STUDY IN SOUTH KOREA
Why Consider Studying Abroad
Living and studying in South Korea may offer students the opportunity to explore a beautiful, vibrant country. Studying in South Korea is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Whether exploring South Korea’s large and bustling capital city, Seoul, or its lush coastlines and countryside, students are sure to enjoy a variety of interesting sights and gorgeous views. Students are also likely to enjoy South Korea’s rich and dynamic culture. South Korea is officially known as the Republic of Korea.
It is located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula in East Asia. It shares a land border with North Korea and overseas borders with Japan and China. South Korea’s terrain is mainly mountainous, with some coastal plains, rolling hills, river basins, and valleys. It has a humid continental and subtropical climate with four distinct seasons.
South Korean Language
Korean is the official language in South Korea. Because South Korea’s ethnic makeup is homogeneous (except for a relatively small Chinese population), Korean is the only language spoken throughout the country. The Korean language has numerous dialects, but most are similar enough that most Koreans can understand them.
Cost of Living in South Korea
The national currency of South Korea is the “won”. In October of 2013, 1061 won was equivalent to 1 U.S. dollar. Depending on where one lives, one can rent an apartment and enjoy sports and leisure activities in South Korea for about the same price as in many parts of the United States. Groceries, clothing, private transportation, and apartment purchase prices, however, are typically higher in South Korea than in the U.S. Meanwhile, public transportation, utilities, and restaurants are typically less expensive in South Korea than in the U.S.
Overall, the cost of living in South Korea is slightly higher than it is in the United States. Salaries, however, are somewhat lower. It has a technologically advanced transportation system comprising highways, bus routes, ferries, and high-speed railways. Travel by air is also a popular mode of transportation. As mentioned above, public transportation is relatively cheaper in South Korea than in the U.S. Private transportation, or buying a car and gasoline, however, is more expensive in South Korea than in the U.S.
South Korean Culture
Much of Korean culture is rooted in Confucianism and emphasises family and community values within a hierarchical structure. The hierarchy is based on relationships among people and emphasises the social importance and relevance of familial and communal ties. Harmony within families and between individuals is of primary importance when you study in South Korea, and many Korean people focus on establishing, maintaining, and protecting individual and familial “kibun”.
Kibun is a concept with no direct English translation, but it roughly means pride, emotion, feelings, and portrayal. South Koreans take great care to maintain respectability and status (social and cultural, individual and communal) through diligent care for and respect toward kibun. This is especially evident in many South Koreans’ focus on establishing and maintaining harmony, or a sense of peace, calm, and comfort in any situation, no matter the circumstances.
South Korean Food
South Korean Staple foods include Korean cuisine, rice, vegetables, legumes (such as soy and mung beans), and meats. Popular flavours include sesame, ginger, garlic, spicy dried peppers, and fermented sauces, foods, and pastes. South Koreans blend their foods and flavours to create regional specialties and dishes. Typical specialties include soups, noodle dishes, stir-fried dishes, and raw dishes such as Miyeok guk, Baek Kimchi, Japchae, and Tangyukbap.
South Koreans commonly serve multiple dishes at a meal so people can enjoy a variety of foods and flavours. People often serve meals with eumcheongnyu, or non-alcoholic beverages, such as teas, sweet rice drinks, fruit punches, fermented grain juices, and herbal beverages. Many South Koreans also enjoy alcoholic drinks such as beers, rice wines, and Soju. Much of South Korean film and musical culture is unique.
The country is well-known for its locally made television dramas and mini-series. Also, it has a relatively popular and well-developed film market, primarily comprising Korean-made films. Popular music includes genres such as “K-Pop” and “trot”, both of which have unique and dynamic sounds. Indoz Overseas is the leading South Korea study visa consultant in India, Canada, and Australia.
