12 Ways to Succeed During Study Abroad in South Korea

Studying abroad in South Korea is a chance to experience a dynamic country of ancient history, cutting-edge technology, and breathtaking natural scenery. With record growth in its international student population in 2017, study abroad programs in South Korea are booming, attracting hundreds of thousands of international students each year who want to study in South Korea for diverse reasons.

Whether you’re studying in South Korea to learn the language or explore this innovative, economic powerhouse through your classes, South Korea is an excellent choice. As with anywhere abroad, understanding the local culture, both inside and outside the classroom, is helpful for your success.

And success can mean many things: great grades, making new friends, learning the language, or just feeling at home in your new country. Find your own definition of “success” and then remember these tips to help you make your South Korea study abroad adventure an amazing and rewarding experience!

12 paths to success during South Korea study abroad

1. Really try to learn Korean

Maybe you arrived, tried to learn a few sentences, but then slipped into your daily routine and now use English as much as possible. It’s easy to do this while studying abroad in South Korea, but don’t! You’ll get the most out of your South Korea study abroad experience when you try to speak Korean and put yourself in new situations.

It’s okay if you feel silly trying to pronounce the names of menu items, but as the saying goes, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.”  You can gain language skills by finding a “Korean buddy” at your university (see tip #2 below!), using apps like Duolingo, and watching Korean TV shows (very fun!). Write down words you see or hear, and make it a point to look up the definition.

2. Find a buddy

There is likely a program, or some activities, at your Korean university that helps international students make connections with Korean students. Korean University has a great program called “Korea University Buddy Assistants (KUBA).” The buddies are there for a lot of things, from advice on the best places to eat near campus to just conversation practice. Visit the international student office on your university campus to see what kind of programs are available.

3. Go to class and actually study

It’s a nagging (and obvious) piece of advice, but hear it out! In a lot of countries, the grading system is very different than in the U.S. Unlike in the U.S., your grade in South Korea might be based only on a few exams and one major paper, instead of smaller assignments, “participation” points, and other things, as is often the case in U.S. courses. Prepare for these big assignments and tests so your GPA doesn’t take a nose dive. And on that note...

4. Meet with a professor if you’re unsure of where you stand

If you aren’t sure if you’re on track, definitely ask for clarification. It will be better for you to do this early, way before your final grade comes out. Find out exactly how that professor wants that paper structured or what topics will be on that massive exam.

5. Classrooms may be more formal

Study abroad programs in South Korea are no exception. Lecture-based classrooms are more common in South Korea, and there is a real hierarchical divide between professor and students. Don’t address your professor by their first name, unless told to do so. Raise your hand before speaking, and keep things a bit more formal than you might at home. Watch how the local students do it. And speaking of watching local students...

6. Ditch the hoodies and sweatpants

At home, running late to your 8:00 a.m. class might mean showing up in your comfy pants. Korean students are more formal. There’s a lot of emphasis on appearance, so being put together when you go to class is important. (Don’t worry, you can veg out in your onesie on Sunday morning!)

7. No red ink

In Korea, it’s rude to write someone’s name in red ink. This is based in culture; in the past, red ink was used to write deceased peoples’ names. If someone is still living and you write their name with this color, you’re wishing them harm, as the superstition goes. It’s okay to write with a red pen, just don’t write down names of your new BFFs with this color.

8. Download the important apps 

These apps will make your South Korea study abroad life easier, especially as you get settled navigating the streets and making new friends:

• Kakao Talk (Sometimes called the KaTalk). Similar to WhatsApp, it’s the most popular free messaging app in South Korea.
• Kakao Metro. Use this to navigate the subways in Seoul, Busan, and other cities. 
• Naver Map. This is Korea’s take on Google Maps, offering more functions. It’s super popular and helpful.

9. Learn the history of Korea 

You don’t have to be an expert, but be familiar with major past and current events. References to things might come up in conversation, but if not, you will still have a deeper understanding of Korean society and history. For example, know why South and North Korea are divided, and the past and current standing of U.S.-South Korean relations.

It also helps to understand Korea’s relations to its neighbors. As of writing, economic and international security tensions with Japan have escalated. Japan’s occupation of Korea in the early 20th century has only fueled tensions between the two countries. Read up on some big history events and stay up to date with current news while studying abroad in South Korea.

10. Get to know your city 

It can definitely be tempting to score cheap airline deals and jet off to nearby countries (hello weekend in Shanghai!) but make sure to spend a good chunk of your time in your South Korean city. Go beyond the tourist spots and find where the locals go. Go to your “favorite” places often. You’ll make connections with locals as you become a familiar face (don’t forget to practice your Korean!).

11. Explore the country

You chose to study abroad in South Korea for a reason, so don’t forget to take opportunities to visit other parts of the country. From ancient temples to Seoraksan National Park, there are so many things to see while studying abroad in South Korea.

Getting around safely in South Korea is easy. You can take ferries to the islands, and buses and trains across the country. There are high-speed trains (KTX) and slower ones for more regional travel. Pack your bags and have fun!

12. Leave all expectations behind  

From the idea of “the customer is always right” to subway etiquette, it all can be very different from your home country. You might not even realize how ingrained your notions about these topics are until you’re in a new environment.

Don’t get frazzled by differences. You never know what you’ll find, so go into your South Korea study abroad experience with an open mind and ditch the “my country’s way of doing this is better” mindset.

Sure, you may miss the way things are done back home or think something in Korea is uncomfortable because you’re not used to it, but keep your attitude open and positive, instead of frustrated or defensive.

Don’t expect South Korea to adapt to your needs. As the visitor, you must adjust to your new culture and meet people where they are. With this in mind, you’ll be more relaxed and have a better time! After all, you chose to study abroad in South Korea for a reason.

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You WILL succeed while studying abroad in South Korea!

Whether this is your first time traveling abroad or not, choosing to study in South Korea is a chance to explore not only South Korean culture, but university life. It’s an awesome opportunity to gain new perspectives not just from your classes, but from the day-to-day experiences that push you safely outside your comfort zone.

So go say “good morning” to that newspaper vendor on your street everyday, sign up for that social event on campus, and learn as much about the language and country as you can with your time abroad. With an open mind and healthy attitude towards new experiences, you will succeed during your South Korea study abroad experience!

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