Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
top universities are typically around 10-15 million won per year, and some schools have
scholarships and housing support available.
college entrance exam day in Gwangju
There are currently around 60,000 foreign students at South Korean universities, most
studying Korean language or culture programs. Degree programs often, but not always, al-
low students to earn credits that will be recognized abroad. Only a handful of South Korean
schools—Seoul National and Yonsei top the list—have any international reputation. Pro-
spective students worried about their degrees being accepted overseas might want to look
into one of an increasing number of joint degree programs on offer at universities in Seoul,
such as Yonsei's dual international studies degree with the University of Chicago.
South Korean children begin elementary school (
chodeunghakgyo
) at age six, usually after
one or two years of preschool. Elementary school is mandatory and, in the case of govern-
ment schools, free of charge; almost 100 percent of the country's student population com-
pletes it and goes on to middle and high schools. The school year typically starts in March
and ends in late February, with summer and winter breaks of around six weeks each begin-
ning in July and December, respectively. Students usually attend classes from morning to
