Not just in Seoul — a look at Korea’s most welcoming campuses for global students
When choosing a university in Korea, many international students look beyond rankings. They care about support systems, English programs, and campus environment. Here’s a list of ten Korean universities that consistently attract foreign students, with city and campus details to help you navigate your options.
1. Seoul National University (SNU)
Location: Gwanak-gu, Seoul
Korea’s most prestigious national university with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It offers strong research infrastructure and scholarship opportunities for international students.
Website: https://en.snu.ac.kr/
2. Yonsei University
Location: Sinchon, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Known for its global focus and Underwood International College (UIC), which offers liberal arts programs entirely in English.
Website: https://www.yonsei.ac.kr
3. Korea University (KU)
Location: Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul
A member of Korea’s “SKY” universities. Offers strong programs in business, law, and political science with growing international exchange programs.
Website: https://www.korea.edu/sites/en/index.do
4. Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
Locations: Jongno-gu, Seoul (Humanities Campus) / Suwon, Gyeonggi-do (Natural Sciences Campus)
One of the oldest institutions in East Asia, now supported by Samsung. Offers globally oriented education and active industry-academia cooperation.
Website: https://www.skku.edu/eng/
5. Hanyang University
Locations: Seongdong-gu, Seoul / Ansan, Gyeonggi-do (ERICA Campus)
Popular with engineering and business majors. Known for employment-focused programs and large foreign student population.
Website: https://www.hanyang.ac.kr/web/eng
6. KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology)
Location: Daejeon
Korea’s top science and technology university. Most graduate programs are fully in English. Offers full scholarships for many international students.
Website: https://www.kaist.ac.kr/en/
7. POSTECH (Pohang University of Science & Technology)
Location: Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A small, elite university with a focus on research. Strong partnerships with industry and a high student-to-faculty ratio.
Website: https://www.postech.ac.kr/eng/index
8. GIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)
Location: Gwangju
Graduate-level institution focusing on science and engineering. All programs are taught in English, and many international students receive full support.
Website: https://www.gist.ac.kr/en/main.html
9. Handong Global University
Location: Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Known for its Christian-based values and English-taught programs. Offers degrees in law, business, and global development. Strong sense of community.
Website: https://www.handong.edu/eng/
10. Kyungpook National University (KNU)
Location: Daegu
One of Korea’s top national universities outside Seoul. Strong programs in medicine, agriculture, and engineering.
Website: https://en.knu.ac.kr
When selecting a Korean university, consider more than just reputation. Campus culture, cost of living, and access to academic support all matter. Many regional schools offer excellent programs and a quieter, more immersive Korean experience.