bachelor’s degree is required to apply for a master’s.
- English proficiency evidence (IELTS, TOEFL)
- evidence of financial capability (to live and study there).
- records transcription
- a passport-size photograph (s)
- a copy of a current passport or other forms of identification
- an explanation letter
- recommendation letters or letters.
- individual statement
- Internet interview
Step 4: Find out what language restrictions there are.
Step 5: Submit your application before the deadlines
Step 6: Once you have received your acceptance letter and university offer, confirm your enrollment. Then, apply for a student visa to South Korea, purchase health insurance, and look for grants and scholarships.
Conclusion
There are more career opportunities for students who are passionate about the law because law and conflict issues are becoming more common in Korea. This will change their futures and help them flourish in our nation.
I hope this post was able to solve your query.
Frequently Asked Questions
With a very high wage, the law is a widely popular profession. Your pay will be greater than average if you earn a degree outside of your country. To defend their interests, many companies and businesses are willing to spend a lot of money on attorneys and legal counsel.
Right now, the bar exam is the only way to become a lawyer in Korea. To sit for the bar test, candidates must hold a professional master’s degree from a Korean law school that is accredited.
Foreign degrees are not recognized in South Korea, so becoming licensed to practice law in South Korea requires a prolonged application process. Foreign lawyers must successfully complete a three-year graduate-level law curriculum and pass the South Korean Bar Examination to be admitted as local attorneys in South Korea.
The Korean Foreign Legal Consultants Act of the KORUS FTA permits American lawyers to work in Korea as “Foreign Legal Consultants” (FLCs). To become an FLC, an attorney must be from a nation that has a free trade agreement with South Korea.
In order to have a fair chance of being accepted, Seoul National University (SNU) in South Korea requires students to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6.
References
- Wikipedia.org– Best law schools in the Republic of Korea
- Wikipedia.org– Requirements for Law Schools in Korea
- Mastersportal.com– How to apply to a law school in Korea
- Schoolsandtravel.com– Tuition fees of law schools in Korea
