Living as a Student in South Korea
Do you want to know how student spend their life in korea?"Did you know that South Korea has one of the highest rates of university attendance in the world, with nearly 70% of high school graduates going on to higher education?"
If you’re looking to learn about Korea, you’re in the right place. I’m sharing my personal experiences of living in South Korea. In my view, South Korea is one of the most competitive countries, and student life can be highly demanding. Students follow incredibly hectic routines, as they are often required to juggle part-time jobs alongside their studies. Attendance is crucial here; students who fall below 70% attendance risk receiving an F in their final grades. The challenge of balancing classes, part-time work, regular studies, and daily responsibilities leaves little room for leisure. In fact, many students find themselves unable to enjoy weekends, as the majority work during those days as well.
Academic Environment :
The academic environment is highly welcoming to international students, with professors being exceptionally supportive. One aspect worth mentioning is that international students often end up befriending other international students, as language barriers make it difficult for Korean students to form friendships with them. Since many Koreans are not proficient in English, friendships with Korean students are more likely if an international student can speak Korean. Moreover, classes for international students are frequently taught by foreign professors. The classrooms are well-equipped, with desktops readily available for students, and professors typically conduct their lessons using slides. Professors are very committed to their teaching, regularly attending classes—even if only one student is present, the professor will still hold the class. Interestingly, students enjoy two vacations each year—one in summer and another in winter, each lasting two months. With each semester spanning six months, students spend four months attending classes, taking exams, and fulfilling other academic obligations, followed by a two-month break. Overall, the academic environment is highly commendable.
Campus Life :
Campus life is highly enjoyable, offering a variety of facilities for students, including libraries, lounges, sports clubs, study rooms, cafes, and exercise centers. Korean students often spend a significant amount of time in the library, and the campus regularly hosts various festivals, such as the university’s anniversary and other social celebrations. During these events, numerous stalls are set up, and public figures frequently make appearances, while students actively participate in dance and music performances. One of the most important festivals is Chuseok, during which students receive an array of gifts. Overall, campus life is thoroughly enjoyed by all students.
Living Condition :
In most cases, students reside in dormitories, known as goshiwon in Korean, where the rooms are typically quite small, with some featuring attached bathrooms. The average rent for a goshiwon ranges between 300,000 and 450,000 won. However, some students opt to live in apartments, occasionally sharing rooms with friends, which necessitates a deposit. When sharing a room with others, the rent tends to be more moderate.
Cultural Aspects :
Typically, students live in dormitories, referred to as goshiwon in Korean, where the rooms are generally small, though some include attached bathrooms. The average rent for a goshiwon ranges from 300,000 to 450,000 won. Alternatively, some students choose to live in apartments, often sharing rooms with friends, which requires a deposit. When rooms are shared, the rent is usually more affordable.
