100 Best universities for Physics in South Korea

Updated: March 02, 2025

Ranking by academic field

Below is a list of best universities in South Korea ranked based on their research performance in Physics. A graph of 26.2M citations received by 1.14M academic papers made by 142 universities in South Korea was used to calculate publications' ratings, which then were adjusted for release dates and added to final scores.

We don't distinguish between undergraduate and graduate programs nor do we adjust for current majors offered. You can find information about granted degrees on a university page but always double-check with the university website.

1. Seoul National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#16 in Asia

#63 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 20%
Enrollment: 28,378
Founded: 1946

2. KAIST

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Daejeon

For Physics

#27 in Asia

#95 in the World

Enrollment: 10,249
Founded: 1971

3. Yonsei University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#49 in Asia

#170 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 18%
Enrollment: 29,502
Founded: 1957

4. Pohang University of Science and Technology

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Pohang

For Physics

#63 in Asia

#221 in the World

Enrollment: 3,425
Founded: 1986

5. Hanyang University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#64 in Asia

#234 in the World

Enrollment: 35,000
Founded: 1939

6. Sungkyunkwan University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#66 in Asia

#240 in the World

Founded: 1398

7. Korea University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#72 in Asia

#258 in the World

Enrollment: 24,351
Founded: 1905

8. Pusan National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Busan

For Physics

#106 in Asia

#391 in the World

Enrollment: 27,780
Founded: 1946

9. Kyungpook National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Daegu

For Physics

#130 in Asia

#476 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 35%
Enrollment: 38,616
Founded: 1946

10. Inha University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Incheon

For Physics

#133 in Asia

#485 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 7%
Enrollment: 20,613
Founded: 1954

11. Kyung Hee University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#134 in Asia

#487 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 54%
Enrollment: 35,826
Founded: 1949

12. Chonbuk National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Jeonju

For Physics

#151 in Asia

#540 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 35%
Enrollment: 32,300
Founded: 1947

13. Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Eonyang

For Physics

#185 in Asia

#620 in the World

Enrollment: 4,255
Founded: 2009

14. Chungnam National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Daejeon

For Physics

#187 in Asia

#623 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 35%
Enrollment: 30,000
Founded: 1952

15. Chonnam National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Gwangju

For Physics

#189 in Asia

#630 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 35%
Enrollment: 33,195
Founded: 1909

16. University of Ulsan

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Ulsan

For Physics

#193 in Asia

#653 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 30%
Enrollment: 15,000
Founded: 1970

17. Yeungnam University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Gyeongsan

For Physics

#207 in Asia

#699 in the World

Enrollment: 21,000
Founded: 1947

18. Chung-Ang University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#214 in Asia

#717 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 60%
Enrollment: 28,221
Founded: 1918

19. Ewha Womans University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#221 in Asia

#741 in the World

Enrollment: 24,680
Founded: 1886

20. Ajou University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Suwon

For Physics

#246 in Asia

#803 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 40%
Enrollment: 14,328
Founded: 1973

21. Konkuk University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#250 in Asia

#812 in the World

Enrollment: 21,620
Founded: 1946

22. Sejong University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#272 in Asia

#856 in the World

Enrollment: 13,350
Founded: 1940

23. Gyeongsang National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Jinju

For Physics

#274 in Asia

#860 in the World

Enrollment: 19,000
Founded: 1948

24. Sogang University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#286 in Asia

#900 in the World

Enrollment: 9,227
Male:Female: 55:45
Founded: 1960

25. Pukyong National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Busan

For Physics

#295 in Asia

#922 in the World

Enrollment: 28,100
Founded: 1924

26. Dongguk University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#303 in Asia

#939 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 35%
Enrollment: 28,204
Founded: 1906

27. Chungbuk National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Cheongju

For Physics

#308 in Asia

#952 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 47%
Enrollment: 24,300
Founded: 1951

28. Kangwon National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Chuncheon

For Physics

#335 in Asia

#1006 in the World

Enrollment: 38,064
Founded: 1947

29. Catholic University of Korea

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#380 in Asia

#1085 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 60%
Enrollment: 14,297
Founded: 1855

30. University of Science and Technology Korea

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Daejeon

For Physics

#394 in Asia

#1120 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 13%
Enrollment: 1,292
Founded: 2003

31. Kwangwoon University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#398 in Asia

#1127 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 35%
Enrollment: 9,807
Founded: 1934

32. Dankook University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Yongin

For Physics

#401 in Asia

#1134 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 40%
Enrollment: 28,654
Founded: 1947

33. Seoul National University of Science and Technology

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#432 in Asia

#1200 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 27%
Founded: 1910

34. Chosun University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Gwangju

For Physics

#441 in Asia

#1215 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 35%
Enrollment: 23,000
Founded: 1946

35. Soongsil University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#476 in Asia

#1287 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 36%
Enrollment: 16,000
Founded: 1897

36. University of Seoul

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#478 in Asia

#1291 in the World

Enrollment: 15,967
Founded: 1918

37. Kookmin University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#490 in Asia

#1316 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 76%
Enrollment: 24,000
Founded: 1946

38. Hongik University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#503 in Asia

#1344 in the World

Founded: 1946

39. Gachon University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seongnam

For Physics

#535 in Asia

#1414 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 35%
Enrollment: 18,995
Founded: 1982

40. University of Incheon

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Incheon

For Physics

#572 in Asia

#1492 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 47%
Enrollment: 13,822
Founded: 1988

41. Changwon National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Changwon

For Physics

#573 in Asia

#1494 in the World

Enrollment: 9,320
Founded: 1969

42. Kongju National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Gongju

For Physics

#580 in Asia

#1503 in the World

Enrollment: 22,000
Founded: 1948

43. Dong-A University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Busan

For Physics

#590 in Asia

#1519 in the World

Enrollment: 21,519
Male:Female: 51:49
Founded: 1946

44. Myongji University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Yongin

For Physics

#618 in Asia

#1572 in the World

Enrollment: 15,000
Founded: 1948

45. Kumoh National University of Technology

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Gumi

For Physics

#654 in Asia

#1628 in the World

Enrollment: 10,463
Founded: 1980

46. Jeju National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Jeju

For Physics

#672 in Asia

#1655 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 38%
Enrollment: 12,200
Founded: 1952

47. Inje University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Gimhae

For Physics

#679 in Asia

#1672 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 35%
Enrollment: 15,641
Founded: 1979

48. Hanbat National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Daejeon

For Physics

#693 in Asia

#1705 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 50%
Enrollment: 14,290
Founded: 1927

49. Anyang University - South Korea

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Anyang

For Physics

#694 in Asia

#1706 in the World

Enrollment: 7,540
Founded: 1948

50. Soonchunhyang University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Asan

For Physics

#712 in Asia

#1737 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 50%
Enrollment: 10,619
Founded: 1978

51. Hallym University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Chuncheon

For Physics

#736 in Asia

#1780 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 13%
Enrollment: 8,747
Founded: 1982

52. Kyonggi University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Suwon

For Physics

#779 in Asia

#1859 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 50%
Enrollment: 16,400
Founded: 1947

53. Kunsan National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Gunsan

For Physics

#781 in Asia

#1865 in the World

Enrollment: 7,715
Founded: 1979

54. Keimyung University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Daegu

For Physics

#825 in Asia

#1955 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 25%
Enrollment: 22,700
Founded: 1954

55. Sunchon National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Suncheon

For Physics

#862 in Asia

#2042 in the World

Enrollment: 14,000
Founded: 1935

56. Wonkwang University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Iksan

For Physics

#866 in Asia

#2049 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 47%
Enrollment: 25,360
Founded: 1946

57. Korea Maritime and Ocean University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Busan

For Physics

#871 in Asia

#2063 in the World

Enrollment: 8,831
Male:Female: 78:22
Founded: 1945

58. Korea Aerospace University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Goyang

For Physics

#891 in Asia

#2097 in the World

Enrollment: 6,465
Founded: 1952

59. Korea National University of Transportation

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Chungju

For Physics

#907 in Asia

#2133 in the World

Enrollment: 13,400
Founded: 1962

60. Daejeon University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Daejeon

For Physics

#908 in Asia

#2135 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 50%
Enrollment: 12,000
Founded: 1980

61. Mokpo National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Muan

For Physics

#943 in Asia

#2190 in the World

Enrollment: 12,942
Founded: 1946

62. Dong-Eui University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Busan

For Physics

#989 in Asia

#2274 in the World

Enrollment: 24,200
Founded: 1976

63. Catholic University of Daegu

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Gyeongsan

For Physics

#993 in Asia

#2279 in the World

Enrollment: 17,000
Founded: 1914

64. Daegu University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Gyeongsan

For Physics

#997 in Asia

#2293 in the World

Enrollment: 19,593
Founded: 1956

65. Hannam University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Daejeon

For Physics

#1001 in Asia

#2301 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 50%
Enrollment: 17,000
Founded: 1956

66. Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#1017 in Asia

#2339 in the World

Enrollment: 21,240
Founded: 1954

67. Andong National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Andong

For Physics

#1060 in Asia

#2429 in the World

Enrollment: 11,600
Founded: 1947

68. Kyungnam University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Masan

For Physics

#1079 in Asia

#2462 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 50%
Enrollment: 14,000
Founded: 1946

69. Hoseo University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Asan

For Physics

#1088 in Asia

#2487 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 50%
Enrollment: 14,500
Founded: 1978

70. Yong-In University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Yongin

For Physics

#1109 in Asia

#2520 in the World

Enrollment: 7,160
Founded: 1953

71. Sookmyung Women's University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#1128 in Asia

#2560 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 33%
Enrollment: 12,869
Founded: 1948

72. Sun Moon University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Asan

For Physics

#1130 in Asia

#2565 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 86%
Enrollment: 10,058
Founded: 1989

73. Korea University of Technology and Education

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Cheonan

For Physics

#1131 in Asia

#2567 in the World

Founded: 1991

74. Gangneung-Wonju National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Gangneung

For Physics

#1186 in Asia

#2680 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 47%
Enrollment: 8,700
Founded: 1946

75. Jeonju University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Jeonju

For Physics

#1220 in Asia

#2742 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 50%
Founded: 1964

76. Kyungsung University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Busan

For Physics

#1245 in Asia

#2791 in the World

Enrollment: 13,000
Founded: 1955

77. Sangmyung University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#1246 in Asia

#2792 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 47%
Enrollment: 6,604
Founded: 1937

78. University of Suwon

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Hwaseong

For Physics

#1256 in Asia

#2809 in the World

Enrollment: 12,415
Founded: 1977

79. Korea Polytechnic University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Siheung

For Physics

#1293 in Asia

#2890 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 60%
Enrollment: 7,896
Founded: 1998

80. Konyang University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Nonsan

For Physics

#1313 in Asia

#2931 in the World

Enrollment: 8,210
Founded: 1991

81. Hankyong National University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Anseong

For Physics

#1324 in Asia

#2947 in the World

Enrollment: 6,830
Founded: 1939

82. Hanseo University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seosan

For Physics

#1335 in Asia

#2963 in the World

Enrollment: 8,500
Founded: 1992

83. Seoul National University of Education

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#1392 in Asia

#3089 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 17%
Enrollment: 3,420
Founded: 1946

84. Eulji University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seongnam

For Physics

#1409 in Asia

#3137 in the World

Enrollment: 5,700
Founded: 1967

85. Catholic Kwandong University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Gangneung

For Physics

#1453 in Asia

#3218 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 81%
Enrollment: 9,993
Founded: 1954

86. Cheongju University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Cheongju

For Physics

#1466 in Asia

#3243 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 47%
Founded: 1946

87. Gwangju University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Gwangju

For Physics

#1498 in Asia

#3317 in the World

Enrollment: 9,930
Founded: 1980

88. Daejin University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Pocheon

For Physics

#1561 in Asia

#3440 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 50%
Enrollment: 7,832
Founded: 1992

89. Dongseo University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Busan

For Physics

#1569 in Asia

#3453 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 81%
Enrollment: 9,336
Founded: 1992

90. Seoul Women's University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#1579 in Asia

#3475 in the World

Enrollment: 8,000
Founded: 1961

91. Luther University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Yongin

For Physics

#1582 in Asia

#3488 in the World

Enrollment: 490
Founded: 1966

92. Woosuk University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Wanju-gun

For Physics

#1612 in Asia

#3546 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 50%
Enrollment: 11,500
Founded: 1979

93. Sungshin University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#1633 in Asia

#3599 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 35%
Enrollment: 13,000
Founded: 1936

94. Pai Chai University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Daejeon

For Physics

#1642 in Asia

#3619 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 35%
Enrollment: 13,000
Founded: 1885

95. Kosin University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Busan

For Physics

#1692 in Asia

#3741 in the World

Founded: 1946

96. Kangnam University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Yongin

For Physics

#1696 in Asia

#3753 in the World

Enrollment: 9,870
Founded: 1946

97. Woosong University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Daejeon

For Physics

#1715 in Asia

#3802 in the World

Enrollment: 15,000
Founded: 1994

98. Mokpo National Maritime University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Mokpo

For Physics

#1725 in Asia

#3828 in the World

Enrollment: 743
Male:Female: 84:16
Founded: 1950

99. Korea National University of Education

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Cheongju

For Physics

#1777 in Asia

#3945 in the World

Enrollment: 6,530
Founded: 1984

100. Sahmyook University

South Korea Flag

South Korea | Seoul

For Physics

#1784 in Asia

#3960 in the World

Acceptance Rate: 47%
Enrollment: 5,900
Founded: 1906

The best cities to study Physics in South Korea based on the number of universities and their ranks are Seoul, Daejeon, Pohang, and Busan.

Physics subfields in South Korea

Acoustical Engineering113

Applied/Engineering Physics48

Astrophysics and Astronomy110

Atomic and Molecular physics72

Condensed Matter Physics93

Materials Science138

Medical Physics32

Nanotechnology116

Nuclear Physics100

Optical Engineering130

Quantum and Particle physics142

Theoretical Physics49