top of page
Our History: The ISB Story
Our History
1980s
An International School is Born
The International School of Pusan (ISP) opened in September 1983 with just 12 children in Kindergarten and Elementary School, guided by two pioneering educators - Mr. Tracey, the school’s first Head of School (1983–1986), and Ms. Tracey, its first teacher. ISP shared a modest building in Haeundae with a Korean preschool and began its journey as a warm, close-knit learning community.
As word spread, the student body grew steadily to around 60 children. In 1986, the school moved from Banyeo-dong to a renovated building in the Choryang area, and David Taylor (1986-1991) was appointed as Head of School. More teachers joined, and ISP formed a strong affiliation with the Baptist Mission and Hospital, a partnership that further rooted the school in the local community.
In 1988, the year Korea hosted the Olympic Games, ISP staged its own joyful mini-Olympics, reflecting its global spirit even in those early days.
1990s
Accreditation and Financial Crisis
The 1990s were a time of professionalisation and resilience. In the early part of the decade, ISP became a member of the European Council of International Schools (ECIS), which would later evolve into the Council of International Schools (CIS), and achieved international accreditation in 1994, a major milestone in the school’s development.
The school experienced a series of leadership transitions throughout the decade: Mark Gifford (1991–1995), Allan Darby (1995–1996), Peter Gotts (1996–1997), and Hugh Younger (1997–2000) each served as Head of School and helped to shape ISP’s growth and resilience during changing times.
In early 1994, the lease on the Choryang building ended, prompting a move to facilities provided by Tong Myong University. Then, in the mid-1990s, the Asian Financial Crisis significantly impacted the Korean economy. Many expatriates were relocated, and ISP, like much of the country, felt the effects. Yet, the school endured, maintaining its values and care for students through the challenges.
In 1997, the Board and administration made the bold decision to purchase land and construct a new school. This was a courageous step given the uncertain economic climate and the school’s modest size at the time. Fundraising efforts began in earnest to support the purchase and development of a new purpose-built campus.
A major new chapter began on April 14th, 1999, when construction commenced on the new school at the top of Dalmaji Hill. The campus opened to students on September 2nd, 1999, with a grand opening celebration held on October 22nd.
2000s
The Dalmaji Years
In July 2000, following the South Korean government’s adoption of the Revised Romanization of Korean, the city’s official English name changed from Pusan to Busan. In line with this national update, and to maintain consistency with its host city, the school formally changed its name from the International School of Pusan (ISP) to the International School of Busan (ISB).
As the new millennium dawned, Ian Woodfield (2000–2002) led ISB into the 2000s before passing the baton to Stephen Palmer (2002–2014), the school’s longest-serving Head of School. At that time, enrolment had grown to more than 70 students, a testament to the school’s growing reputation and strong community support.
In 2006, the school opened a separate Early Learning Centre (famous for its converted train carriages!) to accommodate rising enrolment. That same year, ISB introduced the IGCSE programme, becoming the first school in Korea to offer this internationally recognised curriculum.
ISP’s international credentials deepened in 2008 when the school was authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP). In 2009, ISB became only the second school in Korea to be authorised for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), strengthening its academic offering for learners of all ages.
In 2009, a bold and visionary step was taken: ISB submitted a proposal to operate a brand-new, purpose-built, city-owned international school campus in Gijang. The project, backed by a USD $43 million investment from the Busan Metropolitan City (BMC), was designed to help attract foreign companies to Busan by offering a world-class education for their families.
ISB’s bid was successful, and in November 2009, a management contract was signed by Board Chair Tore Jacobsen, then honorary consul of Norway. As part of the agreement with the city, the school was re-registered as the Busan International Foreign School (BIFS), ushering in a new era of opportunity and expansion.
2010s
The BIFS Years
On June 23rd, 2010, ISB closed the doors to its Dalmaji Hill campus for the final time. Two months later, on August 23rd, BIFS officially opened at its state-of-the-art Gijang campus. The new facilities transformed how the school could deliver its curriculum, and enrolment steadily increased to over 400 students from Nursery to Grade 12, with a teaching staff of around 70.
In 2014, the BMC renewed ISB’s management contract for another five years, reaffirming its trust in the school’s leadership and direction.
That same year, Kevin Baker (2014-2019) became Head of School. Under his guidance, BIFS was authorised to offer the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in 2015, making it a fully accredited IB Continuum School. Student numbers peaked at 500 in the 2014-15 academic year. However, the economic impact of declining oil prices in 2016 led to a sharp drop in enrollment. As global energy markets faltered, many multinational companies reduced their expatriate staff and scaled back education allowances. This had a direct effect on ISB’s enrolment, particularly among families connected to the energy, shipping, and logistics sectors.
In 2018, to address confusion in the local market and reinforce its legacy as Busan’s longest-established international school, the decision was made to return to the original name - The International School of Busan (ISB). The school’s new logo, launched during its 35th anniversary celebrations, included elements of the Korean flag as a tribute to its long-standing ties to the city.
In August 2019, Simon McCloskey became Head of School, reopening the doors under the name International School of Busan and launching a new chapter of renewed focus and growth.
2020s
Overcoming the challenges
of a global pandemic
The first case of COVID-19 in Korea was reported on January 20th, 2020. In response, ISB swiftly transitioned to a virtual learning model, ensuring continuity of education while safeguarding the wellbeing of its students and staff. Students returned to campus by June and, thanks to strong community collaboration, remained largely on-site for the rest of the pandemic. Face masks and hand sanitising became new features of school life.
In January 2020, ISB successfully renewed its five-year management contract with the Busan Metropolitan City (BMC) after a competitive evaluation process. This renewal reinforced the city’s trust in ISB as a stable and high-quality educational partner.
The school’s commitment to quality was again affirmed in January 2021, when ISB was re-authorised to offer all three IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP) and re-accredited by WASC following a joint virtual evaluation in late 2020.
That same year, ISB launched new Guiding Statements, shaped through a collaborative school-wide process. These now shape the school’s strategic direction and help define the values and aspirations of the ISB learning community.
In September 2023, ISB joyfully celebrated its 40th anniversary with a vibrant community event attended by students, parents, faculty, local government leaders, and members of the diplomatic community - a celebration of four decades of meaningful impact in Busan.
The most recent contract between ISB and the Busan Metropolitan City was signed in 2025, marking a significant shift in the school’s long-term governance model. This agreement introduced a renewable five-year usage permission, eliminating the need for future open bidding and giving ISB greater autonomy and long-term stability as the city’s officially authorised international school operator.
Since 2021, student enrollment has steadily increased, demonstrating a strong recovery after the economic downturn and subsequent global pandemic. ISB continues to be the school of choice for internationally-minded families seeking a quality IB education in Busan. It proudly boasts a truly international community of 350 students with staff and students representing over 40 nationalities.
bottom of page