South Korea Study Guide 2026
South Korea has 245 universities, with study options in Seoul, Daejeon, and Pohang. Daily life for international students can involve both Korean and English, depending on the setting.
The academic year is built around university study in South Korea, where the main student hubs include Seoul, Daejeon, and Pohang. Well-known universities include Seoul National University, Yonsei University, KAIST, Korea University, POSTECH, and Ajou University.
Housing is part of the move international students need to plan for early, especially if they want to study in Seoul or another major student city. The D-2 Student Visa is the main visa named for study in South Korea.
Language in daily life can be Korean, English, or a mix of both. That means a newly arrived student should expect to use Korean in many everyday situations, while English is also part of the study environment.
South Korea uses KRW, and the country’s price level was 73 percent of the US in 2023. For a first term, it helps to be ready for a setting where university life, housing arrangements, and daily communication can all involve adjustment at the same time.
Questions about student life in South Korea
What visa do international students need for South Korea?
The named student visa is the D-2 Student Visa.
What languages are used in daily life?
Daily life can involve Korean and English.
Which cities are known for students?
Seoul, Daejeon, and Pohang are listed as student cities.
More on South Korea: destination overview · universities · scholarships · student visa