9 Best Public Universities in Seoul for International Students
Seoul is one of the cities in South Korea you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Seoul can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.
There are 39 universities you can find in Seoul, and 9 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Seoul a great place for international students.
In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Seoul, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!
| Rank | University | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seoul National University | Seoul, South Korea |
| 2 | University of Seoul | Seoul, South Korea |
| 3 | Dongguk University | Seoul, South Korea |
| 4 | Seoul National University of Science and Technology | Seoul, South Korea |
| 5 | Seoul Womens University | Seoul, South Korea |
| 6 | Korea National University of Arts | Seoul, South Korea |
| 7 | Seoul National University of Education | Seoul, South Korea |
| 8 | Korea National Sport University | Seoul, South Korea |
| 9 | Chugye University for the Arts | Seoul, South Korea |
Public Universities in Seoul
1. Seoul National University
Seoul National University (SNU), often called the “Harvard of South Korea,” is a prestigious institution in Seoul. With a mission to foster excellence in education and research, SNU aims to cultivate creative and socially responsible leaders. The university boasts two campuses, Gwanak and Yeongeon, known for their picturesque landscapes and modern facilities. SNU’s commitment to academic excellence, research, and global engagement has solidified its reputation as one of the top universities in Asia and the world.
2. University of Seoul
The University of Seoul’s history dates back more than a century and can be traced to the establishment of an agricultural college in 1918. Over the years, it has expanded to add more departments and transformed into a comprehensive university offering programs across different disciplines at its campus in Seoul. The university is committed to its mission to explore truth and facilitate innovative research to serve society. It aims to continue producing future leaders of the country and lead the way forward in this technology-dominant era by supporting advancement in crucial areas, including big data and artificial intelligence.
3. Dongguk University
Founded by Buddhist pioneers in 1906, Dongguk University has an eventful history, including two forceful closures during the Japanese occupation of Korea. These experiences cemented the three pillars of its identity: Buddhism, ethnicity, and history. The university has fostered specialists to contribute to Korea’s democratization and development and has been consistently engaged in efforts to develop Buddhism in the country. Although a Buddhist university, it welcomes staff and students belonging to all faiths.
4. Seoul National University of Science and Technology
The university’s history can be traced back to the establishment of the Public Eoeudong Vocational Continuing School. The institute underwent many reorganizations and name changes before it was transformed into the Seoul National University of Science and Technology, as it is known today. Popularly referred to as Seoultech, the university abides by its principle of contributing to the development of Korea and the future. Its large, green campus in Gongneung is nestled at the foot of Buram Mountain and designed like a park with ponds, trees, and lawns, providing a great academic and social environment.
5. Seoul Womens University
Seoul Women’s University (SWU) is a private university in Seoul dedicated to training ethical and competent women. The university was founded to provide women with the highest quality education possible and gained an early reputation for its exacting standards, excellence in academic research, and progressive pedagogical methods. It is, in essence, a single-gender university committed to training women that will positively contribute to the growth of society. As a result, the university also emphasizes the development of moral values and leadership skills in its students.
6. Korea National University of Arts
Korean National University of Arts (K-Arts) opened in 1993 and is a leading provider of higher education in arts in the country, bringing together diverse fields and genres of art under one institution. Informed by a strong belief in the power of arts education, the university facilitates artists who strive to understand the world and reflect society in the works they create. It aims to nurture young artists to engage with the pressing issues in contemporary society and create works of art that will be the classics of the future. With an emphasis on deeper thinking and wider imagination, K-Arts offers programs in different art and cultural fields including music, drama, dance, film, and the arts.
7. Seoul National University of Education
Seoul National University of Education (SNUE) is a renowned institution with a special place in South Korea’s educational landscape. Founded in 1946, SNUE has a rich history and a strong commitment to teacher education and research. SNUE prides itself on its rigorous curriculum, ensuring graduates are highly competent and well-prepared to meet classroom demands. The university strongly emphasizes practical training and field experiences, enabling students to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world educational settings.
8. Korea National Sport University
Korea National Sports University (KNSU), located in Seoul, South Korea, is a prestigious institution dedicated to the field of sports education and research. One of the notable aspects of KNSU is its strong emphasis on athlete development and sports performance. The university has training programs and specialized coaches dedicated to nurturing talented athletes and helping them reach their full potential. KNSU has produced numerous successful athletes who have achieved national and international recognition in their respective sports.
9. Chugye University for the Arts
Chugye University for the Arts is an institution of higher learning in Seoul specializing in music, arts, and design. The university styles itself as a pure art school and focuses on training talented individuals who can go on to become great artists and professionals. With a high emphasis on practice and individual creativity instead of rote learning and theory, the university hopes to create what it terms the ‘art elites.’ These art elites are creative professionals with a deep understanding of arts and culture. Using this approach to education, the university has produced outstanding musicians, actors, and actresses like Jun Kwang-Ryul, Moon Chae-won, and Park Hyun-bin.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Seoul?
Absolutely! International students in public universities in Seoul can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.
As for tuition fees, note that these vary across specific disciplines and program levels, with some charging significantly more than others. Specifically, public universities in Seoul charge up to 10,076,000 KRW for bachelor’s and 12,822,000 KRW for master’s studies.
I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Seoul. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.