More foreigner-friendly campus takes shape at Korea University

Students hold a discussion at the campus of Korea University in Seoul. Courtesy of Korea University

Korea University is pushing forward with initiatives to build a more foreigner-friendly campus to nurture global professionals, driven by a growing number of international students.

The number of international students at Korea University jumped to 6,240 in the second semester of 2024, accounting for 22.8 percent, from 4,230 in the first semester of 2023, which was 15.8 percent of total enrollment.

In response to this rapid increase, the university launched a globalization task force, directly led by President Kim Dong-one, to expand infrastructure and implement policy reforms aimed at better supporting foreign students and faculty.

One of the key efforts includes expanding the number of full-time foreign faculty to 146 from 83 by 2030, making up 10 percent of all teaching staff. The university offers a comprehensive support package including housing, relocation costs and assistance with essential services such as visa applications, phone registration and campus orientation through a tailored onboarding program.

To break down language barriers, the university provides multilingual access across all information systems, with key announcements and notices available in both Korean and English using artificial intelligence (AI) translation. Major academic regulations related to student life were fully translated into English in 2023, with efforts ongoing to expand coverage.

The campus has also introduced Halal food options and expanded Muslim prayer rooms as part of efforts to create a more inclusive environment for students from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.

Student housing has also been improved. In addition to three existing international dormitories, a new residence for 450 students, specifically for international students, is under construction. Each dormitory provides multilingual assistance and assigns student resident assistants to ensure a smooth living experience.

Programs like Korea University Buddy Assistants (KUBA) are helping international students connect with Korean peers. In the spring semester, around 850 international exchange students joined the program, paired with 140 domestic students.

Beyond on-campus support systems, Korea University is also strengthening academic and career services for international students.

Starting in 2025, the university is offering foreign students a range of tailored services, including visa consultations, internship placement support and exclusive job fair booths. It also plans to collaborate with an edutech company that specializes in international student services, as well as the university’s Foreign Students’ Union, to develop and run customized career support programs.

To support international students in adapting both linguistically and culturally, Korea University's Korean Language Center, established in 1986, offers comprehensive Korean language education, including cultural immersion programs. All first-year international undergraduates are required to complete an intensive Korean course, with additional support available through one-on-one tutoring and language exchange programs.

Furthermore, recognizing that many international students are drawn to Korea for its advanced industries, such as semiconductor manufacturing, and the global influence of K-content led by K-pop, the university has introduced specialized academic programs tailored to these interests.

Through the SK Global Scholarship Program, Korea University offers international students educational opportunities in the semiconductor, IT and AI fields, while covering full tuition, Korean language training costs, round-trip airfare and living expenses.

In addition, the university established the School of Global Entertainment in March, which recruits primarily international students with the goal of training future leaders in the global entertainment industry. It is the first time a four-year university in Korea has established a dedicated entertainment-focused program exclusively for international students.