Locked out of Japan or China? Here’s why you should consider studying in South Korea

The ongoing travel ban in China and Japan has meant that some international students are exploring other study abroad options to avoid being at a standstill. Little wonder why “South Korean universities for international students” is becoming a trending term.

South Korea — Japan’s neighbour — is one of the most diverse and exciting countries to study as an international student. For starters, this East Asian country is world-famous for many things, from food like bibimbap to iconic K-pop artists and bands like BLACKPINK to its highly watched K-dramas like “The Penthouse”.

Famed entertainment industry aside, South Korea is also known as one of the world’s most innovative countries and is home to famous conglomerates such as Samsung and Hyundai. 

Its universities are among the best in the world for the pursuit of academic excellence. Actress Angelina Jolie’s eldest son, Maddox, is said to be studying biochemistry studies at Yonsei University.

Currently, incoming travellers must undergo 10 days quarantine, regardless of their nationality and vaccination status. Do note that government travel restrictions are subject to change, and sometimes without adequate notice.

If your interest is piqued, here are some of the top South Korean universities for international students:

South Korea is also known as one of the world’s most innovative countries and is home to famous conglomerates such as Samsung and Hyundai. Here are some of the top South Korean universities for international students. Source: Jung Yeon-je/AFP

Seoul National University

First on our list of South Korean universities for international students is Seoul National University (SNU), which was founded in 1946. 

Its graduates have gone on to serve as leaders in Korean society and in the international community. In 2017, for instance, one in four of CEO’s of top 100 Korean companies and 72% of judges in Supreme Court were SNU alumni. Close to 60% of government ministers and about half of the members of National Assembly were also part of SNU alumni in 2017. 

SNU has four campuses, two of which are in the heart of Seoul — in Gawnak and Jongno. 

Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology

As a public research uni, the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) currently hosts about 10,000 students. It is also the country’s first research-led science and engineering institution; many of its programmes are STEM-focused. 

The campus is located in Daejeon — dubbed Asia’s Silicon Valley — and its proximity to the city’s tech hub makes it an attractive location for students in this field. Its outstanding research projects makes it our pick for being a top South Korean universities for international students.

Korea University

Last on our list of South Korean universities for international students is Korea University. Students can find some English taught courses at this private research institution. Close to 10% of students at their Seoul campus students are international students.

Korea University is home to sporting facilities as well as a theatre. The university is also known for programmes in chemical engineering, social policy and administration, modern languages, politics, and accounting and finance. 

Besides its top-notch education, international students can get a chance to explore what South Korea has to offer. It’s a short walk away from an area with a popular selection of restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.