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Learning Abroad Center
Korea University campus

University Study in South Korea: Korea University, Seoul

Asia & Oceania
LAC Program

One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in East Asia, Korea University offers the opportunity to study alongside Korean and international students in the rising metropolis of Seoul. With 24 colleges and divisions, KU offers coursework, taught in English by world-class faculty, in virtually any field.

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Program Details

Location
Location
Seoul, South Korea
Term
Term
Academic Year
Fall Semester
Winter Break
Calendar Year
Spring Semester
Summer Session
Housing
Housing
Apartment
Dormitory
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English
Korean

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
GPA
2.7 for semester program, 2.5 for summer and winter programs, 3.0 for summer internship
Language Prerequisite
Language Prerequisite
No Language Prerequisite

*Note: Students applying for a semester or academic year program must have completed at least two semesters at the University of Minnesota at the time of application. Transfer students must have completed at least one semester at the University of Minnesota, assuming they completed at least one semester at a previous four-year institution.

Photos

A student stands in a shopping arcade in South Korea
Modern structures on the campus of Korea University in South Korea
Guards at the entrance to a shrine at the base of a mountain in South Korea
A traditional meal with rice, meat, kimchi, and fermented sides in South Korea
A stone tower and buildings on the campus of Korea University
An illuminated waterside temple and its reflection at night in South Korea
Bright neon and electric signs light up the night on a busy shopping street in Seoul, South Korea
Students pose in front of a brightly colored shrine in South Kore

About

With a centuries-old heritage and cutting-edge technology, Seoul is a city of contrasts where the old and new exist in harmony. The bustling city of 10 million residents is surrounded by tranquil mountains, and the peaceful seaside is less than an hour away from the buzz of city life.

Korea University (KU) is home to 37,000 students, with a 25% international student population. Living on campus, you will have the opportunity to learn and share culture with students from around the globe. Over 40% of classes at KU are taught in English, and with over 24 colleges and divisions, classes are available in almost any academic field.

The International Summer Campus (ISC) attracts over 1600 students from all over the world annually, offering more than 110 classes taught in English, and internship placements at top Korean companies and organizations.

Program Model

University Study

Housing & Meals

Korea University offers on-campus housing in one of two residential facilities, where you will live and learn alongside students from Korea and all over the world. KU is also able to assist students wishing to live off-campus in apartments near KU.

Excursions

As a student in full-standing at KU, you will have access to hundreds of clubs and societies for students with various hobbies and interests. The KU International Office organizes a Buddy Program to introduce you to locals, as well as various social events through the semester and summer, such as taekwondo classes, Korean cooking, and traditional music.

Learning Outcomes

Students studying at Korea University will:

  • augment their cross-cultural understanding through interaction with Korean and international students and community members;
  • gain appreciation of the academic culture of Korea and differences between the Korean and US educational systems through direct enrollment;
  • gain awareness and appreciation of Korean culture through dorm-style placements with Korean students, as well as access to a wide range of student organizations and clubs;
  • become more self-reliant through the experience of obtaining enrollment, housing, catering, and transportation independently;
  • become more effective at navigating differences by spending four to ten months of full integration in a foreign academic, cultural, and political climate;
  • and experience Korean and international perspectives on academic disciplines through direct enrollment at a local host university.

Faculty & Staff

Faculty at KU come from all over the world, and are leaders in their fields. As one of the top-ranked universities in Asia, KU has a reputation for academic strength and excellence.

Program Structure

Program Level
Various levels
Courseload

13–19 credits for fall or spring semester; 3–9 credits for summer session; 3-6 credits for winter session.

Korea University operates on the traditional Korean calendar. Fall semester runs early August to mid-December, while the Spring term begins late February and runs to mid-June. Credits are awarded at a 1:1 ratio, and most classes carry 3 credits, making 5 classes a typical semester.

The summer program has 4-week and 6-week classes from late June to early August, as well as an optional 4-week internship placement during June. The winter program offers 2-week and 3-week options, typically beginning after Christmas and ending in mid-January.

Coursework

Courses

Grade & Credit Conversion Scale

NOTE: the following subjects are typically off-limits to visiting students at KU: medicine, nursing, pharmacy, law, teacher education, art / design, and cyber defense.

Searching for courses: KU Course Catalogue; Select the year and term, keep "Seoul" as the campus, use the dropdown menu to choose the College and then Department. For Korean Language Courses, keep the first dropdown menu as "General Studies," in the second dropdown menu select "Electives." Korean Language courses will be listed near the bottom with the IFLS designator.

Korean Language Courses

The Korean Language Department at the University of Minnesota has reviewed the Korean Language courses offered at KU and determined that considering class contact hours, level of difficulty, and the immersive educational environment, they should be worth more credits than what KU awards.  The list below indicates how many credits UMN students will receive upon successful completion of a course, despite the credit amount that KU awards.

IFLS 108: Beginners Korean I (3 credits) : 5 credits

IFLS 109: Beginners Korean II (3 credits): 5 credits

IFLS 110: Intermediate Korean I (3 credits) : 5 credits

IFLS 111: Intermediate Korean II (3 credits): 5 credits

IFLS 112: Advanced Korean I (3 credits): 5 credits

IFLS 240: Korean Speaking For Beginners I (2 credits): 3 credits

IFLS 241: Korean Speaking for Beginners II (2 credits): 3 credits

IFLS 242: Intermediate Korean Speaking (2 credits): 3 credits

IFLS 243: Intermediate Korean Reading (2 credits): 3 credits

IFLS 245: Korean Writing for Beginners (2 credits): 3 credits

IFLS 246: Intermediate Korean Writing (2 credits): 3 credits

For more information including dates, immigration, housing and more, visit KU's Global Services Center webpages. Note: You are considered a "Visiting" student at KU, not an "Exchange" student.

Summer

KU's International Summer Campus (ISC) offers more than 110 classes taught in English, as well as credit-bearing internship placements at top Korean businesses and organizations. Earn 3 to 9 credits across a wide range of academic fields, spending between 4 and 10 weeks in Seoul.

The optional internship program takes place in June, and precedes the academic program. The internship cannot be completed as a stand-alone program; students participating in an internship must also stay for either the 4-week or 6-week academic program in July and August. All internship placements are concluded by the time the academic program begins in late June; placements do not continue during the academic program.

Winter

KU's International Winter Campus offers more than 20 classes taught in English. Earn 3 to 6 credits across a range of academic fields.

Global Identity

Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.

To access more information about the course, visit the Global Identity Course Information page.

Program Dates

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

Orientation Dates & Locations

Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation, which is mandatory for all students, and an in-person, program-specific session. You will receive more information about the online orientation via email. Failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad.

See below for tentative dates and times for your in-person session. You will be notified of the official date and time via email. Participants will receive applicable orientation materials via email approximately 1 week prior to the in-person session.

Term Abroad Date/Time Location
Summer 2022 TBD TBD

Summer 2023

Summer Internship

Application Open Date: August 1, 2022
Application Deadline: March 15, 2023

Schedule Date
Program Start Late May
Program End Late June

Summer 4 Week Program

Application Open Date: August 1, 2022
Application Deadline: May 1, 2023

Schedule Date
Program Start Late June
Program End Late July

Summer 6 Week Program

Application Open Date: August 1, 2022
Application Deadline: May 1, 2023

Schedule Date
Program Start Late June
Program End Early August

Fall 2023

Application Open Date: December 1, 2022
Application Deadline: April 15, 2023

Schedule Date
Program Start Late August
Program End Late December

Academic Year 2023-24

Application Open Date: December 1, 2022
Application Deadline: April 15, 2023

Schedule Date
Program Start Late August
Program End Late June

Winter Break 2023-24

Application Open Date: May 1, 2023
Application Deadline: October 15, 2023

Schedule Date
Program Start Late December
Program End Mid January

Spring 2024

Application Open Date: May 1, 2023
Application Deadline: October 15, 2023

Schedule Date
Program Start Mid February
Program End Late June

Fees

University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Winter Break 2022-23

University Study in South Korea: Korea U, Seoul - Winter Program

Winter Break 2023

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costsBase fee includes tuition for one class. Two classes adds $1100 to the base fee $2,250
International health insurance $50
Housing and/or mealsHousing is paid directly to onsite managing organization $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $2,700
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $2,700

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $2,000
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documentsVisa not required for U.S. citizens $0
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $575
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,725
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $50
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeHousing payment due up front in full ($575 - single, $290 - double), Meals (21 days x $25 = $525) $1,100
Essential daily living expenses $500
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $1,650

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $7,075
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $500
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Spring 2023

University Study in South Korea: Korea U, Seoul

Spring Semester 2023

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $6,455
International health insurance $250
Housing and/or mealsHousing is paid directly to onsite managing organization $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $7,105
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $7,105

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $2,000
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents45 for the visa, additional costs for mailing fees $75
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $300
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,525
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $300
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeHousing (2000), Meals (2500) $4,500
Essential daily living expenses $2,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $6,800

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $16,430
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,500
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Academic Year 2022-23

University Study in South Korea: Korea U, Seoul

Academic Yr Fall 2022/Spring 2023

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $12,015
International health insurance $550
Housing and/or mealsHousing is paid directly to onsite managing organization $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $12,965
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $12,965

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $2,000
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents45 for the visa, additional costs for mailing fees $75
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $300
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,525
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $500
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeHousing (4000), Meals (5000) $9,000
Essential daily living expenses $4,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $13,500

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $28,990
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $3,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Summer 2022—4 Weeks

University Study in South Korea: Korea U - Summer Program - 4 Weeks

Summer 2022

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costsBase fee includes tuition for one class. Two classes adds $1200 to the base fee; three classes adds $2100 to the base fee. $2,350
International health insurance $100
Housing and/or meals $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $2,850
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $2,850

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $2,000
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents $0
Travel clinic/immunizations*Cost of required quarantine period upon arrival $1,000
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $3,150
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $50
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeEstimate is for single room in KU on-campus housing and $20/day food budget; double rooms are available at a lower cost $1,450
Essential daily living expenses $500
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $2,000

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $8,000
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $500
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Summer 2022—6 Weeks

University Study in South Korea: Korea U - Summer Program - 6 Weeks

Summer 2022

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costsBase fee includes tuition for one class. Two classes adds $1200 to the base fee; three classes adds $2100 to the base fee. $2,350
International health insurance $100
Housing and/or meals $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $2,850
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $2,850

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteAirfare to / from Incheon airport $2,000
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents $0
Travel clinic/immunizations*Cost of required quarantine period upon arrival $1,000
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $3,150
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $50
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeEstimate is for single room in KU on-campus housing and $20/day food budget; double rooms are available at a lower cost $1,900
Essential daily living expenses $750
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $2,700

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $8,700
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $750
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Summer 2022—6 Weeks + Internship

University Study in South Korea: Korea U - Summer Program - 6 Weeks plus Internship

Summer 2022

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costsBase fee includes tuition for one class. Two classes adds $1200 to the base fee; three classes adds $2100 to the base fee. $2,350
International health insurance $200
Housing and/or meals $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $2,950
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $2,950

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $2,000
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents $0
Travel clinic/immunizations*Cost of required quarantine period upon arrival $1,000
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $3,150
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $0
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeEstimate is for single room in KU on-campus housing and $20/day food budget; double rooms are available at a lower cost $3,200
Essential daily living expenses $1,250
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $4,450

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $10,550
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,200
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Fall 2022

University Study in South Korea: Korea U, Seoul

Fall Semester 2022

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $6,395
International health insurance $220
Housing and/or mealsHousing is paid directly to onsite managing organization $0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $7,015
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $7,015

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site $2,000
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents45 for the visa, additional costs for mailing fees $75
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $300
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,525
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $300
Housing and/or meals not included in program feeHousing (2000), Meals (2500) $4,500
Essential daily living expenses $2,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $6,800

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $16,340
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,500
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Complete pre-application advising.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine and booster are required by the host country and/or on-site partners and facilities for most study abroad programs. Complete your COVID-19 vaccine doses immediately.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

Upon submitting the online application you will be sent a link to Korea University's online application portal.  Create an account there, and upload the requested items.  These items include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Statement of Purpose essay (semester program only)
  • Official transcript(s)
  • Passport-sized photo
  • Passport copy
  • Certificate of Health (semester program only)
  • Proof of international health insurance (provided by the LAC)
  • GPA Conversion Form

Affiliate organizations and partner universities will not accept applications from UMTC students without the endorsement of the Learning Abroad Center.  Students must participate in affiliate organization and partner university programs through the standard Learning Abroad Center application process. 

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Clara Arent or call at 612.301.1571

Contact Program Alum

Below is a list of additional students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision-making process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.

Summer 2022

Esther O.: Architecture major, Asian and Middle Eastern Studies minor; on-campus dorm

Spring 2022

Ilhan R.: Communication Studies major; on-campus dorm

Shameela K.: International Relations and Asian and Middle Eastern Studies majors; on-campus dorm

Fall 2021

Allie K: Entrepreneurial Management major