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Program highlights for Gwangju, Korea

The city

Language spoken:
Korean

Currency:
South Korean Won (KRW, ₩)

Climate:
Subtropical

City type:
Metropolis (Population >500,000)

Passport & Visa requirements

The program

Program type:
Partnership

Host university:
Chonnam National University

Language of instruction:
English, Korean

Terms offered:
Spring, Summer, Fall, Yearlong

Program capacity:
Summer: 20 students
Fall: 30 students

Credit type:
Overseas credit

Deadline to apply

Summer 2026:
March 1

Fall/Yearlong 2026-27:
April 15

Spring 2027:
October 15

Eligibility:

  • Minimum GPA: 2.5
  • Minimum class standing: Sophomore

Scholarships and Financial Aid:
Deadlines vary

  • Choose from two beautiful campuses: Gwangju, featuring traditional Korean style alongside modern vibes, or the smaller coastal city of Yeosu, which is a great blend of nature and exciting city life.
  • Further your language skills with Yeosu’s intensive Korean language program or choose from a variety of courses on the Gwangju campus.
  • Join in various field trips and extracurricular activities, which may include a boat cruise, Gwangju May 18th Memorial Park, Korean Folk Village and Temple Stay, Gyeongju, Busan, the Boryeong Mud Festival, and more.
  • Taste some of the best food in South Korea, like the famous raw marinated crab in Yeosu or a meal with a large variety of banchan side dishes in Gwangju.
  • Enjoy stunning scenery by hiking Mudeungsan mountain in Gwangju or walking the trails of Odongdo island in Yeosu.

Why study in Gwangju/Yeosu?

Study in Gwangju or Yeosu to experience beautiful nature, vibrant music and art, exciting festivals and performances, rich history, and cuisine considered to be the best in the country.

Study for a semester, summer, or year at either campus. Yeosu offers an intensive Korean language program, while Gwangju allows you to choose from a variety of courses, including Korean language, business, communication, English literature, law, political science, psychology, and many more.

A group of people eating traditional Korean food at a restaurant in Gwangju, Korea.Gwangju

Gwangju is the sixth-largest city in South Korea, offering something for everyone. Watch a baseball game at the Kia Stadium, sample side dishes at the World Kimchi Culture Festival, visit temples and hike at Mudeungsan Mountain National Park, and check out the current exhibition at the Asia Culture Center.

Gwangju is the birthplace of the modern democratic movement in South Korea, and you can learn about this history at the National Cemetery, Memorial Park, or by visiting the monuments on campus.

A group of people at the Korean Confucian School dressed in traditional Korean attire in Gwangju, Korea.Yeosu

Yeosu is an archipelago made up of 365 islands. A sophisticated and lively city with an active art and music scene, it offers stunning views and a range of exciting activities.

Visit Hwangiram Hermitage, a temple that overlooks the sea; catch aerial views from the Yeosu Sea Cable Car; marvel at Yi Sun-sin bridge, the fourth largest suspension bridge in the world; island hop on a large scale; check out countless concerts and festivals; and don’t forget to try Yeosu’s most famous dishes: agujjim (braised fish dish), seodae hwae (sashimi), and ganjang gejang (soy sauce marinated crabs.

Apply