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In February 2024, South Korea is featured among the best 10 places to study abroad according to Forbes statistics. Influenced by Hallyu (한류, Korean wave) and gaining more traction in Korea’s education system, our team at Go! Go! Hanguk has also noticed an increase in interest in studying and living in Korea. While there are many places to study in the country, we narrow down the best cities to study Korean in Korea. Let’s check them out!
Top 3 cities to study Korean in Korea
1. Seoul (서울)
As the capital of South Korea, Seoul is in the heart of most tourist destinations which includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites. For instance, the Changdeokgung Palace Complex (창덕궁) and Jongmyo Shrine (종묘) are easily accessible to tourists. Despite its historical value and culture, Seoul is also an economic and fashion hub! We believe popular attractions like Hongdae, Myeongdong and Gangnam are not foreign to most.
Why Seoul is one of the best cities to study Korean in Korea? Seoul is a crowded and bustling city, with plenty of entertainment spots catering to people of all ages. Places like Karaoke rooms, board game rooms, cafes, and clubs are top choices among Koreans and foreigners. Even during weekdays, there is no shortage of places to spend your night. You will be sure to fully explore new places and experience Korean culture in Seoul. Have you heard of a famous saying that goes ‘Nightlife never ends in Seoul’? This is due to the phenomenon of large crowds at drinking spots even till dawn!
Transportation in Seoul is one of the most advanced and convenient systems in the world, and South Korea has also just launched the Korean Climate Card which allows unlimited use of public transportation in Seoul monthly. This is one other splendid reason to choose Seoul as one of the best cities to study Korean in Korea. Find out more about the perks of living in Seoul.
If you’re interested to find out how much it costs to study Korean in Seoul, read our article here.
2. Busan (부산)
Well-known for its beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich culture, Busan is another top traveler’s choice! Busan offers many beautiful attractions like Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장), Gamcheon Culture Village (감천문화마을) and Songdo Yonggung Suspension Bridge (송도용궁구름다리). Despite being a bustling port, Busan is surrounded by mountains and temples, maintaining a harmony of modernised infrastructure and traditional heritage.
Aside from Seoul, Busan is also one of the best cities to study Korean in Korea if you prefer to be surrounded by nature and a vibrant community. One unique trait you can expect to experience would be the Busan accent! Additionally, if you’re a seafood lover, you can feast on fresh live catches at Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장) or check out other local foods in Busan that you should definitely try!
Like Seoul, Busan has its own metro network which means that you get to travel around conveniently. One added perk to studying and living in Busan is that it has a relatively lower cost of living while still being able to experience the Korean lifestyle and culture. Here’s a general guide on the cost of living in South Korea.
Read more about living in Busan here.
3. Daegu (대구)
Daegu is the fourth largest city in South Korea, located between Seoul and Busan. Once part of the ancient Silla Kingdom, it is home to the Gatbawi statue (갓바위), Donghwasa Temple (동화사) and Apsan Park (앞산공원).
Another key attraction to Daegu is mountain trekking! Boasting 91 named mountains in Daegu, you can spend your weekends exploring the many beautiful landscapes of Daegu.
A plus point to why Daegu is one of the best cities to study Korean in Korea is that it is very well connected to all the other main cities by train. This makes city-hopping way more convenient as you can get to Seoul or Busan easily. Like Busan, the cost of living is lower than in the capital yet still able to enjoy the same convenience with everything available. Read more about living in Daegu here.
Prepare to study Korean in Korea
Regardless of your choice of city, we have summed up 10 articles that will help you prepare to study in Korea, covering the different visa types, accommodations, and how to work part-time in Korea! We have many partner schools all over Korea, so do get in touch with us at least 6 months in advance if you plan to study in Korea. This ensures ample time for us to assist you with the entire registration process. Check out our website to learn more about our partner language schools.
Reach out to us for any queries on the best cities to study Korean in Korea! Time for a new adventure! Remember to follow the Go! Go! Hanguk blog for more content, and be sure to contact us about living and studying in Korea!
