When and Where to Find the Foreign Student Expos in Korea
Annyeonghaseyo, future students! You’ve got the dream, and you’ve done the research. Now, you need the most direct connection to Korean universities: the Study Abroad Expo. These events are crucial for getting direct advice on visas, scholarships, and applications.
You’re asking about when and where will the expo for foreign students be held. While the official government fairs primarily focus on attracting Korean students to study abroad, there are key international events and government-run online fairs that specifically target you, the international student coming to Korea.
Here is the strategic breakdown of the major international education fairs you need to track in 2026.
The 2026 Event Calendar for International Students
Keep in mind that dates for large conventions are set far in advance, but specific university participation can change. Always check the official event website closer to the date.
1. Spring Intake Fairs (March/April Focus)
These fairs are perfectly timed for students planning their Fall semester (September) intake applications, which typically close between March and May.
Event: International Education Fair Korea – Seoul
- When: Late March 2026 (e.g., March 28-29, 2026 is a strong historical target).
- Where: COEX, Seoul (Hall D or similar major COEX space).
- Significance: This is a major, recurring event often combining study abroad (for Koreans) and international education (for foreigners). It features direct participation from Korean universities and agencies.
Event: International Education Fair Korea – Busan
- When: Early April 2026 (e.g., April 4-5, 2026).
- Where: BEXCO, Busan.
- Significance: Great for students who are aiming for universities outside of Seoul. The BEXCO venue is massive and often attracts a strong contingent of regional universities.
2. Specialized Events
These events are usually held by the Korean government’s NIIED (National Institute for International Education) or industry groups and focus heavily on specific programs.
Event: Study in Korea Online Education Fair (Korean Language Focus)
- When: Recurring throughout the year (Historically often held in the Spring/Fall, e.g., April/September).
- Where: Online (Virtual).
- Significance: These NIIED-hosted fairs are crucial because they feature live webinars, 1:1 chats with university staff (often from 50+ universities), and direct information sessions on Korean language programs and the GKS Scholarship process. This is your most direct line to official government information.
Insider Tip: Why You Need to Attend
These expos are not just for collecting brochures; they are for making crucial connections:
Scholarship Clarity: You can ask university staff specific questions about the TOPIK requirements for their scholarship programs—information often difficult to find clearly on the website.
Visa Advice: University representatives are experts on the D-2 and D-4 visa requirements for their specific school and can give you tailored document checklists.
Application Hacks: You can often speak directly to admissions officers and get personalized advice on how to make your Study Plan stand out.
Always confirm the precise dates and pre-register on the COEX or Study in Korea official websites for free entry!