Study abroad loses allure for S. Koreans

After years of heading abroad in droves to study, more young South Koreans are opting for education at home as expensive overseas degrees no longer provide an edge in a tough job market - and are even a liability.

Recruiters and students say the improving quality of domestic education, including in English, means the premium placed on a foreign education is not what it was in a country known for its intense focus on academic achievement.

At the same time, connections cultivated at home through school and university play a factor in landing a job and getting ahead.