[Graphic News] Number of foreign students hits record high

The number of foreign students in Korea has hit a record high this year, data from the Justice Ministry showed Tuesday.

As of February, the number of foreign students reached 92,076, up 8 percent on-year, the ministry said.

The figure has gradually increased since 2008 but started to decline from 2012. The number dropped to 85,230 last year, the lowest figure since 2011, officials said.

It picked up drastically last year, following various measures taken by the government and schools, including loosened admission regulations for foreigners majoring in natural sciences and engineering and a variety of tuition and program benefits.

The hallyu drama boom has also likely played a role in attracting overseas students, officials said. The number of Asian students, in particular, showed a hike last year, right after the Korean hit-drama “My Love from the Star” was aired.