Life in Korea: Ayzada’s Perspective

Shakhrizoda Asadova

Jul 4, 2025

Moving to Korea can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences. This country is full of advanced technologies, fascinating culture, and, most importantly, endless opportunities. But how does a foreign student truly adapt to life in the Land of the Morning Calm?

Choosing a University in Korea

If you dream of studying in Korea, choosing the right university is the first step. Some of the best technical institutions include KAIST, POSTECH, and SNU. I chose KAIST because many professionals in the IT field whom I admire studied here. Korea attracted me with its research opportunities, safety, and high-quality education.

The application process is fully online, requiring basic personal information, extracurricular activities, test scores, honors, and essays. The admissions website provides all necessary details, making it easy to complete the form. My tip for future applicants is to start early, as last-minute issues, like transferring the application fee, could hinder your application.

Adjusting to Life in Korea

At first, everything seemed overwhelming, but I gradually got used to it. Having friends makes the process easier. The biggest cultural difference for me was food. Back home, I couldn’t imagine eating a meal without bread, but in Korea, rice and kimchi have become staples in my diet. I also developed a love for spicy food over time.

Safety is one of the most impressive aspects of life in Korea. You can walk around at 2 AM without any concerns, and if you lose something, chances are you will find it exactly where you left it.

Making friends is relatively easy. During the freshman year, there are mandatory courses like ‘Exciting College Life’ and ‘Happy College Life’ designed for students to bond and enjoy campus life. Many clubs and dormitory life also provide great opportunities to meet both locals and internationals.

Student Life and Academics

Korean universities offer a challenging but rewarding academic experience. Courses can be difficult, but there are mentoring sessions where senior students help freshmen with subjects. For instance, I attended Physics II mentoring classes, which helped me tremendously. From sophomore year, students struggling with a subject can request a coach for additional support.

The grading system varies between absolute and relative grading. Absolute grading is based solely on individual performance, while relative grading depends on how well the class performs as a whole.

Professors interact differently depending on the department. In Computer Science courses, where there are over 100 students in a class, lectures are more structured. Meanwhile, in Business and Technology Management, class sizes are smaller, and participation is encouraged.

Accommodation and Daily Life

I live in a dormitory, one of the most affordable options at KAIST, costing about 111,000 KRW per month. It was mandatory for freshmen to stay in dorms, and I decided to continue living there afterward.

Living expenses are relatively affordable. Since I live on campus, I don’t spend much on transportation. University cafeterias offer reasonably priced meals, making student life financially manageable.

Transportation in Korea is incredibly convenient. Apps like KakaoMap show real-time metro and bus routes, including the number of stops remaining. For intercity travel, booking train or bus tickets through an app is seamless.

Healthcare is affordable and accessible for international students. It is mandatory to register for national health insurance, which KAIST covers. The campus also has a clinic and pharmacy for basic medical needs.

Challenges and Opportunities

Transitioning from high school to university was my biggest challenge. The long lectures and new academic expectations took time to get used to. The language barrier was another challenge, but Koreans are very understanding and patient when it comes to foreigners learning their language.

Socially, one of the biggest cultural differences is drinking culture. In Korean friend groups, drinking is a major part of socializing. If you don’t drink, it can be slightly challenging to integrate fully, but there are still many ways to connect with others.

After graduation, there are numerous opportunities in Korea. Major companies like Samsung hold annual recruitment events and hire many international students. Some graduates join startups, while others pursue graduate studies.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend studying in Korea? Absolutely. It’s one of the best places to study—affordable, safe, and academically rewarding. If I could start over, I wouldn’t change anything, as every experience has shaped me.

For new students, I’d advise getting a SIM card as soon as you arrive since almost every app in Korea requires a local phone number. Also, if you love tea, bring your favorite from home—Korean tea is quite different from what you might be used to!

Making the most of student life involves using university resources, seeking advice from seniors, and, most importantly, enjoying every moment. Your twenties won’t come back, so live your best life while you can!