Summer in Korea: Language Study or Academic Courses at Korea University
- Study at one of the best universities in South Korea, ranked among the top 200 worldwide
- Variety of classes available in English
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.
2025 Program Dates:
Depart U.S.: June 26, 2025
Arrive in Seoul: June 27, 2025
Depart Seoul: August 8, 2025
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.
Choose from more than 80 courses across 7 disciplines, all taught in English (with the exception of Korean language courses). Students will enroll in courses during the application process, but can make changes up until the first week of classes during the add/drop period.
Students may take 1, 2 or 3 courses during the 6-week program.
Students can see course options on this website.
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 University of Kansas undergraduate and graduate students.
Additionally open to undergraduate students from Dodge City Community College, Garden City Community College, Kansas City Kansas Community College or Seward County Community College.
Minimum 2.50 GPA required (exceptions considered only after submission of a petition).
Program Cost for Summer in Korea University