QUICK ANSWER
U.S. art schools do not publish any preference between arts high schools in Seoul and those in Gyeonggi. Their written requirements are the same for every applicant: a portfolio within each school’s range, some direct observation where required, recent work, writing and an English score. What location really changes is time: the commute and school schedule decide how many hours are left each week for self-directed work and English.
So compare schools on the hours they leave free and the kind of work students make there, not on postcode.
SEOUL / GYEONGGI · 1
The Main Arts High Schools by Area
| Area | Schools |
|---|---|
| Seoul | Seoul Arts High School (Jongno-gu), Sunhwa Arts High School (Gwangjin-gu) |
| Gyeonggi | Kyewon Arts High School (Seongnam), Anyang Arts High School (Anyang), Goyang Arts High School (Goyang) |
School locations. Admission rules and curricula are set by each school; check them directly.
SEOUL / GYEONGGI · 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 |
| Writing | Common App essay; Parsons two essays; SVA statement |
| English | SVA TOEFL 80 (4.5); Pratt 92 (5); RISD 5 |
From the official application pages of Parsons, Pratt, RISD and SVA, checked October 2026.
None of these depends on which arts high school a student attends. A student at any of the schools above meets them the same way: by selecting recent strong work, adding self-directed projects, and preparing English and writing.
A WEEKLY TIME CHECK
Before choosing a school, or a study plan within one, estimate the hours left each week after classes, homework and travel. U.S. preparation needs regular time for two or three self-directed projects and English test study, especially in the second year before the final-year workload. A shorter commute is one way to find those hours. Our pages on 예고 and U.S. applications and which 입시 skills to keep cover what to do with them.
SEOUL / GYEONGGI · 3
Frequently Asked Questions
Do U.S. art schools prefer Seoul arts high schools?
U.S. schools publish no such preference. Their portfolio, writing and English requirements are the same for every applicant.
Which arts high schools are in Gyeonggi?
Kyewon Arts High School in Seongnam, Anyang Arts High School in Anyang and Goyang Arts High School in Goyang, among others.
Does the commute matter for U.S. preparation?
It affects the hours available each week for self-directed projects and English study, which U.S. applications need.
Can class assignments go in the portfolio?
Yes, if they are recent and strong. Pratt asks for work from the last 18 months.
When should arts high school students start U.S. preparation?
Ideally in the second year, before the final-year workload.
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 and SVA. Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: 예고 and U.S. Applications · 입시 Skills: Keep or Leave · Gap Year Before U.S. Art School · Hongik vs U.S. Preparation · Royal Blue Results