Korea is one of the most exciting study destinations in Asia—and no university embodies this reputation better than Seoul National University. As one of the continent’s most prestigious universities, SNU combines academic excellence, international appeal, and a vibrant campus life in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic metropolises. Students here immerse themselves in a unique culture, network with Korea’s brightest minds, and look out from the lecture hall onto a city that fascinatingly blends tradition and the future. On our website, you’ll find everything you need to know about the university, the city, and daily life in Seoul—and how your dream of studying abroad in Korea can become a reality. Who knows—maybe you’ll be starting your adventure in the Korean capital soon?
Seoul National University (SNU) is one of the most prestigious universities in Asia—and is the number one university in Korea. Founded in 1946, immediately after Korea’s liberation, SNU was the country’s first national university and has since evolved over the decades into the academic heart of an entire nation. Many of those who have built successful careers in Korea studied at SNU: According to an analysis by a public media organization, 23% of faculty members at Korea’s top 30 business schools, as well as a significant proportion of business executives, have ties to SNU.
The university consists of 16 colleges, a graduate school, and nine professional schools. The range of programs extends from engineering and natural sciences to law, medicine, and education, as well as the arts and humanities. Of particular relevance to MBS students is the College of Business Administration (CBA)—an institution of global renown. In 2002, the SNU Business School became the first business school in Korea to receive the coveted AACSB accreditation, placing it among the global elite of business schools. Only the top 0.5% of Korean applicants are admitted, and passion and a strong work ethic characterize the student body from the very beginning. Teaching at the CBA is characterized by a discussion-oriented, problem-solving approach. Faculty members with degrees and teaching experience at institutions such as MIT, Columbia, NYU, and the London Business School combine academic depth with practical thinking. At the same time, SNU maintains close partnerships with companies and government institutions, allowing students to regularly work on real-world projects and apply their knowledge directly.
Internationally, SNU is exceptionally well-connected: it is a member of exclusive university networks such as the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM) and maintains partnerships with leading universities around the world. For exchange students, the SNU Business School offers a wide range of courses in English that are specifically tailored to international students. The result: an international learning environment where you’ll not only expand your business knowledge but also significantly broaden your cultural horizons. In the QS World University Rankings, SNU consistently ranks among the top 40 worldwide, making it one of the highest-ranked universities in Asia. As an exchange student through Munich Business School, you’ll benefit from this prestige—and gain experiences that will leave a lasting mark on your resume.
Seoul National University’s Gwanak Campus is located in the southwest of Seoul and, with an area of more than four square kilometers, is one of the largest university campuses in Asia. Nestled among wooded hills overlooking Gwanak Mountain, it offers a striking backdrop that uniquely combines academic rigor with natural tranquility. The campus features modern teaching and research buildings, extensive green spaces, libraries housing millions of volumes, sports facilities, restaurants, cafés, and student dormitories. Campus life is vibrant and diverse: students come together in numerous clubs and organizations, and there is a lively cultural scene and regular international events. Those who live on campus are right in the thick of things—yet still just a few subway stops away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
The College of Business Administration features modern seminar and lecture rooms, its own Business Research Center, and facilities specifically designed for discussion-based and collaborative learning. For international exchange students, there is a dedicated welcome program that makes the transition easier and helps them establish initial contacts with local students.
Not far from the Gwanak Campus is the Yeongeon Campus in downtown Seoul (Jongno-gu), which is home to the School of Medicine and the University Hospital. For business students, the Gwanak Campus is the main hub.
Seoul is a metropolis of superlatives—and at the same time one of the most student-friendly cities in Asia. With about ten million residents, the Korean capital is a global hub for technology, fashion, culture, entertainment, and business. Students here experience a city that never sleeps—yet is also surprisingly accessible, safe, and well-organized.
Seoul’s public transportation system is considered one of the best in the world. The subway, buses, and light rail are affordable, punctual, and available around the clock—making it easy to get from SNU in Gwanak to every corner of the city. Whether it’s the trendy Hongdae district with its music scene, the historic alleys of Insadong, the sophisticated Gangnam district, or the colorful markets around Namdaemun—Seoul surprises at every turn. Culturally, the city is an experience in itself: K-pop, contemporary art, historic temples, royal palaces, and ultra-modern architecture coexist seamlessly. Add to that an excellent and affordable dining scene—from street food on every corner to restaurants serving cuisines from around the world—as well as a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking trails, Han River parks, and countless cafés.
Living in Seoul: Seoul National University offers dormitory rooms on the Gwanak Campus. For international exchange students, rooms are available in the International Dormitories, which are comfortably furnished and located right on campus—ideal for quickly making friends. Depending on the room type, the cost of a dorm room is approximately $500–800 per month, including utilities. Those who prefer to live off-campus will find affordable shared rooms and so-called gosiwons (furnished studio apartments) in surrounding neighborhoods such as Gwanak-gu, Sinchon, or Hongdae, often starting at 350–500 USD per month. Compared to other global cities, the cost of living in Seoul is moderate—groceries, public transportation, and leisure activities are significantly cheaper than in London, Sydney, or New York, for example. A semester abroad in Seoul is not only one of the most exciting but also one of the most financially attractive options in Asia.
Munich Business School (MBS) offers you the chance to combine your studies in Munich with a stay at Seoul National University in South Korea—all within a single program! You can complete your semester abroad at Seoul National University as part of a bachelor’s degree program in International Business at MBS. Learn more about our degree programs now!
Note: Despite careful maintenance of our content, individual details regarding the semester abroad may occasionally change. For binding and up-to-date information, we recommend checking our partner university database.
Has the Bachelor’s program in International Business at Munich Business School piqued your interest? If so, you can easily apply through the MBS application portal to start your studies in February or September. Provided you meet the necessary academic and language requirements, you will then be invited to a selection interview. It’s best to apply early to give yourself the best chance of being accepted to both Munich Business School and Seoul National University!
Once your application to Munich Business School has been accepted and you have successfully enrolled in the Bachelor’s program in International Business, your time as a student in Munich begins. During your first semesters at Munich Business School, you’ll acquire important business fundamentals, choose your areas of concentration and electives based on your program and interests, and collaborate with your fellow students on exciting projects.
The first few semesters at Munich Business School are also the ideal time to plan your semester abroad at Seoul National University. When you’ll study abroad at SNU depends on when you started your degree program. If you began your bachelor’s program at Munich Business School in the fall, your semester abroad will take place during your fourth semester. However, if you started your bachelor’s program in February, you will go abroad during your sixth semester. The MBS International Center is here to provide you with advice and support as you plan your semester abroad at SNU and will answer all your questions about course selection, housing, and student life.
Now that you’ve successfully completed your first semesters at Munich Business School and finalized your plans for your semester abroad at Seoul National University, it’s finally time to get started. Yay, your semester abroad in Korea is about to begin! Immerse yourself in the new university culture, make new friends, soak up everything around you, try new things, and create memories that will last a lifetime! One thing is certain: the experience of studying abroad in Korea will stay with you forever, and you’ll return a changed person. After your semester abroad, you’ll return to Munich Business School and complete your bachelor’s degree after one to three more semesters (depending on when you started your program).
To qualify for a business degree program at Munich Business School—and thus also at Seoul National University—you must meet certain academic and language requirements. MBS offers several application rounds. We recommend applying early, as the number of available spots is limited.
For many students, a semester abroad at Seoul National University is the highlight of their bachelor’s program—and for good reason! At the same time, studying in South Korea raises many questions: What’s daily life like on campus? What language skills do I need? And what does it really cost to live in Seoul? To help you start your adventure well-prepared, we’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about studying at SNU.
Seoul National University is one of the best universities in Asia and regularly ranks among the top 40 worldwide in prestigious international rankings. SNU consistently ranks at the top of the QS World University Rankings and is considered the premier university in Korea. The College of Business Administration, where MBS exchange students study, was the first business school in Korea to receive AACSB accreditation and is highly regarded internationally. For students seeking a globally recognized education with genuine academic rigor, SNU is an outstanding choice.
No, knowledge of Korean is not required for a semester abroad at SNU. The College of Business Administration offers a wide range of courses in English that are specifically designed for international exchange students. However, a basic knowledge of Korean can make everyday life much easier and more enriching—everyday situations such as shopping, dining out, or finding your way around the city are much more enjoyable if you can speak a few words of Korean. If you’re interested, you can start taking a Korean language course before you leave—this is highly appreciated by SNU and local students.
Compared to other global cities, the cost of living in Seoul is surprisingly moderate. Students living in the International Dormitory on the SNU campus pay about $500 to $800 per month, depending on the room type—including utilities. Food and meals are inexpensive, especially at the campus dining halls and street food stalls around the city. Public transportation is inexpensive and very reliable. Overall, you should expect to budget about 900 to 1,300 euros for a month in Seoul—including housing, food, transportation, and leisure activities. As an exchange student through MBS, you will not be charged any additional tuition fees at SNU.
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