Details

• Republic of Korea
• MAMgmt-14
• Graduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

The application process at WU is based on a ranking system, according to which exchange places are allocated. While this may initially feel competitive, the process is transparent and well structured. Once the exchange place has been assigned, the administrative preparation is handled very efficiently by WU. After nomination, communication from the host university was excellent. Korea University proactively provided all necessary information and documents for the visa application and the subsequent registration steps without requiring repeated follow-ups. This significantly reduced uncertainty during the preparation phase. In terms of formal requirements, students should be prepared to provide proof of sufficient financial resources, comprehensive international health insurance, and a medical certificate issued by a physician. The health certificate in particular has to be submitted relatively early in the process (around May), so it is advisable to schedule the medical appointment well in advance.

2. Accommodation

I lived in a private apartment rather than a student residence. While university dormitories are available in Seoul, rooms are typically shared with another student, which was not an attractive option for us. Since the three of us already knew each other from Vienna, we decided to look for a private three-bedroom apartment instead. Accommodation in Seoul is generally very compact, regardless of the type of housing. We found our apartment via Homes in Korea, which worked reliably. The rent was approximately €480 per person per month (all-inclusive), which is reasonable for the area and living standard. One aspect that might feel unusual at first is the bathroom setup: wet-room style bathrooms are very common in Korea and should be expected almost everywhere. Our first apartment had a mold issue, but the agency reacted quickly and we were able to move to another apartment within a few days. Overall, prices in Seoul vary significantly: from around €300 for very small rooms (approx. 8 m²) to €730 for high-quality student residences, such as those near Yonsei University. In terms of location, we were very satisfied. The apartment was about 10 minutes on foot from Korea University, around 5 minutes from the nearest subway station, and within one minute of convenience stores, a supermarket, and a bakery. The neighborhood felt safe at all times, which is generally the case across most areas of Seoul. Tips I wish I had known beforehand: Expect small living spaces, be prepared for the wet-room bathroom style, and start the accommodation search early. If you already know fellow exchange students, sharing a private apartment can significantly improve comfort and flexibility compared to university dorms.

3. Academic life at host university

Korea University offers a very beautiful campus, especially during the autumn semester. While the facilities are not as modern or architecturally “fancy” as those at WU Vienna, the campus has a classic, Harvard-style atmosphere that many students find even more appealing. Overall, the campus environment contributes strongly to the student experience. Academically, the teaching style varies significantly by course. I attended one small class that was highly discussion-based and interactive, while another followed a more traditional lecture format with frontal teaching. Attendance is monitored in a similar way to WU Vienna and should be taken seriously throughout the semester. One notable difference compared to WU is the limited accessibility of extracurricular academic or sports activities. There were no dedicated university sports facilities comparable to those at WU, and joining student clubs or academic groups (AGs) was administratively complicated and generally not designed for exchange students. The academic culture places a strong emphasis on extensive studying and preparation. While this can lead to a solid theoretical understanding, it sometimes comes at the expense of efficiency. In terms of assessment formats, the structure was very comparable to WU Vienna: most courses relied on a combination of written exams, presentations, and essays or research papers. Finally, the university cafeteria deserves special mention. It was an excellent way to experience authentic Korean food at very reasonable prices (approximately €3.50–6.00 per meal), and we ate there frequently throughout the semester.

5. Every day life in the host country

Public transportation in Seoul is excellent and was our primary means of getting around. A single ride on public transport costs approximately €1.20, and there are also time-based travel passes available. The metro system is vast, very clean, reliable, and highly efficient, making it possible to reach virtually any part of the city by public transport. Long-distance buses and trains across the country are equally well organized and easy to use. Taxi services such as Uber are widely available and generally cheaper than in Germany. South Korea is an extremely safe and well-organized country. At no point during our stay did we feel unsafe, regardless of the time of day or night. Convenience stores (“spätis”) are ubiquitous and extremely practical, especially late at night. While the metro does not operate during the night, night buses provide reliable alternatives for getting home. Seoul offers a very active social and nightlife scene. Areas such as Hongdae and Itaewon are major nightlife districts, and it is possible to go out almost every day if desired. Alcohol and cigarettes are, on average, cheaper than in Germany, which further contributes to the vibrant social scene. Given the size of the city, there is always something happening, whether cultural events, nightlife, or informal social gatherings. Sports play an important role in everyday life, with a particularly strong focus on baseball. We attended both FC Seoul football matches and games of the Korean national team. Tickets were inexpensive, attendance was relatively low, but the atmosphere was nevertheless very enjoyable. Thanks to the location of Korea University, we also had access to excellent running paths along a nearby river, which were equally popular for cycling. Additionally, we joined a gym located close to campus, which cost around €15 per month, offering very good value for money.

6. Testimonial

Seoul was initially only my fourth choice, but in retrospect it would clearly be my first. Living in such a dynamic, safe, and well-organized city while immersing myself in a completely different culture was both challenging and extremely rewarding. The combination of vibrant city life, affordable and outstanding Asian cuisine, easy travel within Korea and across East Asia, and great opportunities for outdoor activities made the semester unforgettable. Compared to other WU partner universities, academic requirements were manageable, leaving enough flexibility to fully experience the country alongside university life. Seoul was initially only my fourth choice when applying for my exchange semester, but in hindsight it would clearly rank first. Living in such a vibrant and dynamic megacity while navigating everyday life in a completely different cultural context turned out to be a uniquely enriching challenge. Despite the cultural distance, daily life felt surprisingly familiar and comfortable, as standards regarding safety, hygiene, and public transportation are very high and comparable to those in Europe. What made the exchange particularly special was the sheer diversity of experiences Seoul offers. The city is enormous, full of life, and never boring. With many universities and a large international exchange community—especially from across Asia—it was easy to meet people from all over the world. Seoul also serves as an excellent hub for traveling within East Asia. Traveling within Korea is affordable and convenient, and neighboring countries can be reached easily and at low cost. The university structure allowed enough flexibility during the semester to travel alongside academic commitments. From a culinary perspective, the exchange was outstanding. Eating out is both affordable and varied, with a wide range of Asian cuisines available for approximately €5–8 per meal. As a result, we ate out almost every day, which was often cheaper and more convenient than cooking. Socially, the city offers countless opportunities: nightlife districts such as Hongdae and Itaewon are lively throughout the week, and going out is very much part of student life. In addition to city life, Seoul offers excellent opportunities for outdoor activities. Hiking in Bukhansan National Park, running or cycling along the Han River, and generally being active outdoors were easy to integrate into daily life. The climate during autumn and winter is mostly sunny and dry, making it very pleasant. While winters can become quite cold and snowy, the autumn foliage in and around Seoul is exceptionally beautiful. Until September, however, the weather can be very hot and humid, which shifts much of daily life indoors. Academically, the exchange was well balanced. Compared to some other WU partner universities, it was noticeably easier to achieve very good grades, which reduced academic pressure and allowed more time to fully engage with the exchange experience. One important downside is the lack of Erasmus funding. However, for students who can afford it, the exchange is highly recommendable—ideally by working more during the summer to finance travel during or after the semester. One limitation worth mentioning is that Korea is not an ideal destination for vegetarian or vegan students, as suitable options are still relatively limited. Overall, however, the exchange semester in Seoul was an exceptionally rewarding experience that combined academic flexibility, cultural immersion, travel opportunities, and an exciting lifestyle in a truly global city.