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Have you got the opportunity to study abroad? Either as part of an exchange semester, or you might even be thinking of doing your entire study programme abroad?
If you are thinking of potentially doing your study abroad programme in South Korea, then let me tell you that is an amazing decision.
I myself have studied in Busan for a semester during my bachelor studies, and it was an incredible experience. So here are 10 reasons why you should study abroad in South Korea.
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1. Easy to travel around Korea
Public transportation is affordable and super efficient. The metro systems in Busan or Seoul are great, and it is super easy to make your way around even though the cities are enormous. There are fast trains running through the country and you’ll also find large bus terminals.
The buses are super affordable and comfortable, which makes it really easy to travel around South Korea and discover some great locations.
2. Korean food is incredible
Don’t be scared of ever going hungry in Korea, the food is incredible. From Korean BBQ to Bibimbap to all the delicious street food. There are so many incredible dishes to discover in Korea.
3. Dorm accommodation is often pretty affordable
If you are coming to Korea on an exchange semester or two, accommodation in the dorm is often included. That makes it so much easier to plan, as you don’t have to stress about finding an apartment or room before arriving in Korea.
Also, food is typically included in those dormitories as well so you never really have to worry about cooking which is great! And on top of that you’ll be saving so much money that you can spend otherwise!
4. More cultural differences make you get out of your comfort zone more
Coming to Korea can be a bit of a culture shock at first, as the culture might be completely different to where you come from. But then again, this obviously depends on where you are from.
While by having a lot of cultural differences it might seem a little difficult to adjust at first, it will also make you get out of your comfort zone more. And while that can be scary it is definitely always a rewarding challenge, as it won’t only increase your understanding of another culture but also increase your confidence and make your want to get out of your comfort zone even more.
5. You’ll spend nights out at Karaoke bars and playing beer bong
Nights out in South Korea are pretty fun. And if you are an incoming exchange student, then your time in Korea will include a couple nights out. You will find a lot of Karaoke bars which always make for a hilarious night out. Also, in places like Thursday party (which seems to be the place where all the foreigners go) you can play beer bong.
6. There are a lot of English classes at university
Now to be fair, the classes offered in English at my university were a little limited, but there were enough for sure. So, you do not need to speak Korean if you want to study at a Korean university. But of course it always helps! (Sometimes when I had to do group projects for a class that was in English it occasionally turned out that some people in the class didn’t actually speak any English).
7. You’ll get to learn some Korean
Obviously if you are spending some time in Korea it is only appropriate to at least learn a little bit of Korean. Luckily, a lot of universities offer Korean classes for foreign students, that you also can get credit for. Once you figure out how to read Korean, it is actually pretty fun to walk around the city and try to read all the signs.
Often English words are used but just written down in Korean so you will actually be able to read a couple of words which is really rewarding.
8. Affordable cost of living
Not just the dorm rooms are pretty affordable, but also the cost of living in Korea isn’t so bad. Eating out usually doesn’t cost you much, and there is a lot of affordable street food as well. A night in a hostel isn’t too expensive either, so it also isn’t too pricey to travel around Korea for a bit.
9. Getting to know Korean culture
Living in a foreign country is always the best way to get to know its people and culture. Studying abroad in South Korea will definitely provide you with a whole different experience than if you just come to visit as a tourist for a couple of days.
Therefore, studying abroad in Korea will give you all the best opportunities to learn as much as possible about Korea, one of my forever favourite countries.
10. Everything is so convenient
One thing to know about life in South Korea is that everything is just so accessible and convenient. The metro is always on time and comes pretty frequently. There are convenience stores on every corner, most of them open 24/7, so if you need anything, you can always get it at any given time.
Are you first planning to only visit South Korea but have limited time? Check out my 10-Day South Korea itinerary and how I would spend only one week in South Korea!
And these were just 10 out of many reasons why you should study abroad in South Korea. Would you like to study abroad in South Korea?
Talk to you later x
