Study in South Korea
South Korea’s economy has boomed over recent decades, and education, tourism and transport systems have all been transformed. It’s a relatively expensive but incredibly interesting place to study in Asia. South Korea takes influence from both China and Japan. Its culture places great importance on education and offers some excellent and highly prestigious universities.
South Korea enjoys four distinct seasons and holds a large number of festivals and celebrations every year. There’s a lot to see, and with great transport systems, it’s really easy to get around too. Seoul offers a wonderful student community, though keep in mind that the motto here is “work hard, play hard”, so you may not find much time for relaxing! Great for those who love a busy lifestyle!
Why Study in South Korea?
Living and studying in South Korea may provide students an opportunity to explore a beautiful and vibrant country. Study in South Korea is a once in a lifetime opportunity, whether exploring South Korea’s large and bustling capital city, Seoul, or exploring the country’s lush coastlands and countryside, students are sure to enjoy a variety of interesting sights and gorgeous views. Students are also likely to enjoy South Korea’s rich and dynamic culture.
South Korea is officially known as the Republic of Korea. It is located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. It shares a land border with North Korea and oversea borders with Japan and China.
South Korea’s terrain is comprised mostly of mountains with some coastal plains, rolling hills, river basins, and valleys. It has a humid continental and subtropical climate with four distinct seasons.
Cost of Living in South Korea
The national currency of South Korea is the “won”. In October of 2013, 1061 won was equivalent to 1 U.S. dollar.
Depending on where one lives, one can rent an apartment and enjoy sports and leisure-related activities in South Korea for about the same price as one can in many parts of the United States. Groceries, clothing, private transportation, and the purchase prices of apartments, however, are typically higher in South Korea than they are in the U.S. Meanwhile, public transportation, utilities, and restaurants are typically less expensive in South Korea than they are in the U.S. Overall, the cost of living in South Korea is slightly higher than it is in the United States. Salaries, however, are slightly lower.
South Korea has a technologically advanced transportation system comprised of highways, bus routes, ferries, and high-speed railways. Travel by air is also a popular mode of transportation. As mentioned above, public transportation is relatively cheaper than public transportation in the U.S. Private transportation, or purchasing a car and buying gasoline, however, is more expensive in South Korea than it is in the U.S.
Language in South Korea
Korean is the official language in South Korea. Because the ethnic make-up of South Korea is homogenous (with the exception of a relatively small population of Chinese), Korean is the only language spoken throughout the country. The Korean language has numerous dialects, but the majority of them are similar enough that the majority of Koreans can understand them.
Visas
Anyone who wants to study abroad must obtain a student visa from a Korean Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. This can be obtained only after preparing all the required documents to enter Korea, including an admission letter. The type of visa required differs according to what kind of course (Korean language training, regular degree, research, or exchange student) will be taken. For a student visa, applicants (seeking a degree higher than a professional school, research course, or exchange student course will require a D-2 visa) and those studying Korean language at a university language school will need a D-4 Visa (For more information on student visas, please visit the Korea Immigration Service website http://www.immigration.go.kr/HP/IMM80/index.do)
