Korea University
- NOTE: Students from the following Kansas Community Colleges interested in applying to Korea University for the Spring 2025 semester should contact Renee Frias at rfrias@ku.edu:
- Kansas City Kansas Community College
- Dodge City Community College
- Seward County Community College
- Garden City Community College
- Study at one of the best universities in South Korea, ranked among the top 200 worldwide
- Wide range of classes available in English
- Student life includes a buddy program, field trips to cultural sites, and several clubs to join
- Korea University Study Abroad Scholarship ($6,500) available. See Further Reading below for more information.
Korea University is one of the two oldest private universities in the country. Founded in 1905, the university has stately architecture and sprawling lawns. It is conveniently located in the hilly Anam-dong section of Seoul which is in the northeast part of Seoul (approximately 20 minutes from downtown Seoul) and is also located two miles northeast of the famous East Gate monument which is the entrance to the ancient walled-city of Seoul. Various restaurants, shops and even a famous Buddhist temple are all located within five minutes of the university. Korea University's campus covers over 182 acres and is home to 35,000 students.
Korea University is a top-ranked "Ivy League" private university in the country. It has received worldwide recognition for its excellence, as one of the few private universities in Asia to be ranked among the top 200 universities by The QS World Rankings 2010.The university offers a buddy program to assist exchange students in getting settled into the university. Exchange students may also participate in various clubs such as Korean Dance Club, Photography, Drama, Sports Club and a Choir group. Many of the club field trips include visits to palaces, museums and the Folk Village.
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.
Seoul, with a population of over 20 million in its metropolitan area, is one of Asia's largest cities and is the political, financial and cultural center of Korea.
More than 40% of all classes offered at Korea University are taught in English. Undergraduate course offerings in English are available in the following academic disciplines: Architecture, Biology, Business, East Asian Languages & Cultures, Chemistry, Economics, Engineering (Architectural, Chemical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, Mechanical), English, Environmental Studies, History, Korean Language, Linguistics, Mathematics, Physics, Political Science, Public Administration, Psychology, Sociology, Strategic Communications.
Most of the courses in the Graduate School of International Studies are taught in English. Graduate courses available in English are Korean Studies, International Area Studies and International Business.
Korean language courses are offered every semester with six different levels available from beginner to advanced.
To view courses approved for KU credit, visit Korea University Course Equivalencies.
After finding which school and department offers the course at Korea University, go to the Korea University Course Timetable to find the course description and to verify if it will be offered the term you are going abroad. Note that more course options are offered if you click on the “Undergraduate Elective” tab under the Curriculum tab on the far left-hand corner.
Click on English on the top left > Major or General (electives) subject > Select the appropriate Year,
Term, and Department > Click on the course number for more detailed course information.
*Courses conducted in English will indicate in brackets, English.
*Please move the scroll bar so that you can see what courses are open to students. Courses marked under ‘X’ are open to exchange students.
Students at Korea University may be housed in the CJ International Hourse or Anam Hall 2.
CJ International House is nestled in the green hillside of the campus and is easily accessible to campus buildings by foot or by a free campus shuttle. It is conveniently located in walking distance from two subways. CJ House is a modern building which offers limited single and double accommodations with air conditioning. Bathroom facilities are connected to the suite and are shared by suitemates. The cafeteria in CJ House serves breakfasts on weekdays. It also includes a state-of-the-art fitness center. All rooms in CJ House have cable TV, high speed internet and free local calls.
Anam Hall 2 is an air-conditioned dorm with triple shared accommodation and community bathrooms. Both Korean and international students live in Anam Hall 2.
To learn more, view the Korea University Residence Halls Website.
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 climate for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Korea is mixed. 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 who have already completed two full semesters of university study at the time of application for the study abroad program. If students have not transferred credit to KU, they should apply their sophomore fall semester or later. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
Program Cost for Academic Year in Korea University
Korea University Study Abroad Scholarship
Funds provided with generous support of Richard Paegelow, KU study abroad alumnus. This scholarship is open to KU degree-seeking undergraduate students to study at Korea University through KU Study Abroad. Recipients must have successfully completed at least one semester of Korean language course at the University of Kansas prior to the Study Abroad program, meet the eligibility requirements of Korea University, and enroll in one or more Korean course while at Korea University for the semester. Awards of up to $6,500.
To apply, visit the Korea University Study Abroad Scholarship Application.