East Asia · South Korea
IELTS in Seoul
Seoul is the largest IELTS market in South Korea, with high test volume driven by graduate-school applications to the UK, Australia, and Canada, plus a growing share of skilled-migration candidates.
IELTS Academic
KRW 290,000 (~USD 215)
IELTS General Training
KRW 290,000 (~USD 215)
Test providers & formats in Seoul
Providers
- • British Council Korea
- • IDP Education Korea
Formats available
- • Computer-delivered (multiple per week)
- • Paper-based
Test centres in Seoul
- British Council Seoul (Jongno)
- IDP IELTS Test Centre Gangnam
- IDP IELTS Test Centre Sinchon
Booking notes: Computer-delivered tests run almost daily during peak season. Pay by Korean card or international card; refunds take 14 days.
IELTS score requirements for popular destinations from Seoul
Most Seoul candidates apply to: United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada.
United States (graduate school)
Overall 7.0Component minimums: 6.5 in each band
Many US graduate programmes still prefer TOEFL but accept IELTS at 7.0+.
United Kingdom (postgraduate)
Overall 6.5Component minimums: 6.0 in each band
Russell Group masters often require 7.0; visa needs UKVI Academic IELTS.
Australia (postgraduate)
Overall 6.5Component minimums: 6.0 in each band
G8 universities typically 7.0 for arts and humanities.
Requirements change. Always verify directly with the institution before booking your test.
Preparation tips for candidates in Seoul
- 1Korean candidates typically score lowest on Speaking — focus on linking phrases and avoiding overly memorised answers, which examiners detect easily.
- 2British Council Jongno offers free 'Road to IELTS' online portal access on registration; use it before booking expensive prep courses.
- 3Speaking tests in Seoul are often scheduled in the afternoon of test day; eat lightly at lunch — fatigue affects fluency.
- 4Practice IELTS-specific Writing Task 2 essays — many Korean candidates over-rely on TOEFL essay structure, which is penalised in IELTS.