South Korea is no longer just a destination for K-pop, technology, and engineering. With international tourism rebounding strongly after 2024 and global hotel chains expanding across Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and Incheon, the country is witnessing a boom in hospitality-related careers.
According to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), South Korea recorded over 20 million international visitors in 2024–2025, creating a surge in demand for trained professionals in hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise tourism, and event management.
Key drivers include:
Expansion of global hotel brands (Marriott, Hyatt, Accor, Lotte)
Growth of medical tourism and MICE tourism
Government investment in tourism education
Rising demand for English-speaking hospitality professionals
This growth directly fuels demand for graduates from Hospitality and Tourism Programs in South Korea.
Best Hospitality and Tourism Degrees in South Korea
South Korea offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate hospitality programs with strong industry orientation.
Popular Degree Options
Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management
Bachelor’s in Tourism & Event Management
Master’s in Hospitality & Tourism Management
Hotel & Resort Management Programs
Many of the best hospitality and tourism degrees in South Korea emphasize:
Practical training
Industry internships
Service excellence
Global hospitality standards
Top Universities for Hotel and Tourism Management in Korea
Several universities are internationally recognized for hospitality education.
Leading Institutions
Kyung Hee University – Tourism & Hospitality Management (globally ranked)
Sejong University – Known as Korea’s #1 tourism university
Hanyang University – Hospitality and leisure studies
Pai Chai University – Tourism and airline service programs
Woosong University (Endicott College) – Strong English-taught programs
These institutions consistently appear among the top universities for hotel and tourism management in Korea, offering strong placement support and industry links.
English-Taught Tourism Programs in South Korea
One major advantage for international students is the availability of English-taught tourism programs in South Korea.
Key Features
No Korean language required at entry
International faculty and curriculum
Internship-focused structure
Multicultural campus environment
English programs are especially popular at:
Sejong University
Woosong University
Kyung Hee University (selected tracks)
This makes Hospitality and Tourism Programs in South Korea accessible even for beginners in Korean language.
Eligibility & Admission Requirements
Study Hospitality and Tourism in Korea – Eligibility & Requirements
While requirements vary slightly, most universities expect:
High school certificate (for bachelor’s)
Bachelor’s degree (for master’s)
Academic transcripts
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL or equivalent)
Some universities also accept students without English test scores if prior education was in English.
Typical intakes:
Spring intake: March
Fall intake: September
Meeting deadlines early improves scholarship and admission chances.
Hospitality and Tourism Internships in South Korea
Internships are a core component of hospitality education in Korea.
Internship Opportunities Include:
Luxury hotels and resorts
Travel agencies and tour operators
Airlines and airport services
Event management companies
Cruise and resort tourism
Most hospitality and tourism internships in South Korea are:
Paid or stipend-based
Integrated into the academic curriculum
Supported by university-industry partnerships
Internships significantly improve employability and help students understand Korean work culture.
Career Opportunities in South Korea Hotel Industry
The hotel and tourism sector in Korea offers diverse roles for graduates.
Career Opportunities in South Korea Hotel Industry
Hotel Operations Executive
Front Office Manager
Guest Relations Manager
Event & Conference Coordinator
Travel Consultant
Airline Ground Staff
Resort Operations Manager
Graduates from Hospitality and Tourism Programs in South Korea are highly valued for their international exposure and service training.
Hospitality and Tourism Salary and Jobs in South Korea
Average Salary Range
Entry-level roles: ₩25–35 million/year
Mid-level management: ₩40–55 million/year
Senior roles & international hotels: ₩60+ million/year
The hospitality and tourism salary and jobs in South Korea improve significantly with:
Korean language skills
International internships
Prior hotel experience
Tourism-focused cities like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju offer the most opportunities.
Tourism and Hospitality Scholarships in South Korea
To attract international students, universities and the government offer several scholarships.
Popular Scholarship Options
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
University merit-based scholarships
Tuition reduction for international students
Industry-sponsored training grants
Many tourism and hospitality scholarships in South Korea cover 30–100% of tuition fees.
How to Enter the Hotel Industry After Studying in Korea
Practical Career Pathway
Complete degree + internship
Gain Korean language proficiency (TOPIK level 2–3 helps)
Apply for D-10 Job-Seeking Visa
Secure hotel or tourism employment
Transition to E-7 work visa
Universities often provide placement cells and career fairs to support this journey.
Understanding how to enter the hotel industry after studying in Korea is crucial for long-term career success.
Is Hospitality and Tourism Education in South Korea Worth It?
If you are looking for:
Practical, industry-focused education
International hotel exposure
Affordable tuition compared to Europe
Strong post-study career pathways
Then Hospitality and Tourism Programs in South Korea offer excellent value and long-term growth.
With tourism rebounding and hotels expanding rapidly, South Korea is becoming a global hotspot for hospitality education. From top-ranked universities to real-world internships and career opportunities, Hospitality and Tourism Programs in South Korea provide a strong foundation for international students aiming for global hotel careers.
Planning to study hospitality or tourism in Korea?
Get expert guidance on university selection, eligibility, scholarships, and visas.
Contact Overseas Education Lane today and start your journey into South Korea’s thriving hospitality industry.
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