When you study in South Korea you’ll discover why this Asian country is a world leader in technology, robotics, shipbuilding, engineering and more.
Regardless of what city you visit in South Korea, you will be amazed at the kindness of the South Koreans and the traditions that they treasure so deeply.
If study for a summer study program you can visit Gyeongju National Park, which is one of the most famous national parks in South Korea. While there you can see tombs and carvings of some of Korea’s ruling kingdoms that date back to 57 BC.
For a study abroad in South Korea you can visit Pusan, which is the country’s largest port city. In Pusan there is something for everyone, from sightseeing in Taejongdae national park to watching first-time films at the Pusan International Film Festival.
Best Universities in South Korea for International Students
Home to Seoul, which is the second largest metropolitan city in the world, South Korea offers many colleges and universities for international students in Asia.
If you’re interested in learning about South Korean culture and history then the month-long international summer school program at Hanyang University is the perfect place to study abroad. Not only will you get to take field-trips to some of Seoul’s most popular destinations, but you’ll also get to take classes in traditional Korean cuisine and martial arts!
You can also attend summer study abroad programs at Yonsei University in Seoul. Yonsei is the oldest private university in South Korea, and it has over 18 graduate programs and 19 colleges. International students can study everything from Liberal Arts and Medicine to Theology and Law. Not only is the main campus located in a beautiful and natural country setting, but it’s very close to downtown Seoul.
If your interests are foreign language and information technology then Woosong University in Daejeon is your place. This school has established relationships with over 41 universities in 16 countries and has been voted “The University of Excellence in Educational Reform” for the past three years.
Other South Korean institutions where you can find good study abroad programs are at:
• Keimyung University
• Seoul Women’s University
• Chung-Ang University
To improve your linguistics, view language schools in South Korea.
Study in “Seoul” – the Capital of South Korea
Seoul one of the largest cities in the world and there is something for everyone in this amazing city.
Take a step back in time and visit Changgyeong Palace, which was built in 1104 as a palace for the kings of the Koryo Dynasty. Or learn more about South Korea’s history at the Korean War Museum.
If you’re interested in art then you can travel to the Isadong art market. This market offers everything from antiques and pottery to paintings and jewelry. It is like a flea market, so you need to browse through the thousands of vendors to find what you are looking for.
Other avid shoppers can visit Myeongdong, which is one of Seoul’s main shopping districts. The district offers the latest fashion trends and has many international outlets. It also has a great night scene, so it’s the perfect place for students to relax after school hours.
Finally, you can go to an all-in-one amusement park, theater, museum, hotel and sports complex when you spend a day at Lotte World. This popular tourist destination gets about 5 million visitors a year, and it’s also the largest amusement park in the world.
Guide to Studying in South Korea
Transportation
South Korea has many convenient modes of transportation, and it’s one of the most affordable countries for students.
One of the best ways to travel long distance is by railway. Korail, which is the national railway operator in South Korea, connects passengers from the capital of Seoul to virtually any destination in the country. The trains offer three different types of travel between cities: Saemaul-ho (super-express), Mugunghwa-ho (express) and T’ong-il-ho (ordinary). The faster you go the more you will pay.
Korail also offers an extensive subway system for commuters.
If you want to go from South Korea to a neighboring country like Japan or China then a ferryr ide will be your best bet. The two most popular ferry systems that travel out of South Korea are the “Beetle” Jr. Kyushu Jet Ferry and the Weidong Ferry.
Buses are another popular way to travel in South Korea. They are categorized as Local, City and Express. Many of the deluxe Express buses offer luxuries like movies and comfortable seats. You can see a listing of South Korea’s bus terminals on the Korea Tourism Organization page.
The most affordable option to travel in South Korea is by taxi. Most taxi drivers speak English and they offer a safe driving experience. You can choose from regular taxis, deluxe taxis (which cost about 3 times as much as regular taxis) or taxi vans. Most of these taxis have a “shared taxi” system where they pick up passengers who may be going to the same place as you.
Safety
South Korea is very safe, but always follow study abroad health safety information wherever you go. Also you should always keep a list of important numbers with you in case of an emergency. Be sure to check with your school or program for any additional information you might need.
Money and Budget
South Korean currency is known as the won, which means “round shape.” The symbol of the won is ₩.
Here’s what you need to know about the won:
Coins = ₩10, ₩50, ₩100 and ₩500
Bills = ₩1000, ₩5000 and ₩10000
Other Options
A popular option for students wanting to stay long term in Korea is to get TEFL certified and apply to teach in South Korea.