Studying in South Korea — Universities, Scholarships, Language Programs

My First Semester in Seoul: Drowning in Acronyms

When I arrived in Korea for my studies 12 years ago, I found myself drowning in acronyms: 대학교 (daehakgyo — university), 어학당 (eohakdang — language school), 장학금 (janghakgeum — scholarship), TOPIK, GKS, SKY… On my first day at 연세대 (Yonsei University), a Korean student asked me: « TOPIK 몇 급이에요? » (TOPIK myeot geupieyo? — What TOPIK level do you have?). I had no idea what he was talking about.

Today, after helping dozens of foreign friends with their applications, I can guide you. Here''s everything you need to know about studying in South Korea.

대학교 (daehakgyo) — The Korean University System

The term 대학교 (daehakgyo) means university. The Korean system is structured in cycles: bachelor''s (4 years), master''s (2 years), doctorate (3-4 years). Korean universities are attracting more and more international students, thanks to English-taught programs and generous scholarships.

SKY: The Golden Triangle

The three most prestigious universities form the acronym SKY — a pun on "sky" in English, because getting in seems as hard as touching the sky:

• 서울대 (Seoul National University) — The national university, often ranked first. Renowned for research and academic excellence. Main campus in Gwanak.
• 연세대 (Yonsei University) — Private, renowned for international relations and English programs. Campus in Sinchon, the quintessential student district.
• 고려대 (Korea University) — Private, traditional rival of Yonsei. The 고연전 (Goyeonjeon) — annual match between the two universities — is a national event.

Getting into a SKY university opens doors in Korea. Employers value them enormously. But it''s not the only path: other institutions excel in specific fields.

Other Top Universities

• 한양대 (Hanyang University) — Renowned for engineering and architecture. Campuses in Seoul and ERICA (Ansan).
• 성균관대 (Sungkyunkwan University) — Korea''s oldest university (1398). Strong in business and humanities. Partnership with Samsung.
• 이화여대 (Ewha Womans University) — The world''s largest women''s university. Excellent reputation in design, music, law. Beautiful campus in Sinchon.

TOPIK — Test of Proficiency in Korean

TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) is the official exam that certifies your Korean level. Most universities and scholarships require it.

TOPIK Levels

TOPIK has six levels, grouped into two exams:

• TOPIK I (levels 1-2): Beginner. Basic comprehension, simple vocabulary.
• TOPIK II (levels 3-6): Intermediate to advanced. Reading, writing, listening.

For a bachelor''s in Korean, universities typically require TOPIK 4 minimum. For a master''s in English, TOPIK may be optional but valued. The GKS (government scholarship) often requires TOPIK 3 or 4 depending on the program.

The exam is held six times a year in Korea, and several times abroad. Registration at topik.go.kr.

장학금 (janghakgeum) — Scholarships

장학금 (janghakgeum) means "scholarship." Korea offers very attractive scholarships to attract international talent.

GKS — Global Korea Scholarship (정부초청장학금)

The 정부초청장학금 (jeongbu chocheong janghakgeum) — government invitation scholarship — known internationally as GKS, is the most prestigious scholarship. It covers everything: round-trip flight, tuition fees, monthly allowance (900,000 to 1,000,000 ₩), insurance, one year of Korean language courses, and even a settlement allowance.

Two GKS Application Tracks

University Track: You apply directly to a partner university. Each university has its quota. You choose the institution and program. Application: form, diplomas, recommendation letters, study plan, TOPIK (often level 3 minimum for bachelor''s in Korean). Deadline: generally September-October for March intake.

Embassy Track: You apply through the Korean embassy in your country. You don''t choose the university — a committee assigns you. More competitive, as the quota per country is limited. Deadline: varies by country, often September-November.

Main Criteria

• Nationality: according to agreements (France is eligible)
• Age: generally under 25 for bachelor''s, 40 for master''s/doctorate
• Excellent academic results
• No Korean dual citizenship
• Not already holding a Korean degree

I''ve known several GKS recipients. One of them, a Frenchman, did his master''s at Seoul National in international relations. The scholarship paid for everything for two years. He now works at the French Embassy in Seoul.

Other Scholarships

• University scholarships: Each university offers reductions or waivers to deserving international students. Check department websites.
• Korean Foundation scholarships: For studies in humanities and social sciences.
• Corporate scholarships: Samsung, LG and other groups offer targeted scholarships.

어학당 (eohakdang) — Language Programs

The 어학당 (eohakdang) is the language institute affiliated with a university. It''s the most common path for learning Korean through immersion. I did a semester at Yonsei''s 어학당 before starting my master''s — an intense and formative experience.

What to Expect

Classes run Monday to Friday, usually morning (9am-1pm) or afternoon (2pm-6pm). Four hours a day, five days a week. The pace is demanding: lots of vocabulary, grammar, oral practice. Teachers are excellent and classes small (10-15 students).

Each semester lasts about 10 weeks. There are generally four sessions per year (March, June, September, December). Textbooks used are often the university''s own (Yonsei, Sogang, Ewha have their own methods).

Cost: About 1.5 to 2 Million ₩ Per Semester

Fees vary by university. Budget approximately 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 ₩ ($1,100 to $1,500) per semester for tuition. The most prestigious universities (Yonsei, Sogang, Ewha) are at the high end.

In addition: housing, daily life, textbooks (about 50,000 ₩ per level). A semester in 어학당 costs in total, housing included, about $3,500 to $5,000 for a frugal student.

The Best 어학당

• 연세대 어학당: Renowned for grammar and writing. Structured method.
• 서강대 어학당: Excellent for speaking and conversation. Very interactive classes.
• 이화여대 어학당: Good balance, friendly atmosphere. Open to men too despite the university name.
• 서울대 어학당: The most prestigious, selective.

Student Life: 기숙사, 학식, 동아리

기숙사 (gisuksa) — The Dormitory

기숙사 (gisuksa) is the dormitory. Universities offer on-campus rooms at very reasonable prices (200,000 to 400,000 ₩/month depending on university and room type). It''s often the most economical and convenient option for international students.

Note: places are limited. Register as soon as applications open. Double rooms are more common; singles go very fast.

학식 (haksik) — The University Cafeteria

학식 (haksik) refers to university dining. Meals at the campus restaurant cost about 3,500 to 5,000 ₩ ($2.50 to $3.50) — a full lunch with rice, soup, banchan (반찬 — side dishes) and main dish. Unbeatable. I ate at Yonsei''s 학식 almost every lunch for two years.

동아리 (dongari) — Student Clubs

동아리 (dongari) are clubs and associations. Each university has hundreds: sports, music, K-pop dance, photography, debate, volunteering… Joining a 동아리 is the best way to make Korean friends and practice the language. "MT" (membership training) — organized trips at the start of the year — are key moments for integration.

D-4 and D-2 Visas: Studying in Korea

D-4 — Language Student Visa

The D-4 visa is for 어학당 students or short-term programs (less than 2 years). You must be enrolled in a recognized institution. The school sends you an invitation letter (초청장) and documents for the consulate.

D-4 allows part-time work (아르바이트, areubaiteu) after 6 months of study, with school and immigration approval. Maximum 20 hours per week during the school term.

D-2 — Degree Student Visa

The D-2 visa is for bachelor''s, master''s or doctorate studies. Valid for the duration of the program. Also allows 아르바이트 under conditions (approval, 20h/week during term, 40h during vacations for some programs).

아르바이트 (areubaiteu) — Student Jobs

아르바이트 (areubaiteu) — from the German "Arbeit" (work) — means part-time jobs. Foreign students on D-4 or D-2 can work in restaurants, cafés, shops, tutoring (especially English).

The 2026 minimum hourly wage is about 9,860 ₩ ($7). A 20h/week job brings in about 800,000 ₩/month — enough to cover part of rent and food.

Job listings are on student Facebook groups, sites like Albamon (알바몬), or word of mouth. English (or French) tutoring is often the most lucrative: 25,000 to 50,000 ₩/hour depending on level.

Study in Korea Vocabulary

Useful Phrases for Students

• 어느 대학교 다녀요? (eoneu daehakgyo danyeoyo?) — "Which university do you go to?"
• 어학당 몇 급이에요? (eohakdang myeot geupieyo?) — "What level are you in at the 어학당?"
• 기숙사에 살아요 (gisuksae sarayo) — "I live in the dormitory"
• 학식 어디서 먹어요? (haksik eodiseo meogeoyo?) — "Where do you eat at the 학식?"
• 동아리 활동 해요? (dongari hwaldong haeyo?) — "Do you do club activities?"
• 아르바이트 해요? (areubaiteu haeyo?) — "Do you have a part-time job?"
• TOPIK 봤어요? (TOPIK bwasseoyo?) — "Did you take the TOPIK?"

My Advice After 12 Years

Studying in Korea was one of the best decisions of my life. The 어학당 gave me the foundations, the university opened the doors to the job market. Scholarships like GKS make the adventure accessible. Student life — 기숙사, 학식, 동아리 — forges lasting friendships.

Prepare your Korean before leaving. Even a TOPIK 1-2 level makes integration much easier. And once there, dive into 동아리: that''s where real relationships are built.

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Ready to study in Korea? Start learning Korean with Seonsaengnim — interactive lessons and K-Pop to master university vocabulary before you go.