When it comes to the top universities in Korea, you surely heard of SKY (Seoul National University, Korea University and Yonsei University) from such shows as SKY Castle, but do you know about the other prestigious universities in South Korea?

It was reported in 2010 that 50% of major financial industry CEOs and 46.3% of high government officials were SKY university graduates, therefore, being admitted in one of these top universities is widely considered to be a big determinant of one's career and social status. However, with the bar being set so high, many are looking at one of Korea’s many lesser known, but still prestigious universities. No matter which Korean university you choose on this list, you can be sure to receive a high level of tertiary education!

Let’s jump into the list!

(In no particular ranking...)

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1. Hanyang University (한양대학교)

According to Top Universities, Hanyang Univ. is ranked seventh in the South Korea national rankings, making it one of the most prestiguous universities in Korea. Along with its main Seoul campus, the university also operates the ‘ERICA’ (Education Research Industry Cluster at Ansan) campus in Ansan, which is recognized as a leading school for industry cooperation, employability and start-up support.

Hanyang was ranked among the world’s best for 28 fields in the latest subject rankings, including the top 100 for civil engineering, architecture, business, chemistry, materials sciences. sports-related subjects and pharmacy.

Fun Fact : They boast an impressive alumni list, typical of top universities, but they have an eye-popping list of current students - Kim Hyang Gi, Kim So Hyun and Jung Da Bin! Better get your application in as soon as you can!

2. Konkuk University (건국대학교)

If Hanyang University is the hotspot for current students, Konkuk University is the end-all university of any K-Pop fan's dreams. It's almuni list reads like a laundry list of chart-topping groups, including BTS' Jin, TWICE's Nayeon and SHINee's Minho, among many, many others!

On top of being one of the biggest producers of top stars in the entertainment industry, it is one of the leading private universities in Korea, and is the forefront of Koreans' minds when they think of 'top Korean universities' (the university was ranked 7th when the public was asked to identify a university they would recommend in 2015.)

With this perfect balance, it's no wonder that Konkuk is one of the most popular destinations for exchange program students!

Fun Fact : Konkuk University has also been an extremely popular film location for Korean dramas, including Twenty Again, Family's Honor, Loving You a Thousand Times, My Too Perfect Sons, Surgeon Bong Dal-hee and Heart Signal.

If you want a list of what clothing brands K-Pop Idols and Korean university students like to wear, click here!

3. Hongik University (홍익대학교)

You might not have heard of Hongik University, but you will surely have heard of the famous trendy 'Hongdae' district, known for its bustling nightlife and shopping spots! As you will soon learn, Koreans usually shorten the long school name (hong-ik dae-hak-gyo) to a shortened version (school name + 'dae' for university), with the resulting name being synonymous with the area around the school.

Hongik University is widely regarded as the best architecture and art school, in a fierce rivalry with the aforementioned Seoul National University in South Korea, so you know that it's not just any other institution. It's a bonus that one of the most popular hangout spots in Korea is right at its doorstep!

4. Sungkyunkwan University (성균관대학교)

Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) is ranked fourth in the South Korea rankings and joint 100th in the world, making it one of the top universities in Korea. It is also the oldest university in the country, with roots going back to 1398 when it was opened by royal decree during the Joseon Dynasty.

The university has a long collaboration with tech giant Samsung (who is currently embroiled in a legal dispute), and auto-maker Hyundai - who funds their extensive R&D program. With their SKKU is currently ranked in the global top 50 of the subject rankings for mechanical engineering, library & information management and materials sciences.

Fun Fact : The K-Drama ‘Sungkyunkwan Scandal’ was filmed on the school’s old campus, and features alumni member Song Joong-ki. 

5. KAIST (한국과학기술원 카이스트)

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, or KAIST for short, was named the sixth most innovative university in the world and the most innovative university in the Asia Pacific region by Thomson Reuters in 2016 and 2017. A world leading research-oriented university, most of the courses in KAIST are taught in English, which is good news for prospective students looking to enrol in one of the top universities in Korea.

Uniquely, admission to KAIST does not rely on a standardized test conducted by the university, and is instead based on a holistic view over an individual's overall grades, grades on math and science courses, recommendation letters from teachers, study plan, personal statements, and other data that show the excellence of potential students. In 2014, KAIST's acceptance rate for local students was 14.9%, and international students at 13.2%.

In the KAIST Campus stands a statue of Jang Yeong-sil, a Korean engineer, scientist, and inventor during the Joseon Dynasty who is an icon for scientific brilliance.

6. Pusan National University (부산대학교)

Going outside of Seoul, and into one of the hottest vacation spots in Korea, Pusan National Univ. is known as the second best national university in Korea after Seoul National University. Located in Busan, Korea's second largest city, their gorgeous campus is certainly one that is up to the standards of the top Korean universities.

Known for having a fierce and selective selection process, it has continually attracted some of the top minds in Korea and the world to the beachy city of Busan.

Fun Fact : The romanized spelling of the university is Pusan National Univ (instead of the now-used 'Busan') because that was the original romanization used for the city!

Those are our picks for the top Korean universities in South Korea, but there are many more, including Kyung Hee University (a haven for international students) and Ewha Womans University (with a university district rivalling Hongdae)! We recommend you to do your research on the many other universities before deciding on a single one!

If you're studying to get into one of these universities, or simply like good K-Chill tunes, click here for a curated Youtube playlist that we made for you!