Studying and Living for International Students in South Korea

South Korea education system has been expanding rapidly. Studying in South Korea gives you an opportunity to get involved with one of the most lively and fast moving education systems in the globe.  As a student, you have a lot of things going on your mind like where to live, what will be the cost of living and tuition charges, what facilities are being provided, and so on.

Accommodation

There are plenty of accommodation options in all price brackets in South Korea. Universities help international students to find accommodation in South Korea.  

Dormitories

Many of the Universities and Colleges in South Korea provide dormitories to students. Different kinds of dormitories are provided- dormitories that only provide rooms; dormitories that provide room and food, and dormitories where you can cook. The University dormitories have sports and library facilities, study rooms, computer facility and many more! The cost of the dormitories varies depending on the facilities, number of people and room types. 

Boarding House

Boarding houses are the best means to know about the Korean culture and language. There are many boarding houses available near the Universities in South Korea. The rent varies depending on the location and facilities and it has to be paid monthly.

One Room Housing

There are many one room places for single person. It includes all the basic facilities. The costs vary depending on the location. 

Finding an Accommodation in South Korea

The Universities provide help to students in getting a place to stay. Also, there are many real estate agencies that offer such services to students in South Korea. Contact them and you’ll surely get the best and affordable place to stay in South Korea. The real estate would charge some amount of money. 

Tuition Fees

National University Tuition Fees-

The national universities tuition fees varies from subject to subject and degree program.

Humanities-related Undergraduate Course tuition ranges from $2,000 - $2,300 per semester and Postgraduate courses ranges from $2,500 - $2,700 per semester.
Sciences-related Undergraduate course tuition fee ranges from $2,500 - $2,800 per semester and for Postgraduate courses ranges from $3,000 - $3,300 per semester.
Fine-Arts related Undergraduate course costs ranges from $2,800 - $3,000 per semester and for postgraduate course ranges from $3,500 - $3,800
Medicine related Undergraduate courses tuition fee ranges from $4,300 - $4,400 and for Postgraduate course it ranges from $4,000 - $5,100

Private National University Tuition Fees-

The tuition fee varies.

Humanities-related Undergraduate Course tuition ranges from $3,000 ~ $3,500 per semester and Postgraduate courses ranges from $3,800 ~ $4,000 per semester.
Sciences-related Undergraduate course tuition fee ranges from $4,000 ~ $5,000 per semester and for Postgraduate courses ranges from $5,000 ~ $6,000 per semester.
Fine-Arts related Undergraduate course costs ranges from $4,000 ~ $5,000 per semester and for postgraduate course ranges from $5,000 ~ $6,000
Medicine related Undergraduate courses tuition fees ranges from $5,000 ~ $6,000 and for Postgraduate course it ranges from $6,500 ~ $7,000.

Korean Language Courses 

The course costs about $1,000 - $1,400 for 10 weeks and approximately $800 for 3 weeks

Accommodation and Living Expenses

Accommodation-

For 4 person room, the accommodation cost is about $300 - $800 per semester
For 2 person room, the cost is about $600 per semester to $1,000 per semester 
* The charges depend upon the meals- whether they are included or not. 

Living Cost-

Meal: About $300 per month (On campus) 
Cost of one campus meal: $2.50 - $3.00
Medical Insurance: About $20 per month
Internet: $30 per month

Transportation

There are many ways and means to get around the city.

Getting Around by Buses

Inner City Buses: These buses are for travelling to cities and regions along the outer parts of the city and are the cheapest modes of transport. You can easily get the tickets from the vendors at the bus stops either by paying cash or you can use transportation card.
Long Distance Express Buses: These buses are for travelling to far off places. 
Regional Buses: These buses connect 2 long or middle distance areas. 

Travelling In and Around by Subway

 The Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Daejeon in South Korea have subways. The fare is low and you can use your transportation card or take tickets while on board. 

Getting Around by Taxis

The fare of the taxis varies depending on the distance and time. These are generally expensive, but suitable if you require traveling late at nighttime.

Travelling by Trains

Trains are suitable for long distances. South Korea has many trains- Express Trains (KTX), Sae-ma-ul and Mu-gung-hwa trains. Express trains- KTX is the fastest and stops at big stations while Mu-gung-hwa is the slowest and stops at nearly all the stations. The fare of the Mu-gung-hwa is the least. 

Transportation Card

The transportation card is useful if you are travelling by buses or subway in South Korea. You can buy this card at the bus ticket vendor at a bus stop or subway ticket counter.  You need to put the card on the sensor in a bus or subway to use it and can even recharge it from the respective counters as an when you need.  

Transportation Costs

The transportation cost in South Korea is about $40 per month.
Subway or City Bus Basic Fare: $0.90 
Subway or City Bus fare when using T-Card: $0.80

Insurance

The National Health Insurance Corporation provides health insurance for international students and overseas Korea students whose stay in Korea is for more than one year. 

Eligibility-
International students, their spouses and their children under the age of 20 years are eligible for the insurance. 

Applying Ways and Means-

Following documents must be submitted by the international student to get the insurance-
  • Eligibility Proof
  • Verification of Purpose of Stay: A copy of Alien Registration Card or a copy of Residence Certificate
  • Verification of Income (If the candidate has income)
In the case of illness or injury, the insured gets the reimbursements from the company. To know more about the Insurance for International Students and Overseas Koreans, Call: 82-2-3270-9835~9

Alien Registration and Notice of Entry

International students are required to visit the Immigration Office with authority over their place of residence in Korea in person and go for alien registration within 90 days of arrival. Also, students should notify their entry to Korea to their Embassy in Korea. 

* Carry your alien registration card with you all the time. 

Following documents are required for alien registration-
  • Enrollment letter: Must be issued from the University where you are enrolled at.
  • Valid passport and 1 passport-size photograph
  • Application form and fee
If there are any changes on the Alien Registration Card, you must inform about the same to the Immigration Office within 14 days.
For latest updates see official website www.immigration.go.kr

Working While Studying

International students are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week after they have completed their one semester. They are allowed to work semester breaks as well.

Note: Prices mentioned here are indicative in nature. Exact cost will vary depending upon programme, type, lifestyle and location etc.
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