As South Korea positions itself as a competitive global education hub, understanding the determinants that attract and satisfy international students is critical. This study investigates the factors influencing the selection of South Korea as a higher education destination and examines the key predictors of international students satisfaction with their academic and social experiences. Drawing on a quantitative, cross-sectional design, the study surveyed 231 international students across various South Korean higher education institutions. Key destination choice factors included safety, quality of education, scholarship availability, and cultural interest. Satisfaction predictors were assessed through logistic regression analysis, revealing that quality of education, facilities and resources, research opportunities, support services, cultural engagement, and exploration of Korea significantly influenced overall student satisfaction. Safety and living conditions emerged as the most influential reasons for destination choice, while language barriers and geographic proximity were less critical. The study underscores the importance of tailored institutional support, culturally inclusive strategies, and expanded academic opportunities to enhance student satisfaction and retention. The findings offer evidence-based recommendations for policymakers and educational leaders aiming to strengthen South Korea’s global education appeal while addressing diverse international student needs. This research contributes to the broader discourse on international student mobility by highlighting the interplay between destination appeal and student satisfaction in a non-traditional host country.
Kwak et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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