defdef wrote:damn that is a huge amount. i wonder why there are so many compared to japan
There are many reasons. One, there are far more undergrads who have studied in the States compared to Japan. Based on my experience in the States, Korean students outnumber Japanese students like 3-1 if not more. A lot of them return for mandatory military service, during which they can usually find some time (towards the end, anyway) to prepare for grad school back in the states. So not only are there more students who have experienced education states-side, but there are also far more that return (and are interested in going back to the states)
Two, far more 'recent' immigrants. Japanese Americans are usually 3rd or even 4th generation, while the majority of Korean-Americans are still 2nd generation, meaning they still have relatives in Korea and have reason to visit Korea.
The two reasons above will also help explain the greater proportion of Asian test takers in Seoul compared to some other locations.
Three, concentration. While both countries have just one center, about a quarter of Korea's population live in Seoul, compared to like 1/10th or so of Japanese population living in Tokyo or something (my info is way outdated). That probably leads to more interested LSAT takers not being able to be in Tokyo (Japan is also twice as large compared to South Korea) than people not being to able to make it to Seoul (only 4 hours away from most parts).
Four, more emphasis on English education and more interest in American degrees. My alma mater's chancellor visited Korea last year and he said 400 Korean undergraduates (not Korean American, Korean) graduate every year. One of my fellow alumni runs an academy specializing in helping local high school students prepare for the SATs and he says he sends about 20 students to the states every year as well.
Didn't mean to write an essay, but will probably have lots of time until the scores come out, so...
