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Exchange Program: Korea University Business School

Seoul, South Korea

Founded in 1905, Korea University Business School was the first business school established in South Korea. Because of the school’s leadership and innovation in management education, KUBS has indisputably become the most prestigious business school in the country. The teaching and research facilities at KUBS are cutting edge, and parallel the facilities found in top business schools around the world. KUBS is located in the capital city of Seoul, where students can experience Korea’s rich history and culture. Seoul is Asia’s largest and most culturally diverse city, offering the perfect environment for students to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the Korean business environment, society, and culture.

Please note: students are not accepted into the program until they submit their application and deposit to the UF International Center. You can start your online application today!

The City

Seoul is a city rich in history and tradition. The city was founded in 1392 when it became the capital of the Chosun Dynasty, which fell in 1910. It is now the capital city of South Korea, and traces of the former dynasty are still very much a part of the city’s landscape. Seoul is the center of political, social, educational, and economic activity in Korea and is home to many major international corporations. Over the past 60 years South Korea has achieved astounding economic growth, becoming the world’s 5th largest exporter and 7th largest importer. The blend of tradition and digital technologies create a fascinating city environment. Seoul is home to endless street food vendors, vast nightlight and shopping districts, urban parks, a few hiking trails and eye-catching architecture. The subway has a total of 17 lines, making the city and its suburbs easily accessible.

Student Life

Korea University Business School with autumn leaves in Seoul, South Korea

In addition to the excellent academic and recreational facilities offered at KUBS, there are many student clubs available, and international students are encouraged to get involved. KUBS Student Services offers a number of special activities for international students and also coordinate a buddy program. Daehangno, meaning “the street of youth,” is found in the heart of the city and offers many affordable restaurants, shops, and clubs for young people to enjoy. Other popular student hubs are Hongdae, Sinchon, Itaewon and Gangnam. The nightlife in Seoul is vibrant and many cultural festivals are offered in the city throughout the year. Seoul is a very large city and there are innumerable historic, cultural, and social activities for students to explore during their free time. Thanks to an excellent transportation system, and a group-oriented mindset, it is common for students to travel in groups together to mountains, beaches and nearby islands.

Students of different nationalities stand in from of a rock with writing on it in South Korea

Term Dates

Fall Semester: Early September to mid-December
Spring Semester: Early March to mid-June

Courses Available

KUBS offers a variety of business courses for students to choose from. (On the linked page, find the English tab in the top left corner.)

Use our course equivalency database to find out which courses at KUBS can apply to your UF degree. Please see an academic advisor for information pertaining to requesting additional equivalencies.

Language of Instruction

Courses are taught in English or Korean. UF students are able to take a full load of business courses in English.

Grade Conversion

KUBS uses a similar letter and number grading system as UF. Please review the detailed table.

Credit Conversion

KUBS credit system parallels UF’s credit system. For example, if you take a 3-credit course at KUBS, you will receive 3 hours of credit at UF.

Estimated Expenses

Rough Expense ComparisonSemester at UFSemester at KUBS
UF Tuition$3,190$3,190
UFIC Admin. Fee-$425
Health Insurance-$154
Airfare-$1,600
Housing / Utilities$2,995$2,300
Internet / Cable$585$250
Food$2,300$2,000
Books$445$150
Transportation$560$400
Visa-$45
Total$10,075$10,514

Currency

South Korean Won (KRW).

Accommodation

KUBS can arrange on-campus housing for exchange students in one of the two special international dorms. Students can also arrange their own housing or find a homestay using the resources available on the KUBS website.

Travel Opportunities

Statue bust of a man with a flowering tree behind in South Korea

South Korea is located on a peninsula, and is surrounded by the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Japan is just across the East Sea, and is accessible by ferry or a short flight. Students are free to fly to other destinations while abroad, though most students find traveling around South Korea easy, affordable and fun. Taking a ferry from nearby Incheon to one of the numerous islands is a great weekend adventure! Each season brings a new line up of festivals and ideal destinations like the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival or Jindo Miracle Sea Parting Festival. Some students choose to spent their weekend away at a Buddhist temple stay, on the slopes of a ski resort or a beach town like Busan. Although South Korea is a small country, the diversity in landscape and local foods make each destination a special memory.

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