On the lower reaches of the river Hanghang and Mount Namsan in the centre. Seoul is the capital of South Korea and a lively metropolis.
9.8 million people live in Seoul, spread over an area of 605.52 km². This gives the city almost twice the population density of New York. It is also the centre of the Sudogwon metropolitan region – which, with 25.4 million inhabitants, is the most densely populated city in Asia and the second most populous in the world after Paris.
Seoul is the educational center of the country. With about 40 universities, the city offers an answer to many interests. To inform you in more detail, click on the university names below, or visit our ‘Study in South Korea’ page.
Studying in South Korea without speaking Korean is difficult. Although many universities offer programs in English, these are also very popular with Koreans, so Korean may also be necessary in the course. In general, for studying in South Korea, English or Korean language skills must be proven. For English language skills, an IELTS or TOEFL certificate is often required. To prove your knowledge of Korean, take the TOPIK test. For more information on IELTS, or TOEFL, click here.
Sungkyunkwan University, the oldest university in Asia, is located in the city. Its roots go back to 1398 and illustrate the importance attributed to education. The city is also very internationally oriented. About 60% of the foreigners living in South Korea live in Seoul and the surrounding area and many international companies are also based there.
Safety is an important point to consider when studying abroad. According to the current Numbeo Safety Index, Seoul has a score of 73.82 – ranking it at number 53 of 427 cities globally for safety.
The present urban area of Seoul has long been a settlement area for people. Therefore, the city is full of history. Palaces, temples and tombs stand next to the modern skyline with its skyscrapers. The coexistence and mixture of tradition and modernity is also reflected in the diverse cultural offerings, which also take place on the theatre stages, in the kitchens and on the computer. Seoul is one of the world's strongholds of eSports.
The cost of living can play a major factor in deciding where to study. Aside from tuition fees, students should consider the local cost of living – including items like housing, food, and social life. According to the current Numbeo Cost of Living Index, Seoul has a score of 77.45 – ranking it at number 101 of 567 cities globally for the cost of living (the higher the ranking, the more expensive the cost of living is).
If you’re considering pursuing a degree abroad, then let us help you find the best university for you. U-Multirank’s ‘For students’ track offers personalised university comparisons, so you can find the university that best matches you. Create your own personalised university rankings today, and compare universities according to what matters most to you. To start, make sure to select your desired study destination and we’ll help guide you through the rest.