●■●● Complete Guide to Korean University Admission for Foreign Students (2025) – Part 2
Over 200,000 international students now study in Korea, drawn by affordable tuition, cutting-edge technology, and vibrant city life.
However, understanding Korea’s unique university system — including admission schedules, dormitory life, scholarships, and rankings — is essential for successful adaptation.
This guide explains everything you need to know before applying, helping foreign students make informed decisions for 2025.
●●🟧 University Admission Periods and
Application Methods
●✅ Korean universities offer admission twice a year:
in March (Spring Semester) and in September (Fall Semester).
●✅ In particular, March admission marks the start of the official academic year in Korea, which is different from the systems in Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia
●✅ Most regular admission processes are based on the March semester, while September admission is available only for international special admissions or certain departments.
●✅ There are three main ways for international students to be admitted:
▶ Admission after completing a Korean language course (D-4-1 → D-2 visa transfer)
▶ English-track admission (based on an English interview, TOEFL/IELTS scores)
▶ Application through document screening
(self-introduction letter, high school transcripts, recommendation letters)
●✅ Some universities allow students to complete the admission process through online applications, remote document review, and video interviews
●✅ Certain universities even offer direct admission programs where students can enter with only English test scores and high school records, without prior Korean language study.
▶ In this case, the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is not required, but students will need to take Korean language classes after admission.
▶ Representative examples include Yonsei University’s Underwood International College, Korea University’s International Studies Division, Hanyang University ERICA International Studies, and Sungkyunkwan University’s Global Studies program.
●✅ Most general majors (especially Humanities and Social Sciences)
require TOPIK level 3 or 4, depending on the department.
▶ Engineering and Natural Sciences often require lower TOPIK levels, while majors in Humanities, Education, Social Welfare, and Business typically require level 4 or higher.
▶ Graduate programs generally require higher TOPIK levels than undergraduate programs, with some requiring level 5 or above, or offering conditional admission.
📌 Korean students usually enter universities through the CSAT (College Scholastic Ability Test), while a small number are admitted through special admissions without exam scores.
📌 For foreigners, admission to Korean universities is relatively easier compared to domestic students.
📌 Required admission documents vary depending on the recognition of academic credentials in each country, so it is important to check with your local educational authorities or the Korean embassy in advance.
📌 While English-track programs do not require TOPIK, departments where Korean-taught classes are mandatory will still require
TOPIK scores.
📌 Once admitted, international students are subject to the same curriculum, evaluation, and graduation requirements as Korean students, and tuition fees are the same as domestic students. Additionally, many universities offer benefits such as priority dormitory placement, entrance scholarships, and merit-based scholarships, often giving international students more support than Korean students.
●●🟧 English-taught Programs and Popular Majors
●✅ Top universities such as Seoul National University, Korea University, and Yonsei University offer entire faculties or departments with English-only programs, as well as bilingual (Korean-English) classes.
●✅ Ewha Womans University, Sungkyunkwan University, Hanyang University, UNIST, KAIST, and POSTECH have a high proportion of English courses in STEM fields.
●✅ Majors such as Business Administration, International Studies,
Artificial Intelligence, Bio-Health, Design, and K-Culture-related studies are highly popular among international students
●✅ Some departments are operated as “global campuses,”
where international students actually outnumber Korean students.
📌 English-track programs are conducted fully in English,
from applications to coursework, and admission is based on English proficiency
(TOPIK is not required).
●●🟧 Campus Life – Dormitories, Meals, and Culture
●✅ Most universities operate on-campus dormitories,
and international students are given high priority for dormitory placement
●✅ Dormitory fees typically range from ₩150,000–₩400,000 per month
(about $110–$285), which is much cheaper than private housing.
●✅ Student cafeterias offer meals for ₩3,000–₩5,000 (about $2.10–$3.60),
with a variety of menu options.
●✅ On-campus facilities often include gyms, libraries, convenience stores,
ATMs, and health clinics, allowing students to manage most daily life within campus.
●✅ Student clubs, exchange programs, K-pop cover dance groups, and international student associations are very active.
📌 Campus life in Korean universities balances “convenience and independence,”
allowing international students to adapt quickly.
[ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-강원도 동해/이범수]
●●🟧 Typical Structure of Korean University Dormitories
●✅ Most dormitories are two-person rooms.
●✅ Single rooms are limited and usually reserved for graduate students,
scholarship recipients, or upperclassmen, rarely available to regular undergraduates.
●✅ Some universities still operate 3- or 4-person rooms, but these are becoming less common.
●✅ Newer dormitories are increasingly designed with private bathrooms and showers, even in two-person rooms.
●✅ Common areas include showers, laundry rooms, shared kitchens, lounges, and study rooms, where students can cook, wash, or study.
●●🟧 Scholarships and Support for International Students
●✅ The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) covers tuition, airfare, and living expenses,
but the number of recipients is very limited and highly competitive.
●✅ Most international students depend on university-based scholarships, which vary based on admission results and academic performance.
●✅ Full tuition waivers are rare; most scholarships cover 30–50% of tuition fees.
●✅ Starting in 2025, all international students must enroll in Korea’s National Health Insurance, with a minimum monthly contribution of ₩76,390.
●✅ Some universities also provide priority dormitory placement, Korean tutoring, career counseling, and cultural experience programs, though benefits differ by institution.
📌 Institutional support for international students is gradually expanding, but language programs (Korean language institutes) rarely offer scholarships or benefits. Once admitted to a degree program (undergraduate or graduate), students with excellent performance can receive various scholarships and priority housing.
▶ In the initial stages, students must cover full tuition and living costs themselves.
▶ Benefits gradually increase depending on Korean proficiency, GPA, and attendance.
▶ Therefore, instead of expecting large scholarships right away, it is crucial to prepare a solid study plan and financial budget.
●●🟧 Differences Between Korean and
Foreign Universities
●✅ In the past, Korean universities were seen mainly as centers of academic research, but today, their curriculum is shifting toward practical training to prepare students for employment and professional life
●✅ Many universities provide industry-linked programs, certification preparation courses,
and field internships, helping international students plan their career paths
●✅ Korean universities evaluate students based on attendance, assignments, and exams in a balanced way, ensuring structured academic management.
●✅ In most majors, performance is assessed not only through midterms and finals but also through reports, assignments, and team projects.
●✅ Student-professor relationships are relatively formal, with less casual interaction outside of class, but this fosters a focused academic environment.
📌 Unlike Western education systems, which emphasize open discussion and individual communication, Korean universities follow structured curricula, consistent evaluation standards, and systematic academic management. This makes them highly effective for international students
who prefer goal-oriented study.
📌 However, since open debates and free expression are less common compared to Europe or the US, many students actively participate in clubs, exchange programs,
and external projects to compensate.
●■●● Guide to Choosing a Major in Korean Universities
●●🟧 Humanities & Social Sciences
●✅ Focuses on languages, history, sociology, political science, business, and education.
●✅ Emphasizes communication skills, cultural understanding, and critical thinking.
●✅ Career paths include business management, diplomacy, media, and education, where networking and social skills are highly valued.
●●🟧 STEM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
●✅ Covers natural sciences, engineering, IT,
and medical fields, requiring strong analytical and logical thinking.
●✅ Career opportunities are excellent in fields such as IT, engineering, biotechnology, and healthcare.
●✅ Graduates are in high demand worldwide due to the rapid growth of technology-driven industries.
●●🟧 Arts & Physical Education
●✅ Focuses on creativity and artistic talent in fine arts, music, design, performing arts, and sports science.
●✅ Depending on individual strengths,
students can become professional artists, musicians, athletes, or work in education and the creative industries (K-content, media, entertainment)
▶ Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Major
●✅ Personal aptitude and passion: Choose a field that matches your interests and strengths.
●✅ Career goals: Consider how the major connects to your long-term career plans.
●✅ Job market trends: Research which fields have strong employment prospects in Korea and internationally.
●■●● Unique Aspects of the Korean University System that Foreigners Should Know
●●🟧 The Common Perception of “Public Universities Are the Best”
●✅ In many countries, the most prestigious universities are public or
national institutions.
(Examples: UC Berkeley in the US, University of Tokyo in Japan, Tsinghua University in China)
●✅ Because of this, many foreigners tend to assume that “public universities must also be the best in Korea.”
●●🟧 Korea’s Unique Structure:
Private Universities Are Often Superior
●✅ In Korea, Seoul National University is the only top-ranked national university, while most other prestigious universities—such as Korea University, Yonsei University, and Sungkyunkwan University—are private.
●✅ In terms of research output, corporate recognition, and employment competitiveness, private universities are often evaluated more highly.
●✅ Although tuition at national universities is about half the cost of private ones, Korean society generally views public and private universities as academically and socially equal,
unless there are major financial concerns.
📌 Therefore, international students may:
▶ Consider national universities to reduce financial burden, but
▶ Actively explore prestigious private universities if they value academic reputation, employment opportunities, and corporate recognition.
●■●● Understanding Korea’s Clear University Ranking System
●●🟧 Characteristics of University Rankings in Korea
●✅ Korea has a very clear hierarchy among universities, and the name of the university significantly impacts social evaluation and employment opportunities.
●✅ Abroad, “Korea University” is sometimes misunderstood as the top university simply because it shares the country’s name, but within Korea, it is usually considered around 3rd place.
●●🟧 Practical Impact of University Rankings
●✅ Korean companies place strong emphasis on an applicant’s alma mater, which directly affects advantages or disadvantages in the hiring process.
●✅ As a result, many Korean students tend to prioritize a university’s brand
(prestige) over their individual interests or aptitude.
●●🟧 General Ranking Order and Notable Exceptions
▶ Seoul National University
▶ Yonsei University, Korea University
▶ Sungkyunkwan University, Sogang University, Hanyang University,
Ewha Womans University
▶ Sookmyung Women’s University, Chung-Ang University, Kyung Hee University, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul City University, Konkuk University, Dongguk University,
Hongik University, Sungshin Women’s University, etc.
▶ Regional flagship national universities and major private universities
▶ General regional universities
●✅ However, specialized science and technology universities such as KAIST,
POSTECH, and GIST—as well as Hanyang University’s College of Engineering, Hongik University’s College of Fine Arts, and certain specialized departments in regional universities—are evaluated very highly, independent of the overall hierarchy.
●✅ Some Koreans also believe that aside from Seoul National, Yonsei, and Korea University, the other universities are of relatively similar level.
📌 International students should understand this clear ranking system in Korea and, depending on their major or career goals, also consider specialized high-quality universities and departments for a smarter choice.
●●🟧 Korea’s Unique “Transfer Admission System”
●✅ In Korea, transfer admission is very common.
Many students who did not initially enter
their desired university transfer to a higher-ranked one later.
●✅ A typical pathway is graduating from a junior college (2-year college) and then transferring into the 3rd year of a 4-year university.
This has become a popular and practical way for Korean students to upgrade their academic background.
●✅ While transfers exist abroad, they are not the norm; most students remain at their first university until graduation. In Korea, however, the transfer system is well-established, and universities regularly admit a set number of transfer students.
📌 International students who understand Korea’s transfer culture can broaden their academic and career possibilities.
●■●● Another Unique Feature: Women’s Universities
●●🟧 Korean Women’s Universities: Key Features and Reputation
●✅ Korea has a relatively large number of universities exclusively for women, and these institutions are held in high regard socially and academically.
▶ Representative women’s universities include Ewha Womans University, Sookmyung Women’s University, Duksung Women’s University, Dongduk Women’s University, Seoul Women’s University, and Sungshin Women’s University.
▶ Notably, Ewha Womans University is the world’s largest women’s university and enjoys strong global recognition.
●✅ These universities offer facilities, programs, and education quality comparable to co-educational institutions and are highly respected in Korean society.
●●🟧 Key Features and Advantages of Women’s Universities
●✅ They operate specialized programs that foster women’s leadership, global competence, and career advancement.
▶ Programs such as international studies and global leadership help graduates strengthen their skills and prepare for leadership roles worldwide.
▶ High employment rates and career success highlight the universities’ effectiveness in supporting graduates.
●✅ They provide an environment where women can develop leadership without social prejudice.
▶ Strong support is given to women pursuing fields traditionally dominated by men, such as engineering, science, and IT.
▶ International students can also benefit from these women-centered programs, naturally building global leadership and professional expertise.
📌 While women’s universities are rare worldwide, Korea’s women’s universities offer excellent educational quality and competitiveness, providing a unique environment where students can grow their skills and leadership without bias.
●●🟧 Religious Foundations of Korean Universities – Just for Reference
●✅ Several universities in Korea are operated by religious foundations.
▶ However, most Korean students apply to these universities regardless of their religion, and religious differences rarely cause issues in campus life.
▶ Christian (Protestant) universities include Yonsei University, Ewha Womans University, and Soongsil University. Some of these schools require students to attend “chapel” sessions to graduate.
However, chapel is generally more focused on cultural or moral education than strict religious practice, and it is not burdensome.
▶ Catholic universities include Sogang University and Catholic University of Korea, which do not impose compulsory religious activities, making them comfortable for students of all faiths.
▶ Buddhist-affiliated universities like Dongguk University and Wonkwang University (Won Buddhism) also offer religious courses as optional, so students are free to decide whether to participate.
📌 In Korean university culture, religion is not a significant factor. A student’s religion—or lack thereof—rarely affects university life or admission decisions.
📌 International students should simply be aware of this background but focus primarily on their desired major, academic programs, and scholarship opportunities when choosing a university.
●■●● Digital Challenges Faced by International Students and How to Overcome Them
●✅ Most international students are familiar with using computers and basic programs. However, Korean universities expect more than just functional knowledge—they require assignments to be completed with professional-level quality and detailed polish.
📌 At first, students may feel confused: “I know how to use the tools, so why am I not getting good grades?”
But this is not due to a lack of ability—it’s simply a difference in evaluation standards and expectations.
This gap can be fully overcome through actual classwork and assignment experience.
●●🟧 Common Digital Challenges for International Students
●✅ Visual design in slide presentations
▶ Evaluation includes not just the content but also design, alignment of shapes, and color harmony.
●✅ Different levels of Excel proficiency
▶ Many assignments require advanced functions such as pivot tables, conditional formatting, and statistical functions.
●✅ Lack of video editing experience
▶ While simple edits with smartphone apps are possible, Korean universities often require high-quality editing using PC-based programs (e.g., GomMix, Adobe Premiere Rush).
●✅ Difficulty handling PDF files
▶ Tasks often include merging, compressing, and renaming files according to specific rules.
●●🟧 Ways to Improve Through Digital Tools
●✅ Microsoft PowerPoint
▶ Regular practice improves visual design and use of animations.
●✅ Microsoft Excel
▶ Frequent use of advanced functions (pivot tables, conditional formatting) enhances practical data analysis skills.
●✅ Canva
▶ Helps build both design sense and effective content delivery through visual materials.
●✅ PDF tools (SmallPDF, iLovePDF, etc.)
▶ Boost document management and efficiency skills by learning to handle files.
●✅ Video editing programs (GomMix, Adobe Premiere Rush, etc.)
▶ Strengthens content creation skills through hands-on planning and editing experience.
●●🟧 Collaboration Tools and Additional Support
●✅ Google Docs & Slides
▶ Real-time collaboration and feedback improve teamwork and document-writing skills.
●✅ KakaoTalk group chats
▶ Quick communication and schedule coordination enhance collaboration efficiency.
●✅ LMS systems (Moodle, Blackboard, e-Class, etc.)
▶ Support assignment management, self-directed learning, and time management.
●●🟧 Strategies for Strengthening Digital Competence
▶ Learn naturally through teamwork with Korean students.
▶ Actively share information in international student communities and group chats.
▶ Take advantage of tutoring programs and 1:1 helper systems.
▶ Participate in school orientations and library workshops.
▶ Use YouTube and blogs for self-learning.
▶ Ask questions and seek help directly from professors and teaching assistants.
📌 Although it may feel difficult at first, most international students adapt within one semester.
📌 The digital skills acquired in Korean universities become strong assets in the workplace after graduation.
📌 These experiences and adaptability to systems are valuable even when returning to one’s home country.
📌 Asking Korean classmates or professors for help when needed often leads to significant support.
●●🟧 Popular Universities and Tuition Fees by Major
●✅ Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy
▶ The most competitive majors in Korea—very difficult for international students to enter.
▶ Top private universities: Yonsei, Sungkyunkwan, Ewha, Ajou, Catholic University.
▶ Top national universities: Seoul National, Chonnam, Pusan, Chungbuk, Kyungpook, Jeonbuk.
▶ Tuition: National universities are relatively cheaper, while private universities often charge ₩12,000,000–₩13,000,000+ per year.
●✅ Engineering & STEM
▶ Seoul area: KAIST, POSTECH, UNIST, Sungkyunkwan, Hanyang, Korea University College of Engineering.
▶ Regional: Kyungpook, Pusan, Chonnam, Chungnam, Kangwon, Hanbat, Pukyong, Kunsan, Changwon, Jeju.
▶ National universities’ engineering programs focus on practical industry-linked curricula, useful for international students.
●✅ Business, Economics, International Studies
▶ Top choices: Seoul National, Korea University, Yonsei, Sogang, Hanyang, Sungkyunkwan.
▶ Regional options: Pusan, Chonnam, Kyungpook, Incheon, Chungbuk, Chungnam.
●✅ Arts, Design, Sports
▶ Arts: Kookmin, Chung-Ang, Seoul Institute of the Arts, Korea National University of Arts.
▶ Design: Hongik, SeoulTech, Kookmin.
▶ Sports: Korea National Sport University, Kyung Hee, Yong In University.
▶ Regional: Mokpo, Soonchunhyang, Keimyung, Dong-A, Jeonju, Chosun, Gangneung-Wonju.
●✅ Humanities, Social Sciences, Education
▶ Offered at most universities.
▶ Teacher training universities (national): Jinju National University of Education, Gongju National University of Education, Jeonju, Kangwon, Gyeongsang National, Jeju.
●●🟧 Popular Universities and Tuition Fees by Major
●✅ Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmacy
▶ These are the most competitive majors in Korea, and admission for international students is also very difficult.
▶ Among private universities, Yonsei University, Sungkyunkwan University, Ewha Womans University, Ajou University, and the Catholic University of Korea are among the top.
▶ Among national universities, Seoul National University, Chonnam National University, Pusan National University, Chungbuk National University, Kyungpook National University, and Chonbuk National University offer medical-related programs.
▶ Tuition is relatively cheaper at national universities, while private universities often cost more than ₩12,000,000–₩13,000,000 per year.
●✅ Engineering & STEM Fields
▶ In the capital region: KAIST, POSTECH, UNIST, Sungkyunkwan University, Hanyang University, Korea University’s College of Engineering.
▶ In regional areas: Kyungpook National University, Pusan National University, Chonnam National University, Chungnam National University, Kangwon National University, Hanbat National University, Pukyong National University, Kunsan National University, Changwon National University, Jeju National University, etc.
▶ Especially in national universities, engineering programs are designed with a strong focus on practical training, making them very useful for international students.
●✅ Business, Economics & International Studies
▶ Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University, Sogang University, Hanyang University, and Sungkyunkwan University all have strong international studies departments and a high proportion of English-taught courses.
▶ In regional areas, Pusan National University, Chonnam National University, Kyungpook National University, Incheon National University, Chungbuk National University, and Chungnam National University also run international student admissions.
●✅ Arts, Design & Sports
▶ Arts: Kookmin University, Chung-Ang University, Seoul Institute of the Arts, Korea National University of Arts.
▶ Design: Hongik University, Seoul National University of Science and Technology, Kookmin University.
▶ Sports: Korea National Sport University, Kyung Hee University, Yong In University.
▶ In regional areas, Mokpo University, Soonchunhyang University, Keimyung University, Dong-A University, Jeonju University, Chosun University, Gangneung-Wonju National University, etc. all offer both performance-based and international student admissions.
●✅ Humanities, Social Sciences & Education
▶ Most universities operate humanities and education-related majors.
▶ Regional national universities such as Jinju National University of Education, Gongju National University of Education, Jeonju University, Kangwon National University, Gyeongsang National University, and Jeju National University also provide support for international students.
●✅ Average tuition by major varies depending on the type of university and field of study, but generally falls within the following ranges:
▶ Humanities & Social Sciences: ₩3,000,000–₩4,000,000 per semester (national), ₩4,000,000–₩4,500,000 (private).
▶ Engineering & STEM: ₩4,000,000–₩5,000,000 (national), ₩5,000,000–₩6,500,000 (private). Tuition is relatively higher due to many lab and practical courses.
▶ Arts, Design & Sports: ₩4,500,000–₩6,000,000 (national), ₩6,000,000–₩7,000,000 (private), with additional practical fees often required.
▶ Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy: ₩6,000,000–₩8,000,000 (national), ₩9,000,000–₩13,000,000+ (private). Tuition is the highest among all majors. In addition, costs increase for clinical practice compared to basic medical courses.
📌 Particularly at private universities, tuition fees vary greatly depending on campus facilities, faculty quality, and specialized programs.
📌 National universities are generally much cheaper overall, making them a practical choice for international students with limited budgets.
●■●● Complete Guide to Dormitory Life in Korean Universities
●●🟧 Basic Structure of Dormitories
●✅ Most dorms are 2-person rooms.
▶ Single rooms are rare, usually for graduate students, scholarship recipients, or seniors.
▶ 3- or 4-person rooms exist but are decreasing.
●✅ Newer dorms often include private bathrooms and showers, but many still use shared facilities.
●●🟧 Facilities and Usage
●✅ Shared spaces: laundry rooms, lounges, study rooms, shared kitchens, microwaves, and refrigerators.
▶ Kitchens allow only simple cooking; smelly or fried foods are usually restricted.
●✅ Personal space: bed, desk, wardrobe, and bookshelf are provided.
▶ Bedding (blankets, pillows, covers) must be prepared or purchased individually.
●✅ Laundry: usually free or very cheap (₩500–₩1,000), detergent must be purchased by the student.
●●🟧 Costs and Payment
●✅ Dorms are much cheaper than private housing.
▶ Monthly cost: ₩150,000–₩400,000 ($110–$285), depending on facilities.
●✅ Payment is usually made upfront per semester (3–6 months).
▶ Utilities (electricity, water, heating) are usually included.
●●🟧 Support and Benefits for International Students
●✅ Many universities operate international student dorms with priority admission.
▶ Support programs include tutors and helpers for freshmen or students with limited language ability.
●✅ Dorms often provide multilingual support (English, Chinese, etc.) and cultural programs such as Korean tutoring, cultural experiences, and networking events.
●●🟧 Rules and Precautions
●✅ Curfews are common (usually midnight–1 AM).
▶ Some dorms have no curfew, but this varies by university.
●✅ Smoking and drinking are strictly prohibited.
▶ Smoking is allowed only in designated outdoor areas.
▶ Drinking violations may result in expulsion.
●✅ Visitor access is limited.
▶ Usually requires prior approval and ID verification, with exceptions mainly for family.
●●🟧 Surroundings
●✅ Dorms are usually on campus or within 10 minutes’ walk.
▶ Campuses include libraries, cafeterias, gyms, convenience stores, etc.
●✅ Nearby areas often have cheap restaurants, cafés, stationery shops, and supermarkets, making daily life convenient.
📌 Korean dorm life is affordable, safe, and provides strong support programs, helping international students adapt quickly.
📌 It’s also an easy way to make friends and improve Korean language and cultural adaptation.
●■●● Unique Cultural Aspects of Korean Universities That Surprise Foreigners
●●🟧 1. Department Jackets (과잠)
●✅ Students often wear jackets embroidered with their department name.
▶ A symbol of belonging that may feel unusual to foreigners as a group uniform culture.
●●🟧 2. Year-Based Communication
●✅ Senior-junior relationships are formed based on year of admission.
▶ Formal speech (honorifics) is often used.
▶ Recently, communication has become more casual and horizontal.
▶ International students are usually free to interact without pressure.
●●🟧 3. Heavy Focus on Group Projects
●✅ Many classes involve team projects and presentations.
▶ Requires teamwork in role division, slide-making, and presenting.
▶ Grades often depend more heavily on group projects than in foreign universities.
▶ Provides international students with opportunities to strengthen presentation and collaboration skills.
●●🟧 4. Campus Life Around Cafés and Convenience Stores
●✅ Campuses are filled with cafés, convenience stores, food courts, and study rooms.
▶ Students often spend time on campus studying or socializing even after classes end.
▶ Provides international students with a natural environment for making friends.
●●🟧 5. Group Chats (KakaoTalk)
●✅ Students rely heavily on KakaoTalk group chats for sharing schedules, materials, and announcements.
▶ Faster than email or platforms like Slack/Google Docs used abroad.
▶ Once adjusted, international students often find this system very convenient.
●●🟧 6. Collective Study Atmosphere During Exams
●✅ Libraries get packed during midterms and finals.
▶ Students share notes and summaries in groups.
▶ Unlike the individual-focused study culture abroad, Korea encourages group preparation.
●●🟧 7. Study Groups
●✅ Students form voluntary study groups for competitions, certificates, language learning, or major-related topics.
▶ Very common and natural part of campus life.
▶ Great opportunity for international students to improve skills and make friends.
●●🟧 8. Club Culture
●✅ Korean universities have a huge number of student clubs, very active in diverse fields.
▶ Ranging from arts, sports, volunteering, academics, and languages to investment, real estate, blockchain, AI, and coding clubs.
▶ Many clubs engage in real-world projects like startup competitions, hackathons, and investment simulations.
▶ Clubs are a great way for international students to integrate and experience Korean culture.
●✅ Korean universities emphasize a “culture of togetherness.”
▶ From drinking gatherings and team projects to clubs, students bond through shared experiences.
●✅ Although it may feel tiring or unfamiliar at first for international students,
▶ these experiences naturally build debate skills, practical problem-solving, teamwork, and presentation ability.
●✅ Students don’t just study for exams but also acquire workplace-ready skills.
●✅ This environment offers experiences beyond academics.
▶ It helps in Korean job applications as well as careers abroad.
▶ Graduates stand out as “work-ready” individuals.
●✅ Returning home, students often realize:
▶ “We started at the same time, but I learned something completely different.”
[ⓒ한국관광공사 포토코리아-경희대학교 /박성근]
●■●● Conclusion – Why Is Studying at a Korean University Special?
There are universities in every country around the world.
But Korean universities are a little different.
After World War II, Korea went through the Korean War in just five years,
and in those three years of war, everything in the country was destroyed.
It became one of the poorest countries in the world.
And yet today, Korea has become a global economic powerhouse.
With no natural resources, no oil, and such a small land area,
Korea is the only country that rose to the level of a developed nation purely through the strength of its people.
This growth was possible not only because of the hard-working and diligent nature of the Korean people,
but also because at the center of it all was a university system built on “growing together.”
Korean universities are always ready to embrace something new.
They emphasize a culture of thinking together, enjoying together, and learning together rather than doing everything alone.
At first, international students coming from Europe or the U.S. might be surprised by the cultural difference,
wondering: “Why does everyone want to do everything together?”
But over time, they come to realize something important:
If studying alone brings results of 7,
then studying together can raise it to 8—or sometimes even 9.
That is the true strength of Korean universities.
And one thing is certain:
A person who studies abroad will always have a broader perspective than someone who only studied in their home country.
This is why global companies prefer those with overseas study experience.
Studying in Korea not only opens the door to working at Korean companies,
but since many of these companies are already operating worldwide,
your career will not be limited to Korea alone.
Whether you start a business, enter trade, or expand into another country,
the experience of studying in Korea becomes a powerful connection and practical advantage.
The most important period of life is during your university years.
What you learn, where you learn it, and who you learn it with can shape the rest of your life.
📌 If you now have the opportunity to study in Korea,
remember: it’s not just about getting a degree.
It could be the beginning that changes the entire direction of your life.
●●🟧 Preparing for Studying in Korea with BP Korea
✅ To have a successful study abroad experience in Korea, you need accurate visa preparation and a trustworthy local partner.
📌 Visit the official BP Korea website (http://bridgeplankorea.com) to start your student visa application and begin your study in Korea.
📌 With BP Korea, your study abroad preparation will be safer, more convenient, and well-organized.
📌 This post was created with the help of translation tools, so some expressions may differ slightly.
For accurate information and personalized consultation, please contact BP Korea directly.
●●🟧 Related Guides for International Students
●✅ Learn how to manage your tuition, dorms, and everyday costs — see our full student money and living guide in Korea
👉 https://koreavisaguide.blogspot.com/2025/08/international-student-money-transfer-korea.html
●✅ Looking for student housing or dorm tips? Check our guide on how to choose accommodation in Korea safely and comfortably
👉 https://koreavisaguide.blogspot.com/2025/08/study-in-korea-housing.html
●✅ Not sure what to wear for each season? Read our practical Korea weather & outfit guide (2025 Edition)
👉 https://koreavisaguide.blogspot.com/2025/08/what-to-wear-in-korea-spring-summer-autumn-winter-2025.html
●✅ Want to adapt easily to Korean life? Discover the key benefits, culture insights, and safety rules for foreigners in Korea
👉 https://koreavisaguide.blogspot.com/2025/08/life-in-korea-for-foreigners.html
