Skip to Content

Program Highlights for Seoul, Korea

  • Explore historic and modern Korea, known as the Land of the Morning Calm because of its mild coastal and mountainous climate
  • Learn calligraphy, danso (bamboo flute), Korean cuisine, and more from eminent local and foreign professors
  • Choose from a diverse range of courses at Kookmin University, Korea University, or Yonsei University while living in one of the most “wired” cities in the world
  • Enjoy bike or ferry rides along the Han River, entertainment and shopping, and visits to local temples through the center of bustling Seoul

Which Seoul program is right for you?

Cherry blossom trees at Kookmin University in Seoul, Korea.Kookmin University
  • How is it different? Kookmin University is for focused and ambitious students, and is renowned for their art and design programs. Operating on a green campus next to a large national park, this private university focuses on creating the thought-leaders of tomorrow with well-rounded courses and campus amenities.
  • Who goes there? Undergraduate students
  • When can I go? Summer (3 weeks), Fall/Spring (16 weeks), Yearlong (42 weeks)
  • Why choose this one? Choose this program if you are someone who likes to challenge your academic goals and wants to prepare for career success. Choose this program if you like a great cultural component to your program, especially in the summer.
Korea University in Seoul, Korea.Korea University
  • How is it different? Korea University, a highly prestigious SKY university, is for students seeking an enthusiastic campus life, featuring sports, outdoor activities, festivals, and social clubs when they are taking a break from their coursework.
  • Who goes there? Undergraduate and community college students
  • When can I go? Summer (6 weeks), Fall/Spring (16 weeks), Yearlong (42 weeks), January (3 weeks)
  • Why choose this one? Pick this program to experience modern Korean life and learn about the deeply rooted history of traditional culture — with the added guidance of a partner through the KUBA (Korea University Buddy Assistants) Program.
Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea.Yonsei University
  • How is it different? Yonsei University, a highly prestigious SKY university, is for motivated risk-takers and entrepreneurs. The youthful, metropolitan vibe of this institution is a melting pot for students from more than 70 countries meeting with the up-and-comers of Seoul.
  • Who goes there? Undergraduate and graduate students
  • When can I go? Summer (6 weeks), Fall/Spring (16 weeks), Yearlong (42 weeks), January (3 weeks).
  • Why choose this one? Select this program to meet the next generation of Koreans who have been immersed in traditional history and will write the culture’s next chapter. Choose this program if you like a challenge and love being surrounding by the hustle and bustle of Seoul city-life.

Why Study in Seoul?

The Seoul program offers courses that introduce you to the business, politics, economics, philosophy, religion, and language of Korea, one of the most rapidly developing nations in East Asia. Seoul is a city of opposites bustling with palaces, city gates, and temples next to government offices, embassies, theatres, shopping, and more. Seoul is also home to many IT corporations and is emerging as one of the most “wired” cities in the world, allowing you to experience the opportunities offered by the communications revolution.

Stay for one semester or a full year at Kookmin University, Korea University, or Yonsei University and take coursework in English from a wide range of disciplines, as well as Korean language. However, the academic courses are only part of the intended value of a semester abroad. Participation in formal and informal activities, such as field trips to local historical sites, forms an integral part of the program on all campuses.

All three universities offer a summer program. The three-week summer program at Kookmin University allows you the opportunity to dive right into the language and culture of Korea. The program is set up so students can spend equal amounts of time learning the Korean language and engaging in the culture by participating in activities such as Calligraphy, Korean Cooking, K-Pop Dance, Taekwondo, a Traditional Percussion Quartet, and more. The six-week summer programs at Korea University and Yonsei University offer courses taught in English in diverse disciplines. Special non-credit activities are open to summer students, such as Taekwondo, Calligraphy, Hip Hop Dance, Korean Cooking, Hanji Art, and more. We highly encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to enhance your cultural experience.

Korea University and Yonsei University also offer January sessions for students who are looking to earn credit in a variety of disciplines, including psychology, management, Korean language, and more. At Korea University, student's can participate in the university’s free extracurricular activities and field trips. At Yonsei University, Taekwondo is available as an extracurricular activity and the university arranges field trips for a small fee.

Quick Details

2024-25 Deadlines

Kookmin University

  • Spring 2025
    • November 1

Korea University

  • January 2025
    • October 15

Yonsei University

  • January 2025
    • October 15

2025-26 Deadlines

Kookmin University

  • Summer 2025
    • May 1
  • Fall or Yearlong 2025-26
    • May 1
  • Spring 2026
    • November 1, 2025

Korea University

  • Summer 2025
    • April 15
  • Fall or Yearlong 2025-26
    • April 1
  • January 2026
    • Application opens Dec. 1
  • Spring 2026
    • October 1, 2025

Yonsei University

  • Summer 2025
    • April 1
  • Fall or Yearlong 2025
    • March 15
  • January 2025
    • Application opens Dec. 1
  • Spring 2026
    • October 1

Program Type

Partnership (all programs)

Credit

Overseas credit (all programs)

Eligibility

Kookmin University

  • Minimum GPA: 2.5 (all terms)
  • Semester programs only:
    • Minimum class standing: Sophomore
    • Open to degree-seeking students attending a 4-year institution at the time of application

Korea University

  • Minimum GPA: 2.5 (all terms)
  • Semester programs only:
    • Minimum class standing: Applicants must have sophomore standing or higher at time of application, and
      transfer students must have completed at least one semester at their current institution.

Yonsei University

  • Minimum GPA: 2.5 (all terms)
  • Semester programs only:
    • Applicants must be degree-seeking at a 4-year institution and have sophomore standing at time of application. In addition to above, transfer students must have one semester completed at their current institution.

Program Capacity

  • Kookmin University: 40 students
  • Korea University: 30 students
  • Yonsei University: 85 fall / 75 spring / 80 summer

Instruction

English, Korean (all programs)

Passport & Visa

Passport & Visa Information