Why Study Korea?

South Korea is a big country in East Asia with a population of 50 million people. China and Japan share maritime borders with the region, as well as a land boundary with North Korea. Although tensions between North and South Korea are high, there hasn’t been a major conflict between the two since the Korean War in 1950, when the two countries were split for the first time. Since then, South Korea has remained a peaceful nation.

Seoul, the country’s capital and largest city, is the first destination for many foreign students looking to study in South Korea. Seoul is home to just over half of South Korea’s population, with 25 million residents residing in the metropolitan area. A city of enormous cultural, political, and economic clout.

The smaller cities of Daegu and Chuncheon are two other places in South Korea where you may want to look at study abroad programs. The former is another South Korean high-tech capital, while the latter is a more isolated lake town with five universities. Don’t settle for the ordinary; investigate as many studies abroad options in South Korea as possible!

Korea has been one of the most popular destinations for foreign students studying in Asia over the last ten years. It is appealing, chic, and offers a lot for a novice to enjoy and discover. With the rising success of K-pop, Korean dramas, and Korean fashion, we are seeing a global phenomenon known as the “Korea Wave.” Aside from pop culture, Korea is a dominant power in the new media sector, as one of the most creative countries with a closely linked population.

Great Korean food is not exclusive to high-end restaurants; it can also be found effortlessly from the city’s lively street vendors. Korean cuisine is not only affordable but also nutritious and flavorful. Cultural Confucianism from ancient China collides with American and Japanese popular society in Korea.

There are also real reasons why studying in Korea is a good idea: housing rates are lower than in many other developing countries, and tuition fees are fair and inexpensive. Modernized Korea is known for its high-quality education and health care, despite its economic and political upheaval. It is a clean and stable country with excellent transport links to its neighbors. Weekend and holiday trips to China, Japan, and the rest of Asia broaden the perspective of living and learning in Korea.

Educational system In Korea 

As in most countries in the world, Korean students need to finish 12 years of schooling through primary school (6years), middle school (3years), and high school (3years) to enter tertiary education at universities and colleges. As in the US, universities offer 4 years bachelor degrees and 2 years master programs followed by doctoral programs. There are also vocational schools and junior colleges with a lower threshold of admission. 

An academic year in universities has two semesters: spring semester from March-June and fall semester September–December. Semesters are usually 15 weeks long. 

Study options for international students in Korea 

To study in Korea, international students can choose from the following options: 

  • 1-2 study abroad semesters taught in English as a visiting student (if you are enrolled in a university in your home country). 
  • Korean Language programs short summer courses or 10-60 weeks semester programs at Korean universities. Read more about studying Korean language courses in Korea. 
  •  
  • Degree programs taught in Korean and/or English covering a wide range of subjects. 

The Korean language is essential for cultural integration. Without knowing the Korean language daily life in the local society is difficult and inconvenient. Knowing Korean at Topik 3 level or higher is often a prerequisite for degree programs in Korea since even degree programs taught in English often include some classes taught in Korean.

Therefore most international students start their studies in Korea with language learning at the Korean Language Institute (KLI) of one of Korea’s many universities. There are also a few private Korean language schools, but unlike the university KLI’s private language schools cannot sponsor a student visa. So if you want to study in Korea for three months or longer, universities are your best bet. 

Korean language programs in universities consist of 4 quarters a year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter), with 10 weeks each quarter. You usually have language classes 4 hours per day (either in the morning or afternoon), five days a week.

How to Apply to a Master’s in South Korea?

If you’ve decided to study a Master’s degree at a university in South Korea, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.

What documents do I need to provide to apply in South Korea?

To apply to a university in South Korea you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:

  • birth certificate;
  • recent photos;
  • your passport or national identity card;
  • one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
  • copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor’s degree;
  • academic transcripts;
  • letter of intent;
  • Curriculum Vitae;
  • Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.

Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master’s, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT, or LSAT. Check if your program requires any of these or others.

The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in South Korea so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents or translations in the local language.

Prove your English skills

Because you’ll study for an international degree in English, you’ll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL, or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.