Seoul or Gwangju?

Which USAC Korea program is right for you?

No matter what drew you to study abroad in Korea — a K-pop music video, an Asian history class, the unique language, or something else entirely — your interest in the Hallyu Wave has piqued. University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) offers multiple programs in Korea, so how do you decide which one is right for you? 

Whichever program you choose, you’ll find exciting opportunities to broaden your horizons, practice the Korean language, and immerse yourself in Korean culture through travel and interaction with locals.  

Gwangju 

A sign in the Gwangju bus station that says "We [heart symbol] Gwangju".
A sign in the Gwangju bus station.

Hosted by Chonnam National University (CNU), you have two campuses to choose from on the Gwangju program. The large, main campus is in the city of Gwangju, while the intensive language program is in the smaller coastal city of Yeosu, less than two hours from Gwangju.   

Gwangju is the perfect place if you… 

  • Want easy access to mountains and nature (Mudeungsan National Park is only a 30-minute bus ride away) 
  • Like to experience authentic Korean culture  
  • Enjoy access to 80+ student clubs and organizations 
  • Can’t wait to taste the region’s cuisine — considered the best in Korea 
  • Love a variety of courses to choose from  
A cherry blossom tree-lined river in Gwangju, Korea on a spring day, with puffy white clouds in the sky.
Gwangju, Korea on a spring day.

Yeosu is the perfect place if you… 

  • Love the ocean and water activities  
  • Want to maximize your Korean language learning through intensive courses 
  • Prefer the more casual pace of a coastal city 
  • Love seafood and can’t wait to enjoy the freshest catch available  
  • Want to experience a lively city with many festivals and concerts throughout the year 
The Chonnam National University campus in Yeosu, Korea.
Chonnam National University campus in Yeosu, Korea.

Seoul 

A group of students visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, Korea.
Students visit Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, Korea.

Seoul is the capital of South Korea and offers the perfect blend of traditional and modern. With a population of nearly 10 million people in an area approximately the size of Chicago, you will never run out of things to do. 

You can choose from three universities in Seoul for your USAC program: Kookmin University, Korea University, or Yonsei University. For you overachievers, did you know that Korea University and Yonsei University are two of the three prestigious SKY Universities? These institutions are known as the “Ivy League” schools of Korea.

A cherry blossom tree-lined road on Kookmin University campus in Seoul, Korea.
Kookmin University, Seoul, Korea.

Kookmin University is the perfect place if you… 

  • Prefer an affordable Seoul university 
  • Want to live on a green campus with easy access to mountains and nature (the campus is located right next to Bukhansan National Park) 
  • Love a wide variety of courses to choose from, including general education requirements 
  • Like plenty of opportunities to get to know your fellow international students (past events have included a campus BBQ and a field day) 
  • Enjoy access to 70+ student clubs to stay entertained and connected  
An aerial view of Korea University on a sunny day.
Korea University, Seoul, Korea.

Korea University is the perfect place if you… 

  • Study STEM subjects and want to take courses that count toward your major while abroad 
  • Want to study at one of the most beautiful campuses in Korea 
  • Prefer excellent academics at an impressive SKY University with a wide variety of courses to choose from 
  • Love exciting festivals, including an annual fall sports competition between KU and Yonsei University, and an international student festival  
  • Dream of living where modern Korean life and traditional culture overlap 
A student poses in front of Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
A USAC student poses in front of Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.

Yonsei University is the perfect place if you… 

  • Study business and want to take courses that count toward your major while abroad 
  • Want to experience college life at a world-renowned SKY University 
  • Prefer a large city center college experience  
  • Can’t wait to join the largest international student population in Korea, with students from more than 70 countries 
  • Enjoy Korean tradition and youthful vibes alongside the hustle and bustle of big-city life 

TLDR: Which Korea program should I pick? 

Four students pose in a mirror reflection in Korea.
Students pose in a mirror reflection in Korea.

If you’re after an authentic Korean experience with access to nature and outdoor recreation, head to Gwangju. If intensive language study and casual coastal vibes are your preference, then Yeosu is the perfect location.  

If the hustle and bustle of one of the largest cities in the world excites you, then Seoul is your place. Maybe you go for Kookmin’s sustainability, KU’s blend of modern and traditional, or Yonsei’s youthfulness and prestige. 

No matter which USAC Korea program you choose, you will have access to education in a variety of fields at top-tier universities. You can’t go wrong! 

Explore your options 

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