9 Best Universities In South Jeolla For International Students 2025

South Jeolla is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in South Korea. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences.

Out of 9 universities in South Jeolla, Sunchon National University and Mokpo National University are the top-performing schools in South Jeolla. This list covers both public and private institutions in South Jeolla.

In this article, we’ve compiled the best universities in South Jeolla. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in South Jeolla.

Rank University Country Type
1 Sunchon National University South Korea Public
2 Mokpo National University South Korea Public
3 Dongshin University South Korea Private
4 Sehan University South Korea Private
5 Chodang University South Korea Private
6 Hanlyo University South Korea Private
7 Mokpo National Maritime University South Korea Public
8 Mokpo Catholic University South Korea Private
9 Gwangju Catholic University South Korea Private

How do I get admission to the best universities in South Jeolla?

Applying to the universities in South Jeolla involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in South Jeolla to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in South Jeolla?

Tuition fees at South Jeolla’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 2,364,000 KRW to 15,200,000 KRW , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 1,662,000 KRW to 8,034,000 KRW. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in South Jeolla!

As we cover the best universities in South Jeolla for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in South Jeolla for International Students

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#69 in South Korea
#1263 in Asia
#4039 in World
Percentage of International Students
4%
Total Number of students - 10,102
International Number of students - 391

Sunchon National University (SCNU), or SNU, is a prestigious institution of higher learning in South Korea. Established in 1948, SCNU is dedicated to promoting academic excellence, fostering innovation, and contributing to societal development. The university aims to cultivate talented individuals with specialized knowledge and skills, critical thinking abilities, and a strong sense of social responsibility. SCNU is known for its strong agriculture, life sciences, and engineering programs and has established collaborations with various industries to provide practical training opportunities for students.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#87 in South Korea
#1573 in Asia
#4739 in World
Percentage of International Students
2%
Total Number of students - 10,764
International Number of students - 218

Mokpo National University (MNU) is a university initially established to provide higher education for students living in the southwest coastal region of South Korea. Since its establishment, it has grown into a student-oriented university with a focus on globalization and the integration of technology in education. Presently, it is a place where students worldwide can enjoy high-quality education and a rich cultural experience. To further provide an engaging educational experience, the university operates two campuses, one in Muan and the other in Mokpo.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#92 in South Korea
#1696 in Asia
#4997 in World
Percentage of International Students
6%
Total Number of students - 6,305
International Number of students - 351

Dongshin University is one of the universities leading the transformation of higher education in South Korea. The university focuses on developing skills that will help the students succeed in a global environment rather than sticking to traditional methods of tertiary education. Dongshin emphasizes the acquisition of foreign language skills and the development of a problem-solving mindset needed to survive in an ever-competitive world.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#113 in South Korea
#2244 in Asia
#6003 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 4,556

Sehan University is a private university located in Chonbuk, South Korea. It was founded in 1990 and is known for its focus on practical education and strong ties to the local community. Sehan University emphasizes community engagement and social responsibility. Additionally, the university encourages students to actively participate in community service activities and programs, fostering a sense of civic duty and promoting social awareness.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#120 in South Korea
#2311 in Asia
#6120 in World
Percentage of International Students
4%
Total Number of students - 4,351
International Number of students - 181

Chodang University is a private institution of higher learning in Muan, South Korea. It is the only university in Muan County and has been pivotal to the region’s development. The university aims to produce globally-competitive talents. It utilizes two main objectives to work towards this goal: conducting foreign language training courses for its students and facilitating volunteer programs abroad.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#123 in South Korea
#2345 in Asia
#6178 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 950

Hanlyo University is a private institution established in 1994. Located in Gwangyang, South Jeolla, the university offered its services to aspiring students till 2016. In 2016, the University announced its decision to permanently end its operations, which marked the finale of its two decades in Korea’s higher education sector. This resolution came on the heels of the university’s management prediction of a potential decrease in future high-school graduates due to changing realities of the population and economy.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#128 in South Korea
#2438 in Asia
#6354 in World
Percentage of International Students
1%
Total Number of students - 2,308
International Number of students - 19

Mokpo National Maritime University (MMU), located in Mokpo, South Korea, is a specialized higher education institution focusing on maritime studies and marine-related fields. As a maritime university, MMU strongly emphasizes hands-on training and practical experience. The university has well-equipped training facilities, including ship simulators, navigation laboratories, and engine rooms, allowing students to gain real-world experience in a controlled environment. The university collaborates with leading maritime organizations, shipping companies, and research institutions to provide students with internship and job placement opportunities.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#161 in South Korea
#3045 in Asia
#7452 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 568

Mokpo Catholic University (MCU) is a private university in Mokpo, South Korea. The university started as a nursing school in 1967 before being upgraded to a university in the year 2000. It is one of the private universities in South Korea affiliated with the Catholic church and the only private university in Mokpo City. MCU strives to create a learning environment that promotes positive self-discovery and nurtures individual creativity.

StudyAbroadAide World Rankings
#176 in South Korea
#3290 in Asia
#7979 in World
Percentage of International Students
No Available Data
Total Number of students - 163

Gwangju Catholic University is a private institution in Naju, a city close to Gwangju. It is one of the catholic higher education institutions in South Korea focused on theology. With diverse majors related to theology, from psychology to moral theology, aspiring students can specialize in their chosen fields while gaining the skills to become successful leaders. The university nurtures aspiring priests and spiritual leaders to become competent individuals who are emotionally sensitive to people’s needs.

We know that choosing your dream school in South Jeolla not an easy task. After all, you need to consider other factors like the cost of your education, school background, and population, as it can be overwhelming on your part.

So, to help you out further in weighing your school options for studying in South Jeolla, make sure to visit our list of the best public and private universities in South Jeolla! These articles will surely help you in deciding your next study destination!