South Korea has become a sought-after destination for international students due to its outstanding education system and high standard of living. In this Asian country, numerous lively cities offer an excellent atmosphere full of energy and excitement. Moreover, these cities provide affordable housing options and living expenses that are reasonable for international students.
South Korea also ensures that international students have access to various amenities to enhance their quality of life. Therefore, this article will identify the top five cities in South Korea for international students, assisting you in making an informed decision about your study destination. Ensure you read the article till the end for your ideal South Korean city for your educational journey.
Top Cities to Study in South Korea for International Students
1. Seoul
Seoul is one of the most popular and busiest cities in South Korea. It is regarded as the capital city of South Korea, and it is famous for its tall buildings and technological advancement. This city is a favorite for international students as they can easily understand Korean culture, as well as find good food and discover interesting activities.
Seoul is also home to many outstanding universities that offer different courses for international students. Some popular ones are Seoul National University or SNU, Korea University, and Yonsei University. These universities all have classes in English for students who don’t speak Korean.
And because of how popular Seoul is, living here as an international student can be expensive and, at the same time, affordable, depending on your lifestyle. For instance, rent for a place to stay can be between $492 and $758 a month, but it depends on the area in the city. University fees for one year can be between $6,000 and $12,000, and getting around the city by bus or subway costs about $154 a month. While other things like food and fun activities might cost $500 to $600 each month.
2. Daejeon
If there is one city where international students can find in-depth knowledge of science and nature, that city would be Daejeon. This city in South Korea has lots of places for studying science and technology. It also has parks and mountains for people who enjoy the beauty of nature.
Apart from being a relatively affordable city, Daejeon also possesses a number of great schools, such as KAIST or Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon University, and Chungnam National University.
School fees in many of these schools typically range from $2,600 to $18,500 a year. Then there are expenses like food that might cost about $395 every month. While transportation by bus or train can cost about $88.9 every month. Accommodation, on the other hand, is less expensive compared to cities like Seoul, as a one-room apartment in Daejeon can be between $270 and $289 a month.
3. Busan
If you are an international student looking for a city in Korea that offers an interesting mix of city life and nature, then Busan is the perfect city to study. This big city by the sea in South Korea is very popular for its nice beaches, busy markets, and pretty mountains, with loads of amazing places at every corner.
Many international students have also discovered that Busan is not only a nice place with great universities like Pusan National University, Dong-A University, and Kangseo University. But also a less expensive city that offers an amazingly high standard of living.
The cost of living in Busan is about $1029, with rent for a room costing between $300 and $800 a month. Food might cost around $419 every month. On the other hand, tuition fees for its university range between $3,999 to $4,503, While transportation by train or bus might cost about $141 each month. Generally, Busan is a great place for international students looking for an affordable yet decent place to study.
4. Gwangju
Gwangju is a city in the southwest of South Korea known for its rich history and culture. It’s famous for an event called the May 18th Democratic Uprising and has lots of museums and events displaying Korean culture.
Many international students prefer this city because of the number of universities available in the city, such as Chonnam National University, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, and Gwangju University.
The cost of living in Gwangju is also affordable as Rent for a room apartment for one person can be between 320 and 410 a month, school fees can be between $3,000 and $15,000 a year, while food and transportation can cost about $112 to $491 each month, respectively.
5. Daegu
Daegu is another busy city in South Korea that is famous for being both modern and old-fashioned. International students will find that this city possesses a lot of remarkable adventures that will make their stay interesting.
Some of the top universities in this city include Kyungpook National University and Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, some of which offer classes in English.
The cost of living here can be on the high side but it depends on the student lifestyle and budget. However, international students will likely pay school fees between $3,700 and $8,000 a year, accommodation fees of about $260 and $387 a month, food and transportation of about $115 to $500 each month, and miscellaneous expenses of about $109 monthly.
South Korea has great cities for international students, each with its own unique charm. Whether it’s the bustling Seoul, cool Gwangju, or charming Daegu, there’s something for everyone. Universities in these cities also offer classes in English, making it easy for international students. The costs of living are also reasonable, ensuring students can cover their rent, school fees, and other expenses.
We hope that you found this article on the best cities for international students in South Korea informative and helpful. Find more articles about studying in Korea on the Study in Korea Page. You can also search for currently open courses at the Available Programs for International Students!
