The obvious difference in mindset, culture, and society between Western and Eastern countries has not prevented thousands of students from seeking higher education in the Land of the Morning Calm. According to researchers from the write my research paper service, the rapidly growing economy and the South Korean government’s favorable attitude towards internationalization make the country an attractive destination for educational tourism. High-speed internet, the prevalence of English, and a supportive startup system attract students from all over the world to South Korea.
Table of Contents
Higher Education System
Higher education is popular in South Korea. About 70% of high school graduates enroll in higher education institutions, which include not only classical universities, colleges, and open universities (which organize academic courses via the Internet).
The university education process is divided into three stages: Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate. It takes four years to obtain a bachelor’s degree, and two years for a master’s. Doctoral students work on research for no more than four years.
The academic year in South Korea is divided into two semesters. One starts in March and the other in September. After each semester, vacations are announced: summer, from mid-July to August; winter, from late December to February.
It is important to note that you must pay for all types of education in Korea (including even preschool education). Higher education costs from $1,500 to $8,000 per year. Master’s programs cost about a quarter of that.
The extensive infrastructure of universities is also funded to some extent by students, who pay each semester for student support services, accommodation, and meals in dormitories, as well as health insurance.
The Content Side of Study
The period in which a student can obtain a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in South Korea is almost identical to that of Europe. However, the content of the Korean educational process differs markedly from that of Europe.
Most Korean universities adhere to liberal educational standards. There are no strict curricula here. Students are free to choose the subjects they are interested in, including general sciences and specialized subjects. Such a format, combined with the cost of education, motivates students to choose the subjects they study responsibly. It is the prioritization of the student that determines how useful and productive their years at university will be. Thus, the perceived freedom imposes significant responsibilities and obligations on students.
When evaluating a student’s academic performance, South Korean educators are not concerned with the amount of information learned, grades, or even attendance. The most important thing a student must do to obtain a good grade is to prove that they can apply the information they learned in practice. Students prepare real projects and solve cases, demonstrating their ability to use theory in a variety of situations.
There are no seminars in South Korean universities, only lectures in the curriculum. There are various formats for class lessons. In the first, the instructor assigns each student to prepare a presentation that addresses certain aspects of the topic being studied. During the class, students present their information from which the overall picture emerges. This format teaches students effective public speaking, concise presentation, and quick assimilation of information.
Another way in which the teacher plays the role of moderator is through lively discussion among students. He or she asks important questions, identifies topics for discussion, gives examples, and invites comments. The result of scientific discussions is a solid understanding of the material. It is known that strong emotions evoke long-term memorization. Students who emotionally prove their viewpoint on the subject being studied memorize the course of their thoughts and arguments, as well as the logic of their opponents.
Universities in South Korea
Today, in South Korea, there are about 400 higher education institutions. Among them, there are private and state universities. The three most prestigious universities are designated by the abbreviation SKY and include:
- Seoul National University
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
- Yonsei University
Seoul National University is the largest university in Korea, founded in 1946 after the merger of 10 educational institutions of various specializations. Seoul National University is the alma mater of tens of thousands of undergraduate and graduate students. They study social sciences, natural and technical sciences, ecology, engineering programs, veterinary sciences, and music. The university’s faculty has a liberal outlook, giving students as much freedom as possible throughout the educational process. Another important activity of this university is its student exchange programs, which are designed for both long-term studies and short-term internships.
KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology) is the leading university in South Korea and, in less than 50 years of operation, has managed to become one of the top ten universities in Asia and one of the top 100 universities in the world. KAIST is located in Daejeon, a mountainous city about 140 kilometers from Seoul. Most of the university’s educational programs are dedicated to mathematics, engineering, chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, as well as biotechnology and IT. However, KAIST also has a liberal arts department that educates future journalists, political scientists, and intellectual property managers. Students are housed in 22 dormitories on the university’s extensive campus. Festivals and concerts are also an essential part of KAIST’s cultural life.
Yonsei University is an elite research center and private property and one of the top three universities in South Korea. Yonsei University hosts many English-language educational courses, including the MBA business program. The summer school for international students offers a variety of hundreds of courses ranging from arts and culture to social and technical sciences. Filled with clouds of greenery, Yonsei University’s campus is considered one of the most picturesque campuses in the world.
Ewha Woman’s University is a non-governmental women’s university in the heart of Seoul, founded in the late 19th century. Today, Ewha Woman’s University is the largest women’s university in the world. Ewha’s mission is to help women become leaders in their professional environment. The university has a special attitude towards tradition because it was founded based on a women’s missionary school. It offers courses in humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, music, pedagogy, law, and design.
Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is a world-renowned private university located in the city of Pohang. Research and scholarship in technology and technical disciplines are a priority for POSTECH. The university is famous for its specialists in mathematics, chemistry, and physics. The faculties of industrial engineering, electronics, and computer technology also attract students from all over the world to POSTECH.
Admission
The peculiarities of admission to South Korean universities depend on the principles of a particular institution. Sometimes they differ, but there are still some common characteristics.
March is the official start of the academic year in South Korea. However, many universities accept new students twice a year. For those wishing to apply during the “yellow fog” period (in March, South Korea is briefly covered by clouds of sandy dust from the Gobi Desert), the application and admission testing period runs from September to November. Those planning to study starting in September should submit their information in May or June.
Most universities in South Korea accept candidates’ portfolios by email or through a special application form on the school’s website.
Korean is an advantage and not a requirement for international students. A large proportion of educational programs require instruction in English. Thus, the candidate will need a certificate confirming their level of proficiency in the language: TOEFL or IELTS – in English, TOPIK – in Korean.
The test is the main way to select worthy candidates. In South Korea, essays and written recommendations are viewed with suspicion. They are considered difficult to evaluate objectively. That is why reviews of the writing service reddit are mainly from students in the US and Europe.
So, if you decide to study in South Korea now, you know the main details of education there. We wish you good luck!
