Experience life in Seoul, one of the most dynamic and innovative cities in the world, and become a true global citizen. Study abroad at one of South Korea’s top private universities, located in the heart of this 24-hour city known for its culture, technology, and vibrant student life.
Choose from a semester, full academic year, summer school, or even a full degree program, and get accepted in as fast as one day!
Are you ambitious, globally minded, and seeking the highest academic standards? Then studying at leading international universities in South Korea, such as Hankuk University of Foreign Studies or Hanyang University, is the perfect fit for you!
Choose from a wide range of courses and specializations, deepen your expertise in your chosen field, and become a globally competitive professional. You can study in Seoul for one or two semesters, join a 4-week summer school, or even complete a full Bachelor’s degree in business.
Explore all available study abroad options in Seoul below and take your next step toward an international future!
South Korea is one of the most exciting and popular destinations for international students in Asia. Known for its blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation, the country offers a rich cultural experience with bustling cities, subtropical islands, and a thriving entertainment industry. From K-pop and K-dramas to traditional palaces and temples, South Korea presents a unique study environment where the past and present meet. With seven universities ranked among the world’s top 200 (according to Times Higher Education), combined with a high quality of life and relatively low living costs, South Korea continues to attract students from around the globe.
Studying in Korea is about more than just academics. It’s a chance to grow personally and professionally while building an international network and immersing yourself in one of Asia’s most dynamic cultures. Whether you’re looking to earn credits, complete a full degree, or explore the region during a summer break, South Korea offers a world-class educational experience with countless opportunities for exploration and personal development.
Do you want to study in Korea, but you don’t know how to realize this dream? You’ll be surprised how easy it is if you follow these 6 steps:
Before you study abroad in South Korea, the last steps are paying the tuition fee and applying for a visa. You will receive the tuition fee invoice approx. 2.5 months and the official acceptance letter from the university one month before the semester start. Afterward, you can apply for your visa with the acceptance letter. You will need a D2 student visa to study in Korea. For Summer School students, a visa may not be required due to the length of the program. Please get in touch with your local embassy for more details.
Read Florentines’ blog post about her application process to study in Korea: “HOW TO APPLY TO UNIVERSITIES IN KOREA“
When choosing between Seoul and Busan, think about the lifestyle and setting you prefer. Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, sits on the southeastern coast and is a favorite among tourists for its beaches, seafood, and relaxed vibe. With over 3.5 million residents, it offers all the benefits of a large city while being more laid-back and nature-focused than the capital. You’ll find traditional markets, vibrant cultural villages, scenic mountains, and beautiful coastlines, ideal for students who enjoy a more relaxed environment.
On the other hand, Seoul is a buzzing metropolis and the heart of South Korea’s cultural, economic, and political life. The city offers endless opportunities, from historic palaces and temples to ultra-modern skyscrapers and bustling nightlife. Surrounded by mountains and divided by the Han River, Seoul offers a balance of natural beauty and urban energy. It’s a perfect fit for students seeking fast-paced city life, diverse cultural experiences, and access to international career opportunities.
Asia Exchange offers four different study programs at three universities in South Korea.
Spend 1-2 semesters abroad at Hanyang University in Ansan, Dong-A University in Busan, or Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) in Seoul and gain international experience during your studies. For instance, this option is excellent if the home university has a limited range of study abroad destinations or study placements. So why not just study as a freemover in Korea?
Tip: If you’re presently enrolled in a university, college, or other higher education institution, check with them first about your study abroad intentions. Examine the course offerings of the university you’re interested in on our website and construct a study plan to propose to your institution. You’ll know if the study credits you acquire abroad can be applied to your home degree. You can find the study fields and course descriptions on each destination page.
Moreover, you can complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree at HUFS. This program is perfect if you want to live and study abroad for a more extended period. Immerse yourself in the Korean culture and live in Seoul, improve your Korean language skills, and make local and international student friends. Do you want to have a thorough study abroad in South Korea experience? Apply for a full degree in International Relations, Economics, Developmental, Law, or Language and Culture.
In addition, the four-week Summer School Program at HUFS is an excellent alternative for students who want to use their semester break to earn a few credit points (ECTS). This allows you to take some pressure off their curriculum while gaining international experience. The summer school also accepts high school graduates who want to learn more about Indonesia and gain study experience.
All three universities offer student housing. However, the universities decide who will receive a placement. Therefore, we recommend not to apply last minute when you choose to live in a student dormitory.
You can read more about the dormitories and room options here.
Other good options for accommodation are Airbnb or a Goshiwon. Goshiwons are dormitory-style apartments, usually small, that come with a desk, bed, TV, and internet access. They are rented monthly and mainly used by students or workers. Prices for a room range from KRW350 000 to KRW 450 000. There is no mandatory contract, so students can live there for a month and leave if they wish.
Some students stay at hostels/hotels for the first week to get to know the other students/potential roommates during the orientation events. If this is your preferred approach, we recommend booking the accommodation for your first days via Agoda. However, we still recommend looking into your long-term accommodation well before your flight. Remember, other students will also be looking for places to stay!
South Korea is a highly safe place to visit for exchange students. Koreans are peaceful and the country has lower crime rates than the United States and is comparable to other European countries, Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Consequently, students can even walk alone at night in big cities without feeling unsafe.
Ensure that your vaccinations are up to date before leaving your home country. In addition, to the essential vaccinations (MMR and diphtheria-tetanus), travelers are often advised to get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and B.
In addition, the safety of our students is our priority. Although Asia is typically secure, there are several precautions you should take. One of the most crucial safeguards, other than being vaccinated, is obtaining the right insurance. All students need health insurance when studying in South Kore. Find out more here.
o Fire, Emergency and Ambulance Tel: 119
o Police Tel: 112
o Medical Emergency (aimed at foreigners in Seoul) Tel: 1339
o Tourism and Translation Service Tel: 1330
o Coast Guard Tel: 122
o International Emergency Rescue Tel: 02 790 7561
Unlike the highly competitive high school years, university life is more balanced and enjoyable. Students are encouraged to join clubs, participate in sports, attend campus events, and build social networks. This is especially true for international students, who often find it easy to make friends through buddy programs, dormitory living, or shared classes. Universities in South Korea are known for their strong community spirit, and students often find that their time outside the classroom is just as valuable as what they learn inside it.
Study Abroad in Seoul
with Asia Exchange
Just fill out an online application form and submit it with a few attachments.
Your study placement can be confirmed as quickly as in day.
Once you get the confirmation, it’s a done deal!
Our on-site team helps you get the most out of your time abroad
Share life-changing experiences together
Seoul is sparkly, clean and beautiful, divided by the gorgeous Han River and enveloped by mountains. In contrast to the downtown high rises, there are also multiple UNESCO world heritage areas with ancient temples, palaces and courtyards for you to explore.
Even though Seoul is a vast capital city, it embraces its new residents quickly and warmly. Koreans are known as very polite and friendly. Seoul has also been rated as one of the best student cities in the world.
Do you have questions about studying abroad?
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ABOUT US
Asia Exchange offers the chance to study abroad in China, Bali, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, and Vietnam. We also offer study-abroad opportunities in Europe, South America via Beyond Abroad.
All of our partner universities have been carefully selected and are counted among the best in their respective countries.
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