Seoul National University

Brochure 2012

Seoul National University is considered one of the most prestigious universities in Korea and has exchange programs with some of the top universities in the world. A great variety of programs, a diverse mix of professors and students, as well as three beautiful campuses are available in the mesmerizing city, Seoul. Korea is a wonderful and fascinating place to spend your time abroad and will surely enrich your life. Whether or not you speak the Korean language, you will be able to expand your horizons and learn many new things.

The city of Seoul lies at the heart of the Korean Peninsula and maintains a temperate climate. Its population is about 25% of the total Korean population, commanding the status of mega city with over 25 million inhabitants, making it the second largest metropolis of the world, only second to Tokyo. If you favor busy, bustling cities, SNU would be the place to choose. Seoul has also been designated a special city, and leads in several industries around the planet with one of the most advanced infrastructures seen in any technological sphere.

It also provides many opportunities for visitors. For those who appreciate historical sites, Seoul contains fortresses from the Joseon Dynasty and from the Three Kingdom Era, and for those who enjoy nature, Seoul has beautiful rivers, streams, and mountains. Overall, Seoul is a lovely city to experience.

(Information from Seoul)

Founded more than 50 years ago, the well-respected Seoul National University was the first of its kind founded in Korea. It has gained acclaim by having graduates who are in high and prominent positions within Korea and the world. There are many cultural and recreational activities as well as a strong promotion of research and globalization. If you are seriously considering studying abroad, then SNU would be an excellent choice. With its prestigious academic agenda, highly qualified professors, and impressive placement of its graduates, spending a semester, summer, or year here will definitely prove to be highly beneficial to you, not only academically and professionally, but at a personal level as well.

A brief look at the SNU website under Academics can show you what an extensive program they have. Also, there is extensive research undertaken in many different areas of the university. With 23,000 undergraduate students and 9,000 graduate students, SNU has an impressive following.

Classes are taught in English and Korean—depending on what you want (although we suggest you take at least an introductory course in Korean to familiarize yourself with the basics of the language). Although many courses are taught in Korean, the majority of courses taught at the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) are taught in English. The College of Business Administration and some of the other graduate schools offer courses in English as well. Courses from the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) may be open to undergraduate exchange students upon receiving permission from the SNU professor teaching the course that the undergraduate exchange student wishes to apply for.

This program is for UNI students only. Applicants must be full-time students at the time of application, at least sophomore status during the session abroad, have departmental approval for participation, and an overall G.P.A. of 3.0.

A student visa (D-2) is required to study in Korea if a student is not of Korean nationality. In most cases, exchange students can acquire their D-2 visa easily when they present their university Certificates of Admission from SNU to the relevant passport officials in their home country. Please contact your nearest Korean consulate (in Chicago) for more detailed information on the visa application process. Visa information is available on-line.

Housing is on campus but must be applied for during the student selection period. The Gwanak campus is SNU's main campus with most of SNU's colleges and schools found there, except for the College of Medicine, which is located in downtown Seoul at the Yeongun campus. The travel time from Gwanak campus to Yeongun campus is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes by public transportation. Housing for exchange students is available at the Kwanaksa (Gwanak campus dormitory), but please be aware that the campus housing may not be available to all applicants. If you have any questions regarding this once you have been admitted to a program, do not hesitate to contact the Study Abroad Office for assistance.

UNI students pay UNI tuition and fees (in-state or out-of-state) plus the study abroad fee to participate. The program cost does not include housing, food, books and supplies, round-trip air transportation, international health insurance, and personal expenses. Participants should expect to pay about $200-240 per month for housing and budget about $10 per day (or about $300 per month) for food. Participants in this program may use their UNI financial aid to help pay for the program. Scholarships are available through the Study Abroad Center.