How to Become a Doctor in Korea
Do you want to become a doctor in South Korea?
This guide will walk you through the entire process—
from getting into medical school to obtain
a medical license (KMLE) and completing residency training.
If you are an international student,
don’t worry! We will also explain
how you can apply to Korean medical schools
through special admission programs.
Overview: Steps to Becoming a Doctor in Korea
✔ Enter medical school
(6-year undergraduate program or 4-year graduate program)
✔ Pass the Korean Medical Licensing Examination (KMLE) t
o obtain a medical license
✔ Complete training: 1-year internship +
3–7 years of residency (to specialize)
Now, let's go through each step in detail!
How to Get Into Medical School in Korea
(1) Admission Requirements for Korean Medical Schools
There are two main pathways
to medical education in Korea:
1️⃣ 6-year medical school –
For high school graduates
2️⃣ 4-year graduate medical school –
For those with a bachelor’s degree
✔ 6-Year Medical School – For High School Graduates
✅ Completion of high school
(or an equivalent qualification such as IB, A-Level, SAT)
✅ Korean language proficiency:
Minimum TOPIK Level 4
✅ Strong academic performance
(GPA 3.5+/4.0, SAT 1400+, IB 36+)
✅ Personal statement and interview
(requirements vary by university)
✔ 4-Year Graduate Medical School – For Bachelor’s Degree Holders
✅ A bachelor’s degree
(preferably in Biology, Chemistry, or Health Sciences)
✅ Must take the MEET
(Medical Education Eligibility Test) or GRE
✅ TOPIK Level 4 or higher
(since most courses are taught in Korean)
(2) Can International Students Apply to Korean Medical Schools?
✔ Yes! However, you must meet
the following requirements:
✅ Both parents must be non-Korean citizens
(You must be a foreign national)
✅ High school completion
(or qualifications such as SAT, IB, A-Level)
✅ TOPIK Level 4 or higher
(Required to take medical courses in Korean)
✅ Meet the specific university admission criteria
(interview, essays, etc.)
🔹 Top Korean Medical Schools Accepting International Students
| Seoul National University (SNU) | Requires TOPIK Level 4+ |
| Yonsei University | Special international student programs available |
| Korea University | Courses taught in Korean |
| Sungkyunkwan University | Affiliated with Samsung Medical Center |
✔ Seoul National University (SNU) – Requires TOPIK Level 4+
✔ Yonsei University – Special international student programs available
✔ Korea University – Courses taught in Korean
✔ Sungkyunkwan University – Affiliated with Samsung Medical Center
✔ Catholic University of Korea – Global admission program
📢 Note: Admission requirements differ for each university, so always check their official websites!
How to Obtain a Medical License in Korea (KMLE)
After graduating from medical school,
you need to pass the Korean Medical Licensing
Examination (KMLE) to become a licensed doctor.
✔ Eligibility to Take the KMLE:
✅ Must have completed medical school
in Korea or from an accredited foreign institution
✅ The exam consists of two parts:
- Written test (theoretical knowledge)
- Practical test (clinical skills)
If your foreign medical school is not officially
recognized by Korea, you may need
to take additional courses before being eligible for the KMLE.
Internship & Residency Training (Becoming a Specialist Doctor)
✔ Internship – 1 year of general medical training
✔ Residency – 3 to 7 years (depending on specialization)
🔹 Residency Duration by Specialization
✔ Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry – 3–4 years
✔ General Surgery, Neurosurgery – 5 years
✔ Plastic Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery – 6–7 years
💡 Residency is required if you want to become a specialist.
If you do not enter residency,
you can work as a general practitioner
after completing your internship.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Q1: Do I need to take the SAT or IB to apply?
✔ Yes! International students are required
to submit SAT, IB, or A-Level scores,
just like Korean students take the CSAT (Suneung) exam.
❓ Q2: Do I need to know Korean
to study medicine in Korea?
✔ Yes! Most medical courses are taught in Korean,
so TOPIK Level 4 or higher is required.
❓ Q3: If I graduate from a Korean medical school,
can I work as a doctor in another country?
✔ Yes! However, you may need to pass
additional licensing exams such as:
- USMLE (USA)
- MCCQE (Canada)
- PLAB (UK)
Summary: Steps to Becoming a Doctor in Korea
✔ Get into medical school
(6-year undergraduate or 4-year graduate program)
✔ Achieve Korean language proficiency
(Minimum TOPIK Level 4)
✔ Pass the KMLE to obtain a medical license
✔ Complete internship (1 year) +
residency (3–7 years) to specialize
Becoming a doctor in Korea is challenging but rewarding.
If you are an international student,
start preparing early and
choose the right university for your needs!
Have questions? Leave a comment, and we’ll be happy to help!