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      • Why International Visitors Are Heading to Korean Universities

        • 05/20/2024

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  • Credit: Getty Images Bank

    Some foreign tourists head to Gyeongbokgung Palace, some head to Seongsu-dong, and others head to universities in Seoul. Some may ask, what’s the point of visiting Korean universities? Younger visitors interested in Korean culture are also likely interested in campus tours. A “campus tour” encompasses a wide range of things, from visiting the alma mater of one’s favorite celebrity to walking the beautiful campuses of Korean universities and checking out the fashionistas there.

    Four Things to Enjoy in Korean University Campuses

    1. Visit the Alma Mater of Your Faves and Take Pictures

    Credit: Getty Images Bank
    • Credit: Getty Images Bank
    • Credit: Chung-Ang University

    “Did my fave walk this road as well?” “Where were the lecture halls that my fave had visited?” Just walking the university campuses that your favorite K-Wave stars attended causes many questions to come to your mind. Indeed, university campuses can be a proud part of any stan tour. Some Korean pop stars and actors continue their studies at universities in practical music or theater departments and in the film art department, respectively. For example, BTS’ Jin studied film studies at Konkuk University, actor Kim Soo-hyun studied film art at Chung-Ang University, and actors Lee Min-ho and Lee Jong-suk studied film and art at Konkuk University.

    2. Walking on the Campus

    Credit: Getty Images Bank
    • Credit: Yonsei University
    • Credit: Yonsei University

    University campuses in Korea are at their best in mid-April when cherry blossoms bloom, and in early June, when the leaves become green. The premier spot for photography at Korea University in springtime is the Aegineung Hill. The staircase leading up the hill is flanked by cherry blossoms and royal azaleas, so it is a wonderful place for photography. Dongguk University is a university founded upon the principles of Buddhism, so in May, the campus is adorned with five-colored lotus lanterns to commemorate the Buddha’s Birthday (lunar calendar April 8, a public holiday celebrating the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha). The lanterns are pretty during the day but become even more beautiful at night, especially around Paljeongdo Square.

    3. Check out the Fashionistas at Korean Universities

    Credit: Yonsei University

    Korean university campuses are also a great place to see the latest fashion trends in Korea. These days, Gen Z in Korea gravitates toward casual and hip styles, commonly featuring quirky crop tops, wide jeans and cargo pants, and varsity jackets, known in Korea as “gwajam” (department jackets). As highlights, many wear headphones, key rings, beanies, and other stylish accessories.

    4. Experience the Price-Performance Ratio of University Foods, “Haksik”

    “Haksik” is a shortened form of “haksaeng sikdang,” or university cafeterias. The cafeterias offer food at prices far lower than outside the campus, so they are essential for student life in Korea. Many haksik places are also open to outsiders, so one can head in and join the university students without feeling like an intruder. Yonsei University, in particular, operates three cafeterias, each offering Korean-style, Western-style, and buffet spreads. Kyung Hee University’s haksik is famous for its “Jjagyechi,” a combination of fried egg and a slice of cheese on top of Chapagetti instant noodles.

    Don’t Miss the Festivals

    Credit: Yonsei University
    • Credit: Chung-Ang University
    • Credit: Chung-Ang University

    If you visit Korean universities in late May, you should never miss the lively university festivals held around that time. From late spring to early summer, Korean universities become massive festival grounds featuring performances by popular singers, department and student club booths, and food trucks.
    Hey, did you hear? Kyung Hee University’s festival will be featuring DAY6!” Students begin to speculate and share information on what university festivals will feature popular singers. Indeed, the lineup of university festival performances can be used as a representative list of the who’s-who of K-Pop right now. For instance, last year’s festivals at Seoul National University featured NewJeans, Yonsei’s festival featured aespa and Le Sserafim, while Korea University invited Zion.T and Crush to the festival.
    A word of caution, however: Though outsiders are allowed onto the campus for the festival, tourists may find the festival somewhat lacking in things to enjoy because it is geared toward university students. Furthermore, popular performances might be so crowded that even university students may find it difficult to see the singers, so visitors are advised to focus on enjoying the ambience.

    [Major University Festival Schedules in Seoul]

    • Credit: Yonsei University
    • Credit: Korea University

    1. Korea University

    • Schedule May 21 (Tuesday) – 23 (Thursday), 2024
    • Venue Korea University Seoul Campus, right in front of Korea University Station (Seoul Subway Line 6)
    • Invited Singers The university has decided not to disclose the list of singers invited to the festivals. However, each day’s music genre has been made public: The first day will feature pop music, the second day hip-hop, and the third day mixed.
    • SNS www.instagram.com/ku.festival/

    2. Yonsei University

    • Schedule May 28 (Tuesday) – 31 (Friday), 2024
      May 28, 2024, Opening Ceremony
      May 29, 2024, International Campus (Songdo)
      May 30–31, 2024, Sinchon Campus (Seoul)
    • Venue Yonsei University’s Sinchon and International Campuses: The former is located close to Sinchon Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), while the International Campus is close to the Campus Town Station (Incheon Subway Line 1). It takes about 20 minutes by foot to reach the campuses from the stations.
    • Invited Singers 10cm, Paul Kim, Sunwoojunga, NELL, Chang Kiha, Car the garden, Lee Seung-yoon
    • SNS www.instagram.com/yonsei_studentcouncil

    3. Kyung Hee University

    • Schedule May 22 (Wednesday) – 24 (Friday), 2024
    • Venue Kyung Hee University Seoul Campus, located near Hoegi Station (Seoul Subway Line 1 / Gyeongui–Jungang Line / Gyeongchun Line)
    • Invited Singers aespa, RIIZE, PSY, JANNABI, Lee Seung-yoon, Silica Gel, BIBI, DAY6
    • SNS www.instagram.com/khube_56

    4. Chung-Ang University

    • Schedule May 27 (Monday) – 31 (Friday), 2024
    • Venue Chung-Ang University Seoul Campus, about 15 minutes by foot from Heukseok Station (Seoul Subway Line 9)
    • Invited Singers TBD
    • SNS www.instagram.com/cau.festival/

    5. Dongguk University

    • Schedule May 28 (Tuesday) – 30 (Thursday), 2024
    • Venue Dongguk University Seoul Campus. To get to the university, disembark at Dongguk University Station (Seoul Subway Line 3) or Chungmuro Station (Seoul Subway Lines 3 and 4).
    • Invited Singers PSY, DAY6, 10cm, JANNABI, Park Myung Soo
    • SNS www.instagram.com/donggukstuco

    More info

    • 1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Bahasa Melayu(Malay/Indonesian))

    The article above was written in May 2024 and may change afterward, so be sure to check the information before your visit.