Guide for Turkish Students: Studying in South Korea | Admissions.kr

Turkey and Korea: A Brotherhood That Extends to Education

The relationship between Turkey and South Korea is unlike any other in the international education landscape. It is rooted in history — specifically, Turkey's contribution of over 15,000 soldiers during the Korean War (1950–1953), making it the fourth-largest contributor of troops among UN forces. This sacrifice created a bond that Koreans call "형제의 나라" (kardeş ülke — brother nation). That bond is not merely symbolic. It manifests in preferential scholarship allocations, dedicated cultural exchanges, and a warmth toward Turkish students that is genuinely felt on Korean campuses.

As of 2025, approximately 3,000 to 4,000 Turkish students are enrolled at Korean universities across degree programs and language institutes. This number has been growing steadily at roughly 10–15% per year, driven by expanding GKS scholarship slots, the global spread of K-culture in Turkey, and the pragmatic realization among Turkish students that Korean universities offer exceptional value for money compared to European and American alternatives.

This guide is designed to help Turkish students navigate every step — from GKS applications to finding halal food in Seoul.

Want university recommendations tailored to you? Chat with Dr. Admissions — our AI advisor can match your profile with the best-fit Korean universities.

GKS Allocation for Turkey: What You Need to Know

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS/KGSP)

Turkey consistently receives one of the largest GKS allocations among all participating countries, a direct reflection of the bilateral relationship. Here are the key numbers:

Embassy track allocation: GKS slots are allocated annually; NIIED does not publish per-country quotas. Turkey is generally understood to receive one of the larger allocations globally, alongside Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia, and Bangladesh.
University track: Additional slots through direct applications to GKS-designated Korean universities. No country cap applies here — competition is against all international applicants.
Success rate (embassy track): Approximately 200–300 Turkish students apply through the embassy each year, yielding a success rate of roughly 15–25%. Competitive, but significantly higher than for applicants from countries with smaller allocations.

GKS Benefits for Turkish Students

Benefit	Amount
Tuition	100% covered
Monthly stipend	₩900,000 (UG) / ₩1,000,000 (Graduate)
Round-trip airfare	Economy class, once per year
Medical insurance	NHIS or private
Korean language training	1 year (before degree)
Settlement allowance	₩200,000 (one-time)
Thesis/research support	₩100,000–₩500,000 (graduate)

Application Timeline (Embassy Track)

Period	Action
October–November	Korean Embassy in Ankara announces application opening
November–January	Application period (document preparation, submission)
February–March	First screening (document review) by embassy
March–April	Interview (at embassy or partner institution)
May–June	Final selection announced by NIIED
August–September	Korean language program begins in Korea
March (next year)	Degree program starts

Tips for Turkish GKS Applicants

Start early: The document preparation alone takes 2–3 months (notarization, apostille, translation).
Study plan matters enormously: Write a detailed, specific 학업계획서 that connects your goals to Korea specifically. "I want to study in Korea because I like K-pop" will not suffice. Research specific professors, labs, and programs.
GPA threshold: While there is no official minimum, successful applicants typically have a GPA above 3.2/4.0. For undergraduate, YKS scores matter.
Korean language bonus: Even basic Korean (TOPIK Level 1–2) gives you a meaningful edge. It signals commitment.
Letter of recommendation: Get letters from professors who know your work, not just famous names. Specific, detailed letters outperform generic endorsements.

Türkiye Bursları (Turkish Government Reciprocal Programs)

Interestingly, the Turkey-Korea scholarship pipeline runs both ways. While this guide focuses on Turkish students going to Korea, be aware that the reciprocal programs create a community of Korean alumni who studied in Turkey — these alumni often help Turkish students navigate Korean academic life. The Korea-Turkey Alumni Network organizes regular meetups in Seoul.

Halal Food Access in South Korea

This is one of the most common concerns for Turkish students, and it deserves a thorough answer.

The Honest Assessment

South Korea is not a Muslim-majority country, and halal food infrastructure is significantly less developed than in Malaysia, Indonesia, or the Middle East. However, the situation has improved dramatically since 2015, driven by growing Muslim tourism and an expanding international student population.

Halal-Certified Restaurants

As of 2026, there are approximately 250–300 halal-certified restaurants across South Korea, concentrated in:

Itaewon, Seoul: The historic hub, with 40+ halal restaurants. Turkish restaurants (kebab, pide, lahmacun) are well-represented. Try Sultan Kebab and Kervan Turkish Restaurant.
Dongdaemun, Seoul: Growing number of halal eateries, particularly Central Asian and Turkish.
Hongdae/Sinchon: University districts with affordable halal options.
Busan: Smaller but growing, centered around Beomil-dong.
Daejeon: Near KAIST and Chungnam National University, 5–10 halal options.

Halal Grocery Shopping

Itaewon and Dongdaemun: Specialty stores carry halal meat, Turkish products (çay, noodles, spices), and Middle Eastern staples.
Coupang and online markets: Some halal products are available for delivery. Search "할랄" (halal in Korean).
Korean Halal Food Association: Maintains a directory of certified establishments.
University cafeterias: A growing number of universities offer halal meal options (KAIST, Yonsei, Hanyang, HUFS), though selection is limited. Some universities allow students to request halal ingredients be used in cooking.

Self-Catering

Many Turkish students cook at home to maintain dietary standards. Korean apartments typically have full kitchens. The key challenge is sourcing halal meat — specialty butchers in Itaewon and online halal meat delivery services (e.g., HalalKorea.com) are the primary sources.

The Seafood and Vegetable Advantage

Korean cuisine offers abundant seafood and vegetable dishes that are inherently halal (no pork, no alcohol in cooking). Many Korean side dishes (반찬) — kimchi, seasoned vegetables, tofu, seaweed, bean sprouts — are suitable. The main challenge is hidden pork or alcohol-based ingredients in sauces and broths. Learning to ask "돼지고기 있어요?" (Does this contain pork?) is essential.

The Turkic Community in Korea

Beyond Turkish Students

Turkish students in Korea are part of a broader Turkic-speaking community that includes significant populations from:

Uzbekistan: The largest Central Asian community in Korea (~70,000), many on work visas.
Kazakhstan: ~15,000, including students and professionals.
Kyrgyzstan: ~7,000, primarily workers.
Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan: Smaller but present.

While linguistic differences exist between Turkic languages, the cultural commonalities (food preferences, Islamic practices, family values, hospitality norms) create a supportive ecosystem. Turkish students often find quick friendships within this broader Turkic network.

Student Organizations

Korean-Turkish Student Association (한터학생회): Active at major Seoul universities. Organizes cultural nights, study groups, Ramadan iftars, and career networking events.
Turkish Student Clubs at Individual Universities: KAIST, SNU, Yonsei, Korea University, and Hanyang all have active Turkish student groups.
Korea-Turkey Friendship Society: Organizes annual commemorations of the Korean War contribution and cultural exchange events.
Diyanet Korea (Korean branch of Turkey's Religious Affairs): Provides religious services, community support, and Quran classes.

Mosques and Prayer Rooms

Seoul Central Mosque (Itaewon): The largest mosque in Korea, serving as the main gathering point for Friday prayers and Eid celebrations.
Prayer rooms (기도실): Increasingly available at major universities. KAIST, SNU, Yonsei, Hanyang, and HUFS all have designated prayer spaces.
Smaller mosques: Located in Ansan, Gwangju (Gyeonggi), Busan, and Daegu, primarily serving worker communities.

Popular Universities for Turkish Students

Based on enrollment data, GKS placement patterns, and community feedback:

Tier 1: Most Popular Choices

University	Why Turkish Students Choose It	Key Programs
KAIST	Full scholarship for all, English instruction, STEM focus	Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science
Seoul National University	Prestige, research strength, GKS placements	Engineering, International Studies, Sciences
Yonsei University	Strong international community, Underwood College	Business, International Studies, Engineering
Korea University	KU Global Leader scholarship, vibrant campus life	Business, Political Science, Engineering
Hanyang University	Engineering reputation, large international student body	Engineering, Architecture, Business
HUFS	Turkish language department, diplomatic orientation	International Relations, Languages, Trade

Tier 2: Strong Value Options

University	Strengths	Location
Kyung Hee University	Korean studies, hospitality, beautiful campus	Seoul/Suwon
Inha University	Engineering, strong CIS network	Incheon
Chungnam National University	National university quality, lower costs	Daejeon
Pusan National University	Coastal city, growing international programs	Busan
Ajou University	Partnership with Turkish universities, IT focus	Suwon

Turkish University Partnerships

Several Korean universities maintain formal exchange agreements with Turkish institutions:

Yonsei ↔ Boğaziçi University, Middle East Technical University (METU)
Korea University ↔ Ankara University, Istanbul University
KAIST ↔ TÜBİTAK research collaboration
HUFS ↔ Ankara University (Turkish language faculty exchange)

These partnerships can facilitate exchange semesters, dual degrees, and research collaboration.

Cultural Similarities and Differences

Where Turkey and Korea Overlap

Turkish students are often surprised by how many cultural parallels exist:

Tea culture: Turkey's çay culture and Korea's tea traditions share a similar social function — tea as the backdrop for conversation, hospitality, and relationship-building. Korea's 차 (cha) even shares the linguistic root.
Respect for elders: Both cultures emphasize deference to age and seniority. Using honorific language with professors and older students will feel natural to Turkish students.
Family centrality: The importance of family approval in major life decisions (education, career, marriage) is deeply shared.
Hospitality: Both cultures are renowned for generosity toward guests. Korean 정 (jeong — deep emotional bonding) resonates with Turkish misafirperverlik.
Military service as a rite of passage: Both countries have mandatory military service for men, creating a shared reference point.
Food as social glue: Eating together is central to both cultures. Korean 회식 (hweshik — group dining) culture will feel familiar.

Key Differences to Prepare For

Alcohol in social settings: Korean professional and academic culture involves significant alcohol consumption (회식 culture). While no one will force you to drink, declining repeatedly can create social distance. Have a comfortable way to explain your preference without making it awkward.
Pork prevalence: Pork is the most common meat in Korea. It appears in unexpected places — kimchi jjigae, ramyeon broth, mandoo (dumplings), and many banchan (side dishes). Vigilance is necessary.
Pace and pressure: Korean academic and work culture is intense. The "pali pali" (빨리빨리 — hurry hurry) mentality and long study hours may exceed what Turkish students are accustomed to.
Personal space: Koreans (especially same-gender friends) are more physically affectionate than Turkish norms might suggest — linking arms, casual touching, sharing food from the same plate. This is normal and does not carry the same connotations.
Dating culture: Korea's dating culture is different from Turkey's. Public displays of affection are common among young Korean couples, while interfaith relationship dynamics add complexity for Turkish students.

Language Preparation

Korean for Turkish Speakers

Turkish and Korean share a fascinating linguistic relationship. While not genetically proven to be related, they share striking typological similarities:

SOV word order: Both Turkish and Korean place the verb at the end of the sentence (Subject-Object-Verb). This makes Korean sentence structure intuitive for Turkish speakers.
Agglutinative morphology: Both languages build meaning by stacking suffixes onto roots. The Korean "-에서" (from), "-으로" (toward), "-때문에" (because of) system mirrors Turkish suffix logic.
Honorific systems: Turkish has formal/informal register (siz/sen), which helps Turkish students grasp Korea's multi-layered honorific system.
No grammatical gender: Neither language assigns gender to nouns.

These similarities mean Turkish students typically learn Korean faster than European or American students. Reaching TOPIK Level 3 within 12 months is realistic with consistent study.

Recommended Resources

King Sejong Institute: Free Korean classes available in Ankara, Istanbul, and Antalya.
Korean Cultural Center in Ankara: Free Korean language courses and cultural programs.
Yunus Emre-King Sejong partnership: Joint cultural-linguistic exchange program.
Online: Talk To Me In Korean, KoreanClass101, and Sejong Korean (세종한국어) textbooks.

Practical Matters

Cost of Living

Item	Monthly (₩)	Monthly (TRY, approx.)
Dormitory	300,000–500,000	3,000–5,000
Off-campus studio (Seoul)	400,000–600,000	4,000–6,000
Food (mix of cooking + eating out)	350,000–450,000	3,500–4,500
Transportation	60,000–100,000	600–1,000
Phone/Internet	30,000–50,000	300–500
Total (Seoul)	1,140,000–1,700,000	11,400–17,000

Note: The Turkish lira's volatility makes long-term budgeting challenging. GKS stipends (paid in KRW) provide currency stability.

Flights

Istanbul to Seoul: Direct flights on Turkish Airlines and Korean Air (~10.5 hours). Round-trip prices range from $600–$1,200 depending on season.
Ankara to Seoul: Via Istanbul, adding 1–2 hours to the journey.
Peak seasons (July–August, December–January) command premium pricing. Book 3+ months in advance.

Health Insurance

National Health Insurance (NHIS): Mandatory for all international students staying 6+ months. Cost: approximately ₩70,000–₩90,000/month, with the university often covering a portion.
GKS scholars: Health insurance is included in the scholarship package.
Dental and vision: Covered under NHIS with copayments. Korean dental care is high-quality and significantly cheaper than Turkey for out-of-pocket procedures.

Career Prospects

In Korea

D-10 Job Seeker Visa: 3 years post-graduation to find employment.
Turkey-Korea trade roles: Korean companies (Samsung, Hyundai, LG) have significant operations in Turkey. Bilingual Turkish-Korean professionals are valuable for these companies.
E-7 Specialist Visa: Available for graduates with specialized skills.
IT and Engineering: Korea's tech sector recruits internationally. Turkish engineering graduates from KAIST, SNU, or Hanyang are competitive.
Tourism and hospitality: The growing number of Turkish tourists visiting Korea creates demand for Turkish-speaking professionals in hotels, airlines, and travel agencies.

Returning to Turkey

Korean business investment in Turkey is significant. Companies like Samsung (Istanbul factory), Hyundai (Izmit plant), and LG maintain Turkish operations.
Knowledge of Korean language and business culture makes graduates attractive to Korean-invested companies in Turkey.
Academic careers: A Korean PhD is increasingly respected in Turkish academia, particularly in STEM, business, and international relations.

Application Checklist for Turkish Students

For a comprehensive comparison of visa processing times by country, see our visa processing times guide.

Final Words

Turkey and Korea share something that most pairs of countries do not — a bond forged in war and sustained through decades of genuine mutual respect. Turkish students in Korea are not anonymous international students; they are members of a kardeş ülke, a brother nation. This matters. It manifests in warmer receptions, slightly more generous scholarship allocations, and a historical goodwill that other nationalities might envy.

Combine that with the practical advantages — affordable tuition, strong STEM programs, linguistic similarities that accelerate Korean language learning, and a growing Turkic community that makes halal living possible — and South Korea becomes an extraordinarily compelling destination for ambitious Turkish students.

Do your research. Apply early. Learn some Korean before you arrive. And know that when you land at Incheon Airport, you are arriving not as a stranger, but as family.