Korea University Korean Language Program Review

Korea University (http://klcc.korea.ac.kr/about/about01_eng.html)

Korea University is one of the top 3 universities in Korea; Part of the SKY universities. It is the Red half of the famous Yonsei Korea Games and is based in North Seoul

What foreigners say: Korea University due to it's location has it's own very strong community. Korea university has many exchange programs for regular courses so there is a good international vibe (estimated at 2000 students) on campus and a slight air of superiority.

Cost: Regular program during the mornings is 1,580,000 KRW/Term (200 hour course) roughly 100,000KRW cheaper than Yonsei / Sogang
Afternoon class times are available for 1,220,000KRW which is the cheapest of the big three schools (SKY)

Living: (Requires Student Review Input)

The university is located in the area of Anam Dong which is the base of the CJ international house; because of the large amount of exchange programs and international proffessors at Korea University they have a purpose built dormitory to help house these students.

There are one rooms and goshiwons available in anam-dong but no where near the amount of options available to students in the Sinchon area. In terms of nightlife the closest hot spot area is Jonggak to the south or Konkuk University Station towards the east.

One rooms around Korea University Station are on the expensive side (10,000,000 KRW  Key money and 600,000 KRW rent - http://seoul.craigslist.co.kr/apa/4762236995.html) around the station is the usual amount of bars and restaurants catering to the student population which will be exclusively used by the university students in the area.

Student Body: As mentioned above outside of the Korean language program there are a lot of exchange students who will also take Korean lessons at times. This makes for a much more international student body than other schools. You should expect a good international feel at the campus and there should be more opportunities to network outside of the Korean language program.

Atmosphere: The prestigious nature of the university means there is a strong academic atmosphere at the university. The Korean language program is not well known but as I have stated because of the large amounts of exchange students and proffessors the campus is more international. The area is large and grand and there is great facilities for sport and other clubs. There is an air of exclusivity to the campus and many of the international students readily adopt the university - in general the passion of Korea university students during the Korea vs Yonsei games is much more intense. This is probably due to the fact that Yonsei pumps through a huge amount of language students who do not recognise themselves as 'Yonsei" students while at Korea university international students are very much adopted into the university culture.

Culture / Job Opportunities: Still can't compare to the opportunities that exist at Yonsei; the language program is not well known and is not often targeted by the TV shows and other companies that have opportunities for foreign students. The jobs board is pretty sparse in comparison. That said there is a lot of networking opportunities with students who are on exchange and also with foreign professors who are also on exchange.

The Sawons Rating:

3 / 5 Sojus

I have given Korea University 3 sojus. I think if you are sent here via a university exchange then you are in for a great time and will enjoy the campus and community. However if you are going just for Korean language then I think there are better options. What puts me off about Korea University is the lack of value in housing around the area and the inconvenience to connect up with the other major party areas/subway/attractions. I think overall for a Korean language student then Yonsei or SNU would be the better option.

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