Korea plans easier visa rules for Korean-speaking students, new gap-year track

What happened: South Korea's Justice Ministry proposed easing visa rules for international students, including waiving proof-of-funds for those meeting Korean-language standards and adding a gap-year visa track. Key numbers: International students in Korea rose from about 200,000 in 2022 to over 300,000 last year, reaching about 350,000 as of August. Why it matters: The ministry said it aims to shift from attracting students to supporting their education, employment and long-term settlement, citing their growing economic impact. Measures within its authority begin this year.

South Korea's Justice Ministry proposed easing visa rules for international students, including waiving proof-of-funds for those meeting Korean-language standards and adding a gap-year visa track.

The ministry said it aims to shift from attracting students to supporting their education, employment and long-term settlement, citing their growing economic impact. Measures within its authority begin this year.