Seoul Foreign School – British School becomes Korea's first Forest School Development Centre

Seoul Foreign School (SFS) is proud to announce that its British School has been recognised as South Korea's first Forest Schools™ Development Centre, a landmark achievement that reflects a commitment to educational excellence stretching back to SFS's founding in 1912. For the British School, which opened in 1981 as the first British school in Korea, it marks the latest milestone in a proud tradition of being first — and doing it well.

As part of the wider Seoul Foreign School community, the British School has long been the trusted choice for families seeking a world-class British education in Seoul. SFS offers a distinctive dual pathway in the primary years: the English curriculum for English and Mathematics, coupled with the International Curriculum (ICA) through the British School, and the IB programme through the Elementary School, both serving children aged 3–11 from Foundation Stage through Year 6. From Grade 6 onwards, students continue their journey through a single, unified IB pathway, spanning the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes through to Grade 12. That legacy of innovation continues today.

What is Forest School?

Forest School is an approach to learning that places children at its heart. Through regular, meaningful time in natural environments, children develop confidence, curiosity, and resilience, learning to collaborate, take managed risks, and think for themselves. It is not a one-off activity or an added extra; it is a long-term, structured programme that enriches every dimension of a child's development: social, emotional, and academic.

At Seoul Foreign School, this vision comes naturally to life. The school's extraordinary 26-acre campus, home to its very own forest, provides the ideal setting for Forest School to flourish. Here, the woodland is not a backdrop; it is a classroom. Children have the space and freedom to explore, discover, and grow in ways that no four walls can offer.

A first for Korea — and a responsibility that comes with it

As South Korea's first and only Forest School Development Centre, the British School now takes on a leadership role in shaping the future of nature-based learning across the country. It will model best practice, support fellow educators, and champion a vision of education that sees the whole child, not just the academic one.

"This recognition reflects our commitment to providing an education that develops the whole child," said British School Principal Ms Sarah Patterson. "It builds on our long-standing values and allows us to offer something truly distinctive, an environment where children can thrive, not only academically, but as confident, thoughtful individuals."

Experience it for yourself

Forest School is best understood not through description, but through experience. Seoul Foreign School – British School warmly invites families to attend an upcoming Parent Experience workshop on April 18, a hands-on opportunity to step into the forest, see learning unfold in real time, and discover what makes this approach so transformative.

Forest School Parent Experience

• Saturday, April 18, 2026, 9:00-11:15 AM
• Seoul Foreign School - British School and SFS Forest  
• Sign-up through this link: FORM  

*The Forest School Parent Experience is designed for families currently not enrolled at SFS. For current SFS families, a separate event is planned. Please reach out to Sarah Patterson, SFS British School Principal, for more information.