QUICK ANSWER
Seoul Arts High School (서울예고, Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu) and Sunhwa Arts High School (선화예고, Gwangjin-gu) are both long-established arts high schools in Seoul. U.S. art schools publish no preference between them, or between any Korean high schools. They apply the same written portfolio, writing and English rules to every applicant.
So for a family aiming at U.S. art schools, the better comparison is not reputation but practical fit: travel time, the hours left for self-directed work and English, and how each school supports overseas applications. The questions below help you get those answers from each school directly.
PYEONGCHANG / GWANGJIN · 1
Questions to Ask Each School
| Ask | Why it matters for U.S. applications |
|---|---|
| How many hours a week are left after required studio and academic classes? | U.S. portfolios need self-directed projects beyond class assignments |
| Can students choose their own subjects in upper-year art classes? | RISD looks for work with a point of view; set assignments alone rarely show it |
| Can the school issue an English transcript and a school profile? | U.S. schools need records they can read; RISD requires approved translations of documents not in English |
| Will art teachers write recommendations in English, or support translation? | RISD requires one recommendation; CalArts asks for two |
| How does the school schedule its final-year assessments? | U.S. deadlines start with RISD Early Decision on November 1 |
Requirements from RISD’s and CalArts’ application pages, checked October 2026. School-specific answers should come from each school.
PYEONGCHANG / GWANGJIN · 2
What U.S. Schools Ask of Every Applicant
| Requirement | Examples |
|---|---|
| Portfolio range | Parsons 8–12; Pratt 10–20; RISD 12–20; SVA 15–20 |
| Observation | RISD, SVA and Pratt ask for some; Parsons does not require it |
| Recency | Pratt: work from the last 18 months |
| English | SVA TOEFL 4.5 (80); Pratt 5 (92); RISD 5 |
From the official application pages of Parsons, Pratt, RISD and SVA, checked October 2026.
FOR FAMILIES CHOOSING
Either school can lead to a strong U.S. application if the student keeps time for their own projects, English and writing. Visit both, ask the questions above, and compare the answers in writing. See also Seoul vs Gyeonggi arts high schools and 예고 and U.S. applications.
PYEONGCHANG / GWANGJIN · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Do U.S. art schools prefer Seoul Arts High School or Sunhwa?
Neither. U.S. schools publish no preference between Korean high schools and apply the same requirements to all applicants.
Where are the two schools?
Seoul Arts High School is in Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu; Sunhwa Arts High School is in Gwangjin-gu.
What documents will U.S. schools need from my high school?
Transcripts and, where not in English, approved translations, plus teacher recommendations.
Can arts high school assignments go in a U.S. portfolio?
Yes, if recent and strong, alongside self-directed projects.
What should decide between the two schools?
Practical fit: travel time, free hours for your own work and English, and support for overseas applications.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students at 95 schools. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
U.S. requirements from the official application pages of Parsons, Pratt, RISD, SVA and CalArts. School locations as published by each school. Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: Seoul vs Gyeonggi Arts High Schools · 예고 and U.S. Applications · 입시 Skills: Keep or Leave · Gap Year Before U.S. Art School · Royal Blue Results