Lana Oconnell
South Korea is an increasingly popular destination for international students, with over 151,000 international students even at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. The country boasts 6 universities ranked in the top 100 globally, and the government has announced plans to increase international enrolments to 200,000 by 2032. While many international students in South Korea come from Asia and Europe, a minority also comes from Africa. However, black students from Africa have reported experiencing racism and stigma during their time in the country. This article will explore the experiences of black students in South Korean universities and discuss whether there are any institutions that may be more welcoming and supportive for black students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in Korea during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 | 151,000 |
| Number of international students in Korea as per the government's plan for 2032 | 200,000 |
| Number of universities in South Korea ranked in the top 100 globally | 6 |
| Number of universities in Seoul with international rankings | 16 |
| Average annual tuition fee for undergraduate students at Seoul's internationally ranked universities | US$6,500 |
| Semester fees at a public university | US$4,350 |
| Semester fees at a private university | US$5,800 |
| Average annual tuition fee for undergraduate students at Seoul National University | US$6,500 |
| Number of students at Seoul National University | 28,378 |
| Number of campuses at Seoul National University | 2 |
| Number of campuses at Yonsei University | 3 |
| KAIST world ranking | 53rd |
| KAIST location | Daejeon |
| Number of international students at KAIST | 10% |
| Number of international students at Korea University | 8% |
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What You'll Learn
Black students' experiences at Korean universities
Being a foreigner in Korea comes with its challenges, and for Black students, these challenges are often amplified. With over 151,000 international students even during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, Korea is a popular destination for students worldwide. However, Black students, particularly those from Africa, constitute a small minority within this diverse student population.
Racism and Discrimination
Black students in Korean universities often encounter racism and discrimination. This stems partly from the media's negative portrayal of Black people, limited cultural awareness, and a lack of understanding of the historical context of Black culture. Microaggressions, stereotypes, and prejudiced beliefs are prevalent, and Black students often feel like they are viewed through a lens of negative stereotypes.
Language Barrier
A significant number of Black students in Korea face challenges due to the language barrier. While some students have a basic understanding of Korean, many find themselves with little to no proficiency in the language. This language barrier not only affects their academic pursuits but also their ability to navigate daily life and social interactions.
Immigration Hurdles
Black students, particularly those from Africa, face multiple immigration hurdles. Visa renewals, conversions, residency documentation, and path to citizenship are constant concerns. The strict immigration policies and inadequate government policies make it difficult for Black students to fully integrate into Korean society and access equal opportunities.
Social Interactions and Staring
Black students in Korea often experience heightened visibility and become the subject of staring and unwanted attention. While some may attribute this to curiosity or the unusual nature of seeing a foreigner, it can still cause anxiety and self-consciousness. Additionally, Black students may face invasive requests for pictures or even touching of their hair without permission.
Advice for Prospective Students
Black students considering studying in Korea are advised to be well-informed about the country and the specific university they plan to attend. Checking for the presence of other African or Black students and seeking out first-hand accounts through YouTube videos or blogs can provide valuable insights. Learning the Korean language is also recommended to help navigate daily life and potentially improve social interactions.
While Korea offers a rich cultural experience and quality education, Black students must be aware of the unique challenges they may encounter. Racism, discrimination, immigration issues, and social interactions marked by staring and curiosity can shape the overall experience. However, with proper preparation and support, Black students can pursue their educational goals in Korea and contribute to a more inclusive and accepting environment.
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International student enrolment in South Korea
South Korea has become an increasingly popular study destination for international students. The country enrolled over 151,000 international students even during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, and this number rose to 207,125 as of June 2023. The South Korean government has launched the Study Korea 300K Project, a five-year plan to attract 300,000 international students to the country's universities by 2032. The project aims to position South Korea as one of the top 10 study abroad destinations globally.
To achieve this goal, the government is implementing various measures to make the country more attractive to international students. This includes streamlining the student visa application process, providing financial incentives to institutions and individuals, and offering employment support for graduates who wish to stay and work in South Korea. The financial requirement for international students to obtain a D-2 visa (for degree studies) has been lowered to 16-20 million won (approximately US$12,000-15,400), and the part-time work allowance for international students enrolled in language studies or bachelor's programmes has been increased to 25 hours per week. Master's and doctoral students can work up to 35 hours during weekdays and unlimited hours on weekends and holidays. Additionally, the government is working to encourage more students from the US, Europe, and Asia to study in South Korea, targeting students from countries such as Vietnam, China, and the US, which already make up a significant portion of international students in the country.
South Korea is also making efforts to internationalise its education system and society. This includes expanding the number of English-taught degree programmes, providing financial aid for international students in science and engineering, and offering permanent residence or citizenship to graduates with master's or doctoral degrees in science and technology within three years of graduation. The country's universities, such as Seoul National University, Yonsei University, KAIST, and POSTECH, are already attracting students from around the world with their prestigious reputations, innovative academic systems, and research-focused approaches.
While South Korea is taking significant steps to attract international students, it is important to note that the country has faced criticism for a lack of anti-discrimination laws. Some black students from Africa have shared their experiences of racism and stigma in Korean society, and advise potential students to check the diversity of the university and seek out information about life at Korean universities before enrolling. Despite these challenges, South Korea's vibrant international communities, particularly in cities like Seoul and neighbourhoods like Itaewon, can provide a more welcoming environment for international students.
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The best universities in South Korea for international students
South Korea is an attractive place to study for students from all over the world. The country has seen a dramatic increase in international enrolments, with the government announcing a plan to increase international enrolments to 200,000 by 2032. The government is working hard to encourage students from the US, Europe, and Asia to study in South Korea by offering financial incentives, streamlining student visa applications, and providing employment support.
Seoul National University
Seoul National University is considered one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in South Korea. It has 16 colleges, a graduate school, and 10 professional graduate schools offering hundreds of undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses. The main campus, Gwanak, is based in southern Seoul and served by its own subway station. The Yongon campus, based just north of the Han River, is home to the main branch of the Seoul National University Hospital and the medical, nursing, and dental schools. A little outside of town is the Pyeongchang campus, which includes the Graduate School of International Agricultural Technology and the Institutes of Green Bio Science and Technology.
Yonsei University
Yonsei University is a private institution founded in the late 1800s by Christian missionaries. It is one of the three institutions widely regarded as the most prestigious in the country. Yonsei University offers a wide range of courses and has produced notable alumni, including Han Seung-su, the former prime minister of South Korea and president of the United Nations General Assembly, and professional golfer Ryu So-yeon.
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)
KAIST is South Korea's first research-led science and technology university, founded in 1971 with help from US advisors. The institution is based in the central city of Daejeon and is known for its innovative academic system. KAIST has produced graduates who have been crucial in developing South Korea's reputation for high-tech prowess. Most classes are taught in English, and the university is part of a worldwide consortium for engineering and business schools. KAIST is ranked 53rd in the world, offering a top-notch education to its students.
Korea University
Korea University offers a supportive atmosphere and programming for both domestic and international students. They provide various services, including mental health counseling in English, academic support, and accessibility support for students with learning differences and physical disabilities. Students can also benefit from personalized academic mentoring. The university is located in Gwangju, and its top majors include agriculture, life sciences, and natural sciences.
Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)
SKKU is the oldest university in Korea, dating back to the 14th century, with many historic buildings still standing on campus. The university has strong industry ties with major companies like Samsung, providing employment and internship opportunities for its students. SKKU offers a great platform for students looking to develop their international network and live and work abroad after graduation.
While South Korea is a great place to study, it is important to note that racism and stigma against foreigners, especially those who are black, exist in the country. Black students in Korea have reported experiencing racism and stigma, and it is advised to be well informed before enrolling in a Korean university. Checking if the university has other African or black students and watching YouTube videos about life at Korean universities for black students can be helpful.
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Racism and discrimination faced by Black students in Korea
South Korea has become an increasingly popular destination for international students, with the government announcing plans to increase international enrolments to 200,000 by 2032. However, the country has also been criticised for its lack of legislation protecting against racial discrimination. While proposed anti-discrimination laws have been brought up several times since 2007, they have faced objections, primarily from conservative Protestants. This lack of legal protection has resulted in South Korea being called out by the UN Human Rights Committee in 2015.
Racism in South Korea is prevalent, with a 2019 survey by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea finding that 68.4% of foreign residents in South Korea had experienced racial discrimination. This racism is often directed towards foreigners, with a particular bias against those from poorer countries, such as African nations, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. This is in contrast to immigrants from Western Europe and Japan, who are more likely to experience subtle racism and microaggressions.
Black students in South Korea, particularly those from Africa, face significant challenges due to this discrimination. They often encounter negative stereotypes and racism in the media, which can further stigmatise and isolate them. Black African students also experience significant immigration complexities, limiting their economic opportunities and social integration. Additionally, they face discrimination in employment, with lower wages and unsafe working conditions.
The lack of representation and understanding of the Black community in South Korea further exacerbates the issue. Black students have reported feeling isolated and facing barriers to cultural integration. This is particularly true in areas with smaller foreign populations, as one student, Lanre, noted: "Society and the area matter. It depends on the population and how many foreigners are living there. You do not expect them to be open-minded if no foreigner is settled in the area."
While South Korea is making progress in protecting against discrimination, particularly regarding gender and sexual minorities, racial discrimination remains a significant issue. The small ethnic minority population in the country contributes to a lack of understanding and ignorance, with little attention given to the problem by the public, media, or government.
Despite these challenges, some areas of South Korea, such as the Itaewon neighbourhood in central Seoul, are known for their international community and open-mindedness. Additionally, universities like the Incheon Global Campus outside Seoul offer degrees in partnership with universities worldwide, providing a more diverse and inclusive environment for international students.
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Areas in Korea with large international communities
The presence of Black people in Korea has been relatively recent and limited. The community has grown due to an increase in international trade, education, and migration. However, the Black community in Korea is still relatively small, and those who are part of it often face racial discrimination and prejudice in a society that highly values conformity.
With that being said, Korea remains an attractive place to study, with over 151,000 international students even at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. While many of these students come from Asia and Europe, a minority also comes from Africa.
Seoul
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, has a significant international community. The city is home to a diverse range of people, including students, workers, and expatriates from various countries. Seoul is known for its dynamic culture and vibrant atmosphere, attracting people from all over the world.
Itaewon, Seoul
Itaewon is a neighbourhood in Seoul that is particularly popular among international residents and visitors. It has a more diverse and cosmopolitan atmosphere compared to other areas of the city. According to a student, Lanre, "In Seoul, even if you are a Korean that does not like foreigners, you can accept it. In Itaewon, you see black people." Itaewon is known for its international restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a hub for expatriates and tourists alike.
Suwon
Suwon is another city in South Korea that has a notable international community. However, according to Lanre, it differs from Itaewon in that it has a lower population of Black individuals. Lanre mentions spending a week in Suwon without seeing another Black person, highlighting the varying demographics within different areas of Korea.
Los Angeles and New York City Metropolitan Areas
Outside of Korea itself, the Los Angeles and New York City metropolitan areas in the United States have some of the largest populations of ethnic Koreans outside of Korea. These areas continue to attract a large share of Korean immigrants and have become hubs for the Korean diaspora. The per capita Korean population in Bergen County, New Jersey, within the New York Metropolitan Area, is particularly high at 6.5% as of 2022.
Beijing, Shanghai, and Qingdao
With the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea in 1992, many citizens of South Korea started to settle in China. Large new communities of South Koreans have formed in Beijing, Shanghai, and Qingdao, with a population estimate of between 300,000 and 400,000 as of 2006. These cities offer business opportunities and a lower cost of living compared to South Korea, attracting Korean expatriates and immigrants.
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Frequently asked questions
While Korea is one of the most attractive places to study abroad, with over 151,000 international students even at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, Black students have reported experiencing racism in the country. In the media, Africa is often represented as underdeveloped and poverty-stricken, which can contribute to the stigma and racism that African students face in Korea. Black students have also reported being denied entry to certain clubs and bars. However, areas with a larger international community, such as Itaewon in Seoul, tend to be more open-minded.
Seoul National University, Yonsei University, and POSTECH are widely regarded as some of the most prestigious universities in Korea. Seoul National University is one of the largest universities in the country, with 16 colleges, a graduate school, and 10 professional graduate schools. Yonsei University is a SKY university, a term for the three institutions considered the most prestigious in the country. POSTECH is a research-focused university that admits a small number of students and customizes its teaching to fit their interests and priorities.
The Catholic University of Daegu, also known as CU, is the largest Catholic university in Korea, serving 17,000 students.
The majority of courses will be in Korean, and you will need to be academically fluent in the language. A degree from a Korean university may not be recognized outside of Korea, and finding a job as a foreigner in Korea can be challenging. Racism is also prevalent in Korea, with 68.4% of foreign residents surveyed by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea in 2019 reporting that they had experienced racial discrimination.
