Top 10 Best Universities in South Korea

South Korea is currently best known as a global entertainment product - like music, movies and television series. But apparently, the country of ginseng is also a popular study destination for international students. One of the main reasons South Korea is popular as a study destination is the number of South Korean universities ranked among the best in the world.

In addition to providing international quality education, all major universities in South Korea also provide a variety of support to international students during college and after graduation. If you are curious about the top universities in Korea, try reading the following explanation about the top 10 universities in Korea and their top conference majors based on information from QS World University Rankings 2022.

1. Seoul National University

Seoul National University (SNU) is the first national university in South Korea. SNU currently consists of 16 colleges, 1 postgraduate faculty and 12 professional faculties. SNU provides professional support, advice, financial assistance and language support to international students. Lee Soo-Man (founder of SM Entertainment), Bang Si-hyuk (founder of Hybe Corporation), Lee Sang-Yoon, Kim Tae-hee and Beenzino are some SNU alumni. You want to study at the Seoul National University, but still don’t know what you specialize in? Try to take a look at several fields of study and major majors at the Seoul National University: oncology, pharmacology and toxicology, physics, agriculture, mathematics.

2. Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology

Kaist is the first scientific and technical research institution in South Korea. Founded in 1966, the government-funded university is heavily focused on research and development. Kaist has collaborated with many famous engineering insects in the world, and has had several campuses abroad, including in Europe. The university offers a program of lectures taught in English for the department of chemistry, biology, biomedical engineering, neuroscience and robotics. Kaist offers scholarships, health insurance and residency for international students. Interested in studying in Kaist? Here are some of the top Kaist majors you can choose from: Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Science, Condensed Object Physics, Chemical Engineering.

3. University of Korea

The University of Korea was founded in 1905 and is now known as one of the oldest universities in South Korea that is still in operation. The university also offers a number of conference programs in English, for example for the Department of Science, Mathematics and Arts. Scholarships, residencies and advisory services are also available for international students at the University of Korea. The university has many well-known graduates, such as Ok Taec-Yeon (member of 14:00), Yuna Kim (Beautiful Slide Athlete), Lee Myung-Bak (former South Korean president) and actor Lee Beom-Soo. Here are some of the top majors at the University of Korea that you can consider if you are interested in studying at the University of Korea: Polymer Technology, Chemical Engineering, Nuclear Medicine, Agriculture, Food Technology.

4. Yonsei University

Like the University of Korea, Yonsei University is also one of the oldest and most famous educational institutions in South Korea. Yonsei University offers programs in English for S1 (Underwood International College), S2 (Graduate School of International Studies) and MBA level courses. Yonsei is known as part of Sky, namely 3 prestigious South Korean universities. Two other universities included in this group are the National University of Seoul and Kaist. The intense competition to enter these three universities has even become the inspiration for the popular drama Sky Castle in South Korea. Intrigued by the main conference department at Yonsei University? Check the following information so that your study plan at Yonsei University is more mature: oncology, gastro-entology and hepatology, chemical engineering, materials engineering, biology.

5. Pohang University of Science and Technology

Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) is one of the youngest universities on this list. In addition to having sophisticated and comprehensive research facilities, Postch is also known as a university that offers many scholarship supports to its students. According to the latest research, about 97% of Postch’s S1 students are scholars. About 60% of Postch majors use English as their language of instruction. Specifically for postgraduate programs, all study programs will be taught in English. Interested in studying in Postch? You can take a look at some major conferences in Postch: Materials Engineering, Nanosciences and Nanotechnology, Physics of Condensed Objects, Physical Chemistry.

6. Sungkyunkwan University

Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) is the oldest university in East Asia. The university has two campuses: the literature campuses and the social science campuses and the natural sciences campuses. A number of English-language courses are offered for levels S1 and S2. The university has a close cooperation with Samsung which has funded many research projects at SKKU. If you choose to study at SKKU, it is possible to meet several South Korean idols who study there, for example Cha Eun-Woo (Astro), Kim Nam-Joo (Apink), and Krystal Jung of the group f (x). Want to study at Sungkyunkwan University? Here are some of the top SKKU majors you can choose from: Materials Engineering, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Physical Chemistry, Mathematics, Economics and Business.

7. Hanyang University

Hanyang University is a private university that was established in 1939 and is known as the first institution in South Korea to have a program of technical and architectural studies other than in Seoul, the university also has campuses in Ansan. Hanyang University has an S1 HY-Global Track program that is taught in English. Currently, the Hy-Clobal Track program offers only 2 majors: Data Science and Global Management. If you are interested in studying at Hanyang University, you should know that there is a possibility that you will be invited to take the entrance exam or undergo an interview session. If you are interested in studying at Hanyang University, try to check out the major info at a leading conference at Hanyang University, nanobags and nanotechnology, biotechnology and applied microbiology, condensed object physics, chemical engineering.

8. Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology

The Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) is one of South Korea’s public universities that focuses on research in the fields of science and technology. To welcome the era of globalization, all Unist classes are taught in English. You don’t have to worry about tuition at Unist either, because all undergraduate and graduate students at Unist will get a Unist scholarship. You want to study at Unist? Immediately, note the top majors information below: chemistry, materials engineering, condensed object physics, nanosciences and nanotechnology.

9. Kyung Hee University

Kyung Hee University (KHU) is a prestigious private university that has a campus in Seoul and Suwon. Khu has a reputation as one of the best universities in South Korea for its studies in traditional Korean medicine. KHU also offers various online programs under the auspices of Kyung Hee Cyber University. Online KHU programs are very popular among South Korean celebrities due to their flexible conference schedule. Some South Korean idols who have or study at Kyung Hee University include Baekhyun and Do (EXO), I.M. (Monsta X), Kang Daniel, and Heo Sol-Ji (EXID). The following are some of the major majors at Kyung Hee University that you can consider if you are interested in studying at Kyung Hee University: Food Technology, Public Health, Physical Chemistry, Biotechnology and Applied Microbiology, Space Science.

10. Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology

The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) was founded by the South Korean government in 1993 in Gwangju. In the GIST education system, all early S1 students are free to explore the existing program without having to choose certain majors. They will only be invited to choose their college and specialization majors in the second and subsequent years.

All Gist classes are taught in English and all Gist postgraduate theses must be written in English. This institute also provides monthly pocket money to all international students there (terms and conditions apply) and bear the fee for 1 flight to South Korea for international students who have just entered. If you want to study the essentials, here are some of the major majors in the essentials you need to note: nanoscience and nanotechnology, materials engineering, chemistry, electrical engineering.

Still not found an ideal college for you from the list above? Try using our main search tools that can find the best foreign colleges and universities for you based on your personal criteria. Don’t forget that we have compiled various articles on conferences in South Korea. You are sure to find various interesting information from these articles, such as scholarship news, department explanations, introduction of study destinations, and learning tips.