Studying in Korea Without Speaking Korean: Is It Possible?
“Can I study in Korea if the only Korean I know is annyeonghaseyo and the name of my favorite K-Pop idol?”
It’s the burning question for every international student dreaming of Seoul’s neon-lit streets and bustling campus life. South Korea is one of the world’s most sought-after study destinations, but the language barrier looms large.
So, let’s get straight to the point: Yes, it is absolutely possible to study in Korea without speaking Korean.
However, the experience you’ll have, the courses you’ll take, and your overall survival level will vary wildly depending on your program. Let’s break down everything a potential hakseng (student) needs to know.
The Two Main Paths for Non-Korean Speakers
If you’re determined to earn a degree in the Land of the Morning Calm, you typically have two main, distinct options:
1. The English-Taught Degree Program (The Easy Route)
This is your golden ticket. Many top Korean universities—especially those ranked globally like SNU, KAIST, Yonsei, and Korea University—have significantly expanded their course offerings in English to attract international talent.
The Majors: You’ll find the highest concentration of English-taught programs in Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), International Studies, Computer Science, and specialized graduate programs.
The Reality: While the lectures, readings, and exams are all in English, remember you’re still in Korea. You might occasionally encounter a niche course in your department that is only offered in Korean, but for the majority of your degree, you’ll be fine.
The Caveat: These programs are highly competitive. You’re not just competing with other international students; you’re often competing with Korean students who also prefer the convenience of an English curriculum.
2. Exchange Programs & Study Abroad (The Fun, Short Route)
If you’re only here for a semester or a year, the language barrier is even smaller.
University-to-University Exchanges: Most exchange students attend schools that have a solid partnership with their home university. These programs are specifically designed for non-Korean speakers and often include a wide selection of English courses, sometimes exclusively for the exchange cohort.
The Experience: You get the full Korean university experience—the amazing cafeterias, the campus festivals (chukje), and the late-night study sessions—without the pressure of having to pass a Korean language proficiency test (TOPIK) to graduate.
Beyond the Classroom: Why Learning Korean Still Matters
Even if your entire thesis is written in flawless English, your life outside the campus gates will be a different story. And let’s be honest, you didn’t come all the way to Korea just to stay on campus!
Survival Korean: The Essential Life Skills
If you don’t speak any Korean, here’s where you’ll face your biggest challenges:
Government Offices & Banking: Dealing with visas, opening a bank account, or setting up utilities (electricity, internet) will require significant patience, translation apps (bless you, Papago!), or bringing along a Korean friend.
Small Restaurants & Cafes: In trendy areas like Gangnam or Hongdae, English menus are common. Venture into a local gogi-jip (BBQ place) or a traditional market, and you’ll quickly realize English is not the common language. Knowing how to order food, ask for the bill (juseyo!), or ask the price is crucial.
Public Transportation: While the Seoul Metro signs are excellent (English, Korean, and often Chinese/Japanese), if a train is delayed or there’s an announcement, it will be in Korean first.
Making Friends: Beyond the International Bubble
The hardest part of not speaking Korean is the social barrier.
Korean Peers: Korean students are often busy, intensely focused on their studies, and can be shy about practicing English with native speakers. While they are friendly, the easiest way to connect on a deeper level is through their native language.
The International Bubble: It’s easy to fall into a social circle exclusively composed of other expats or international students. To truly integrate and understand the culture—the famous jeong (a feeling of collective attachment and loyalty)—you need the language.
Job Prospects: If you plan to stay and work after graduation, fluency in Korean is almost always a non-negotiable requirement for non-teaching jobs.
Pro-Tip for Aspiring Korean Students
If you are serious about studying in Korea, even in an English-taught program, you should prioritize one thing: learn Hangul (한글), the Korean alphabet.
Why? Hangul is arguably one of the most scientific and easy-to-learn writing systems in the world. You can literally learn it in a day or two!
The Benefit: Once you know Hangul, you can read street signs, bus stops, restaurant names, and even try to sound out ingredients. This instantly unlocks a massive amount of information and reduces the “scary” feeling of being lost in translation.
The Verdict: Come for the Degree, Stay for the Culture
Studying in Korea without Korean is doable, especially with the surge of English programs. You will successfully get your degree.
However, if you want a truly rich, immersive, and less stressful experience—one where you can bond with your classmates over soju without a translator app—start learning now.
Korea is a stunning, dynamic, and welcoming place. Don’t let the language be the wall that keeps you from the full experience!