Best courses in South Korea 2024- the Hallyu country

The Hallyu wave has taken over the world. Owing to the popularity of K-pop groups like BTS (Bangtan Sonyeodan) and Blackpink, and Hallyu stars Lee Min Ho, Hyun Bin, and Kim Soo Hyun, there are a number of people who want to visit South Korea. South Korea’s academic environment is highly competitive. Koreans place a high value on education, notably higher education. Here’s a look at the best courses in South Korea for international students.

Why study in South Korea?

Quality education

Academics in South Korea are fiercely competitive; students respect their teachers and take their studies seriously. South Korea has several prestigious universities, most of which are located in Seoul, the country’s capital. In South Korean society, attending university is considered a prerequisite for success.

International students who want to study in South Korea can choose from various fields of study. The arts and sciences are South Korea’s most popular fields of education, closely followed by business courses.

Hally wave

The term ‘Hallyu ’comes from the Chinese language and means ‘Korean Wave.’ It refers to the global popularity of South Korea’s cultural economy, particularly K-pop, K-dramas, movies, and other Korean entertainment cultures.

Hallyu is one of the most important Korean exports because it exports South Korea’s popular culture, which distinguishes the country. No other country in the world commits itself to make pop culture one of its leading exports as South Korea is, with Hallyu serving as its ‘soft power.’ They want Hallyu to be the world’s leading popular culture export.

Economy

South Korea is one of the ‘Asian tigers,’ which means a country with rapid and successful economic growth. It is also the world’s 12th largest and 25th freest economy. Investopedia says, “Over the past four decades, South Korea has demonstrated incredible economic growth and global integration to become an industrialized economy.” South Korea’s booming economy is why many people want to live here.

International students

Following the government’s 2015 plan to attract 200,000 international students to South Korea by 2023, international student enrollments reached a new high in 2019 autumn, rising 13% year on year and 30% in two years. This expansion contributes to a continuous growth trend that began in the 2014/2015 academic year.

Scholarship programs for international students and comparatively low tuition and living costs are central selling points.

Rich culture

Furthermore, studies in South Korea provide a firsthand look at the unique entertainment and culture spawned by Hallyu, or the ‘Korean Wave.’ Food lovers and festival goers will find plenty to enjoy in South Korea. 

South Koreans are rightly proud of their culinary culture – there’s a tempting array of dishes, flavors, and aromas. The mouth-watering Korean noodles, chicken dishes, and everything seen in the K-dramas is prevalent. You wouldn’t miss it for anything.

Most popular degrees in South Korea

Engineering

Studying engineering abroad is an eternal favorite for international students. South Korea has a global reputation for technological innovation, making it a popular destination for students studying in these fields. Degrees are globally recognized, allowing you to advance your career. You can specialize in the following areas-

• Electrical engineering 
• Civil engineering
• Mechanical engineering 
• Biomedical engineering 
• Computer engineering 
• Nuclear engineering 
• Nanoengineering 
• Aeronautical engineering.

If you choose to study engineering in South Korea, you may end up at KAIST or Seoul National University. According to the QS World University Rankings 2021, KAIST is ranked 39th in the world and is one of the country’s most prestigious institutions.

Natural science 

A natural science degree will provide valuable skills you can apply in the workplace. While studying, you will improve your research skills, creativity, and collaborative abilities. You can choose to specialize in the following-

• Physics 
• Biology
• Chemistry 
• Geology
• Zoology

If you want to study this field, you should show interest in the natural world and have good mathematical skills. KAIST and Pohang University of Science and Technology, ranked among the top 100 global universities by the QS World University Rankings 2021, are two institutions in South Korea where you could study.

Humanities

A humanities degree is not something you should underestimate. A qualification in the field allows you to explore politics, culture, and society while enhancing core expertise like critical thinking and communication. Humanities is another popular major among international students. You can opt for the following courses-

• Languages 
• History 
• Anthropology
• Art
• Politics 
• Law 
• Philosophy 

A humanities degree in South Korea will also provide insight into the country’s rich traditional and political history. The country highly recommends a master’s degree in the humanities for most students who want to work in South Korea or abroad.

Art is a highly appreciated course in South Korea. Various artists, be they actors, choreographers, or musicians, contribute significantly to this course’s rise.

Business Administration

Business administration is one of the most popular careers in South Korea. Developing countries are the main reason for this sector’s high demand for human resources. South Korea has a highly developed economy.

Numerous reputable universities and colleges in South Korea specialize in business administration. International students gain essential knowledge and experience through practical sessions. The learning environment is cutting-edge, creative, and competitive. Healthy competition allows students to showcase their skills and creativity.

Which are the top universities for courses in South Korea?

University	Location
KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology)	Daejeon
Seoul National University	Seoul
Chonbuk National University	Jeonju
Korea University	Seoul
Yonsei University	Seoul
Dongguk University	Seoul
Hanyang University	Seoul
Kyung Hee University	Seoul
Pusan University	Busan
Sogang University	Seoul

Key takeaways

• Due to the Hallyu wave, many international students want to pursue higher education in South Korea.
• South Korea has a rich cultural heritage with many festivals and celebrations. The food and entertainment are exceptional.
• South Korea has many reputable universities with top-notch education and teaching facilities.
• Practical sessions and competitive learning make South Korea the best place for education.

Did you find this blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments section below. Click here to contact us for more information on the best courses in South Korea. We would be happy to assist you with your queries.

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FAQs

Q1. Which are the highest-paying jobs in South Korea?

Answer- Corporate Executives, Lawmakers, Psychiatrists, Plastic Surgeons, and Gynecologists are among the highest-paying jobs in South Korea.

Q2. What exams do you need to give to study in Korea?

Answer- You must pass the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) level 3 or higher for undergraduate programs and TOPIK level 4 or higher for graduate programs.

Q3. Which is the top university in South Korea?

Answer- Seoul National University is the top university in South Korea.