Hallym University
- Study in Chuncheon City, ranked the best place to live in South Korea
- Wide variety of courses available in English
- No Korean proficiency required
South Korea has a 5,000 year history with ancient palaces, pagodas and stunning green landscape with majestic mountain tops. It also has ultra-modern skyscrapers and a fast paced city life. In addition, it is one of the world's most technologically and scientifically advanced countries due to companies such as Samsung and LG serving as global leaders in electronics.
Hallym University is regarded as one of the best universities in South Korea and has received the status “distinguished University” by the South Korean Ministry of Education several times. Hallym University is a comprehensive higher education institution in Korea with approximately 9,000 students. There are currently eight colleges and seven graduate schools at Hallym. The campus life is lively as well with many different on campus housing options, and a campus festival each semester.
Hallym University is located in Chuncheon City, ‘The City of Lakes’ which is located in the northern part of South Korea. It is a modern city of 275,000 inhabitants nestled in-between beautiful rivers and lakes and surrounded by mountains. It is known for its local cuisine and winter sports. Chuncheon was ranked as the best place to live in Korea, based on its climate, cost of living, and social conditions like crime rates and employment rates. Chuncheon is only one hour away from one of the largest metropolises in the world, Seoul, by subway.
Hallym University offers the following courses in English: Korean focused courses, business, political science, science and English literature courses. They also offer Korean language courses.
The following course documents list Hallym University courses that are typically offered in English. Please review the document for the specific term (Fall or Spring) you are thinking of going abroad for possible courses to take.
Hallym University Courses Taught in English - Fall
Hallym University Courses Taught in English - Spring
Students can live on campus in a student dormitory or in a furnished apartment in Global Village Apartments for international students. Students who would like to experience a typical student life should apply for a room in the student dormitory. The costs range from $120-$280USD per month.
Global Village Apartments are completely furnished apartments. On campus Hallym has four main dining areas: the HU Cafeteria, Students Cafeteria, Fine Restaurant and the College Café. The cafeteria provides three meals a day at reasonable prices to students.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Considerations for South Korea
The response to homosexuality is mixed in Korea. While consensual same-sex sexual activity is not criminalized and there are no specific laws that discriminate based on sexuality, same-sex marriages are not legally recognized. Korea is a conservative country in regards to LGBTI issues. However, there are an increasing number of LGBTQIA+ -oriented clubs, festivals and NGOs advocating for LGBTQIA+ issues. There is an LGBTQIA+ subculture in the more urban cities but it is not openly displayed in public, although platonic displays of affection between same-sex friends is very common. As is often in the case in a society that is both homogenous and traditionally conservative, it is the experience of many students that being open about your sexuality in any context is seen as unusual and curious, sometimes shocking.
Generally speaking, most facilities in Korea have been made to be accessible for wheelchairs. Students with physical disabilities may find it difficult to navigate public transportation in Korea. Access to transportation in most areas is somewhat limited, although there are various government initiatives designed to make public transport more accessible. Students with vision impairment may have difficulty, as most Braille or audio transportation information is exclusively in Korean.
Korea does not have a homogenous religious culture and throughout its history, a wide variety of religious movements such as Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism and Christianity have shaped the culture dramatically.
Source: U.S. Department of State country information pages and Diversity Abroad.
Additional Resources
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Open to KU students with sophomore status and above who have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA. There is no language requirement.
