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

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“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

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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

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

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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]

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