Korea University Vs. Yonsei: Which Is Best For International Students?

South Korea is home to many prestigious universities, with six institutions ranked in the top 100 globally. Two of the most well-known are Korea University (KU) and Yonsei University, both of which attract a large number of international students. When comparing the two, there are several factors to consider in terms of academics, campus culture, and overall experience for international students. In this response, we will delve into these aspects to help shed light on which university might be a better fit for international students.

Korea University's academic focus

Korea University (KU) is one of the country's top two private schools and is ranked among the top Korean universities. It offers 59 academic departments and programs organized into 17 colleges and schools. The university's politics program, economics program, chemical engineering program, and communications program were all ranked within the top 50 in the world in 2014. In 2021, it was ranked 69th in the world. The university also has a high number of international students and offers scholarships to almost 90% of admitted international students.

KU has a rich history and was established in 1905 as Bosung College by Lee Yong-Ik, the Treasurer of the Royal Household. It faced financial hardship when Lee Yong-Ik went into exile to lead the resistance movement against Japan following the signing of the "Korea-Japan Protocol." The institution overcame this crisis under the management of Sohn Byong-Hee, a leader of Chundokyo, a nationalist, religious, and political movement. However, it faced another financial crisis due to the worldwide recession in 1929, which was alleviated when Kim Seong-su became the college's president in 1932.

During his presidency from 2003 to 2006, Euh Yoon-Dae transformed the image of Korea University. He doubled the publication requirements for faculty promotion and increased the ratio of classes taught in English to 35%. He also mandated that core liberal arts classes be taught by full-time faculty and that students, except those in specific colleges, complete a double major. Additionally, he signed academic exchange agreements with 172 overseas universities and sent 60% of the administration staff for training to the world's top 100 universities.

In terms of academics, KU has a more serious and academic atmosphere compared to Yonsei University, which is known for its party culture. KU's admissions decisions are based on applicants' high school transcripts and scores on the South Korean College Scholastic Ability Test. The overall admission rate for the freshman class entering in 2016 was 5.13%. For regular admission, exhibiting 1% of academic achievement (Korean SAT) is typically required.

KU offers a wide range of academic programs and has established various colleges and schools over the years. In 1976, the College of Commerce was renamed the College of Business Administration. The following year, the College of Science and Engineering was separated into the College of Science and the College of Engineering. The university also expanded its medical school and hospital in 1983, creating the Korea University Medical Center, which included four new hospitals. Additionally, KU has concluded joint academic programs with foreign universities, such as the University of British Columbia in Canada.

Yonsei's party culture

Yonsei University is a private Christian research university located in Seoul, South Korea. It is one of the three most prestigious universities in the country and is part of the "SKY" universities. The university has a well-known party culture, especially for international students.

The university offers various clubs and activities that foster a sense of community and provide opportunities for students to socialise and have fun. One notable aspect of Yonsei's party culture is the presence of the Mentors Club, which organises social events and parties for its members. The club pairs international students with Yonsei students, creating a supportive environment for newcomers and fostering cultural exchange. The club hosts events like the "Buddies' Night", a welcome party for international students, and the "club party" on Baek Yang Road, featuring a DJ group.

In addition to the Mentors Club, Yonsei University also offers other clubs that contribute to its vibrant social scene. These include the Global One-Stop Service Center, which organises various programs and events such as Global Day, where students can experience different countries' cultures and cuisines. Other clubs like the Yonsei Global Club and the International Yonsei Club specifically cater to international students, providing a network of support and social opportunities.

The university's sports teams, known as the "Eagles", also contribute to the social atmosphere. The annual sports rivalry with Korea University, known as the Yon-Ko Games, is a highly anticipated event that brings students together. Additionally, the university's location in Sinchon-dong, Seoul, offers a vibrant social scene with plenty of dining and entertainment options nearby.

While Yonsei's party culture is prominent, it is important to note that the university also values academics. The institution attracts students with its variety of courses and notable alumni. However, some students have observed that the academic standards may be lower for international students, with professors focusing more on class discussion and adopting more open-minded teaching styles.

Meeting domestic students

Korea University (KU) and Yonsei University are two of the top universities in South Korea, with KU known for its academic focus and Yonsei for its party atmosphere. While you may initially gravitate towards other international students, there are several ways to meet domestic students at both universities. One way is to simply strike up a conversation with someone in your class. Joining clubs and societies is another great way to meet people with similar interests. Both universities offer a range of extracurricular activities, with KU known for its research focus and industry ties, and Yonsei for its popular Study Abroad program and international summer and winter schools.

The location of each university is also worth considering. KU is located in Anam, which has plenty of dining options and is convenient for casual drinks with friends. Yonsei, on the other hand, is located in Sinchon, which is considered to be a superior location with a more vibrant social scene. However, as one student points out, you won't be "clubbing/bar hopping every day", so the surrounding area may not be a deciding factor.

Both universities have their unique advantages and offer a great experience for international students. To meet domestic students, it's important to be proactive and put yourself out there, whether it's through class discussions or joining clubs and societies. Ultimately, the decision between KU and Yonsei will depend on your personal preferences and what you value most in an exchange program.

Korea University's Anam location

The Anam campus caters to a diverse range of academic interests, housing four distinct faculties: the Humanities and Social Sciences Campus, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Campus, the Life Sciences Campus, and the Korea University Hospital & Life Sciences Campus. Each faculty offers a variety of courses, with many taught in English, creating a welcoming environment for international students.

The campus and its surrounding area provide a convenient and vibrant experience for students. The Anam location boasts a plethora of dining options for casual get-togethers with friends. Additionally, the nearby Anam ogeori, a five-way intersection, offers further opportunities for exploration and socialising.

While the area around Yonsei University is considered superior for socialising, the academic focus of Korea University, located in the Anam neighbourhood, should not be overlooked. The university's Anam location provides a well-rounded experience, balancing academic pursuits with social opportunities, ensuring that international students can thrive in their studies while also enjoying the vibrant culture that South Korea has to offer.

Yonsei's international programs

Yonsei University, Seoul, is one of the highest-ranking universities in South Korea and is part of the prestigious "SKY". The university offers a wide range of programs for international students, including:

Study Abroad at Yonsei (SAY)

This program is designed for exchange and visiting students, allowing them to study at Yonsei during the regular fall/spring semester.

Yonsei International Summer School (YISS)

YISS is the biggest and oldest international summer school program in Korea, offering a wide choice of courses in 7 academic fields. It has been an integral part of campus life since its establishment in 1985, blending Korean and global cultures.

Winter Abroad at Yonsei (WAY)

WAY is a 3-week winter program offered at the Sinchon campus for international students who want to experience winter in Seoul. In addition to academic courses, WAY provides opportunities to explore Seoul and Korean culture, including DMZ tours, ski trips, and Korean cooking classes.

Global Leaders College (GLC)

GLC is tailored for overseas Korean students and international students who have completed their pre-university education overseas. The program aims to help students adapt to Yonsei University and complete their studies successfully. It offers intensive language classes, reinforced general education courses, individualized curricula, small-scale education with one-on-one discussions, and internship opportunities.

Korean Language Institute

The Korean Language Institute at Yonsei University has a long history of helping students learn the Korean language and culture efficiently. All teachers hold at least a Master's Degree in Korean and are well-equipped to teach foreign students.

In addition to these programs, Yonsei University's Office of International Affairs (OIA) arranges tailor-made programs for overseas partner universities, providing intellectual challenges and cultural broadening for participating students.

Frequently asked questions