5 Biggest Misunderstandings About Studying in Korea | Admissions.kr

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulations and tuition figures may change. Last updated: 2026-03-23

Every year, students from over 160 countries choose South Korea for their undergraduate or graduate studies. But many of them arrive with ideas about Korea that are not quite accurate — and sometimes those ideas either stop people from applying or lead to unpleasant surprises after arrival.

This article addresses five of the most common misunderstandings, with as much factual grounding as possible.

TL;DR: Korea has English-taught programs, tuition that is lower than many Western countries, admission that is genuinely competitive, limited but real work rights for students, and excellent universities outside of Seoul.

📺 Watch: "Top5 Common Misunderstandings about studying in South Korea" — Korea Higher Education Times

Myth 1: "You Need to Speak Korean to Study in Korea"

The myth: Many prospective students assume that studying in South Korea requires fluency in Korean (한국어). This assumption leads some students to rule out Korean universities entirely, or to delay applying for years while they learn the language.

The reality: Korean universities have expanded English-medium instruction (EMI) significantly over the past decade. As of the mid-2020s, hundreds of full degree programs — including bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs — are available entirely in English at major Korean universities.

Institutions such as KAIST (한국과학기술원), POSTECH (포항공과대학교), Yonsei University's Underwood International College (연세대 언더우드국제대학), Korea University's School of International Studies (고려대 국제학부), and Sungkyunkwan University (성균관대학교) offer full English-medium pathways with no Korean language requirement for admission.

Government scholarship programs such as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS / 정부초청장학금) typically include a one-year Korean language course before your academic program begins — so you learn Korean after you arrive, as part of the program, not before.

What this means for you: If English is your primary academic language, you have a real range of options in Korea. That said, learning basic Korean after arrival makes daily life considerably easier, and many universities encourage it. Fluency is not required; a few hundred words goes a long way.

Myth 2: "South Korea Is Too Expensive for International Students"

The myth: Some students see Seoul as an expensive city and assume that studying in Korea is financially out of reach, comparable to studying in cities like London, New York, or Tokyo.

The reality: South Korean university tuition is, on average, substantially lower than tuition at comparable universities in the United States, United Kingdom, or Australia. According to data from the Korean Educational Development Institute (KEDI / 한국교육개발원), annual undergraduate tuition at private Korean universities typically ranges from approximately 8–16 million KRW per year (roughly USD 6,000–12,000), depending on field of study, while national (public) universities range from approximately 4–10 million KRW (roughly USD 3,000–7,500) per year.

For comparison, annual tuition at many mid-tier private universities in the United States exceeds USD 35,000–50,000.

Living costs vary significantly by city. Seoul is Korea's most expensive city, but even there, students living in university dormitories typically pay 100,000–300,000 KRW per month for housing (dormitory fees are charged per semester, averaging roughly ₩400,000–₩1,200,000). Off-campus 원룸 rentals average around ₩500,000–₩700,000 per month in Seoul. Students in cities like Daejeon (대전), Gwangju (광주), or Daegu (대구) often report lower living costs than Seoul.

Scholarship availability is also substantial. The GKS program covers full tuition, living allowance, Korean language training, and airfare. Many Korean universities also offer their own merit-based scholarships to international students, ranging from 30% to full tuition waivers.

What this means for you: Korea is not a "cheap" destination by global standards, but it is significantly more affordable than Anglophone Western countries for comparable programs. Scholarship research is worth the effort — the GKS alone supports several thousand new students per year.

Myth 3: "Korean Universities Are Easy to Get Into"

The myth: Some students assume that because Korea is not as globally prominent in university rankings as the United States or United Kingdom, admission standards must be lower or less competitive for international students.

The reality: This misunderstanding can lead to inadequate preparation, and sometimes to disappointment.

Admission standards at Korea's top universities — the group often called "SKY" (Seoul National University / 서울대학교, Korea University / 고려대학교, Yonsei University / 연세대학교) and institutions like KAIST, POSTECH, and Sungkyunkwan University — are rigorous. English language proficiency requirements typically start at TOEFL iBT 80–100 or IELTS 6.0–7.0 for undergraduate programs, and are often higher for graduate programs.

Beyond language scores, top Korean universities evaluate academic transcripts carefully. Grade thresholds, recommendation letters, and statement of purpose essays carry real weight in the selection process. For graduate programs in science, engineering, and technology, research experience and publications are frequently expected.

Admission rates for international students at top programs are not publicly reported in a standardized way, but the increasing volume of applicants — applications from international students to Korean universities have grown substantially since the early 2010s — means that competition has increased meaningfully.

What this means for you: Treat applications to Korean universities with the same care you would give to any competitive international program. Prepare your language test scores well in advance, request recommendation letters early, and write a thoughtful statement of purpose. Strong preparation is the most reliable way to improve your chances.

Myth 4: "You Can't Work While Studying in Korea"

The myth: Some students believe that a student visa in Korea (D-2 visa) prohibits all employment, which leads them to conclude that Korea is not financially viable without an external scholarship.

The reality: International students on a D-2 visa in South Korea are permitted to work part-time under specific conditions. According to the Korea Immigration Service, D-2 visa holders who have completed at least one semester may apply for permission to work part-time (시간제취업허가). The allowance depends on your academic level and TOPIK score: undergraduate students with TOPIK Level 3 or above may work up to 25 hours per week, while those without a qualifying TOPIK score are limited to 10 hours per week. Graduate students with TOPIK Level 4 or above may work up to 30 hours per week. During official vacation periods (summer and winter breaks), there is no hour restriction (with valid work authorization).

To work legally, students must receive separate authorization from the immigration office — simply having a D-2 visa is not sufficient. This is an important procedural step that some students miss, which can create legal problems. Your university's international student office can guide you through the application process.

The types of work available vary widely: campus jobs, tutoring, café work, restaurant work, and language tutoring are common for international students. Campus jobs and tutoring roles are often easier to access for non-Korean speakers.

What this means for you: Working part-time is legally possible and many students do it, but the authorization process must be followed. Do not begin working before you have received written permission from immigration authorities. Unauthorized work can affect your visa status.

Myth 5: "Only Seoul Matters — Other Cities Are Not Worth It"

The myth: Korea's international profile is heavily associated with Seoul (서울). Some prospective students assume that any university outside of Seoul is a second-tier option, and that only Seoul offers real academic opportunities, career development, or quality of life.

The reality: Several of Korea's most academically distinguished universities are not in Seoul. KAIST (한국과학기술원), consistently ranked among the world's top science and engineering institutions, is located in Daejeon (대전). POSTECH (포항공과대학교), which regularly ranks in the top 100 globally for engineering and natural sciences, is in Pohang (포항) in North Gyeongsang Province (경상북도). GIST (광주과학기술원) and DGIST (대구경북과학기술원) are specialized research universities in Gwangju and Daegu respectively, both offering full scholarships to admitted students.

Beyond academics, regional cities in Korea offer their own advantages. Cost of living is generally lower than Seoul. University campuses in regional cities tend to be larger and greener. In cities like Daejeon, Jeonju (전주), and Gyeongju (경주), international students report a stronger sense of community and more interaction with Korean students, partly because the international student population is smaller and more integrated into campus life.

KTX high-speed rail connects most major Korean cities. Daejeon is 50 minutes from Seoul by KTX. Busan (부산), Korea's second-largest city and a major port and cultural center, is about 2.5 hours from Seoul. Living in a regional city does not mean being isolated — it means a different kind of experience.

What this means for you: Match the university to your goals, not to a geographic assumption. If your field of study is engineering, natural sciences, or AI research, institutions like KAIST and POSTECH may offer more relevant opportunities than a Seoul-based generalist university. Research your options with an open mind.

Common Questions

Is the GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) open to all nationalities? The GKS is open to citizens of countries that have diplomatic relations with South Korea. There are some additional eligibility conditions (age, prior Korean study, etc.). Check the official GKS website or contact your country's Korean embassy for the most current details.

Do I need to convert my grades to the Korean GPA scale for application? Most Korean universities ask for your official transcript in its original form, along with a certified translation if it is not in Korean or English. Some universities convert grades internally. Contact the admissions office of each university you are applying to, as requirements vary.

Can I switch from a tourist visa (C-3) to a student visa (D-2) inside Korea? In most cases, you will need to apply for a D-2 visa from a Korean embassy or consulate in your home country before arriving. Switching visa types within Korea is possible in limited circumstances but is not the standard process. Check with the relevant Korean embassy well before your intended start date.

Do Korean universities offer online or hybrid degree programs? A small number of Korean universities have expanded online or hybrid options, particularly at the graduate level, but most internationally recognized degree programs in Korea are on-campus. Verify directly with the institution.

What To Do Next

If any of these myths were affecting how you thought about Korea, now is a good time to revisit your options. The best starting point is to identify two or three programs that genuinely match your academic interests — regardless of city — and look carefully at their actual admission requirements.

For help navigating Korean university options, scholarship deadlines, and application materials, visit Admissions.kr. The platform is designed specifically for international students applying to Korean universities, with updated information on programs, eligibility, and timelines.