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Korean language program
Chungnam National University International Language Education Center
A national university in Daejeon, teaching languages since 1978. The lowest bank balance requirement and a dorm with weekday meals make it one of the most affordable starts in Korea.
Next intake for overseas applicants: Spring 2027
Spring 2027: Mar 2 – May 7, 2027. Applications Nov 16 – Dec 11, 2026.
Last verified Oct 14, 2026
Quick facts
- Location
- Main campus, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon
- Since
- 1978
- Term
- 10 weeks, 200 hours
- Class size
- About 15
- Levels
- 1–6 + advanced, research
- Tuition
- KRW 1,400,000 / term
- Application fee
- KRW 70,000 (after admission)
- Dorm
- KRW 1,400,000 / term with meals
Fees: current published fees.
Terms and deadlines
| Term | Classes | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | Mar 2 – May 7, 2027 | Nov 16 – Dec 11, 2026 |
| Summer 2027 | May 31 – Aug 6, 2027 | Feb 15 – Mar 12, 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | Aug 30 – Nov 5, 2027 | May 17 – Jun 11, 2027 |
| Winter 2027 | Nov 29, 2027 – Feb 4, 2028 | Aug 17 – Sep 10, 2027 |
Dates shown are for non-Chinese-speaking applicants. Documents must arrive by the deadline; some countries may close early.
What you need to apply
Original bank certificate of KRW 8,000,000 or more, issued within 30 days of submission. CNU notes the amount may rise with immigration rules.
High school or higher, with 12 years or more of regular schooling.
Applicants from the 21 designated countries, including Nepal, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Vietnam, Mongolia and Nigeria, add a parent's employment or income certificate, parents' ID copies and a family relationship certificate.
TB test result for high-risk countries, including Nepal, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Nigeria.
Housing
On-campus dorm KRW 1,400,000 for about three months, twin room, two meals on weekdays included, for the first term only.
Route to a degree
Upper levels prepare for degree study, and the center runs TOPIK tests. We didn't find a formal admission benefit. Top students get KRW 100,000–400,000 a term if they re-register.
Refunds
Full refund up to the first class day, then 2/3, 1/2, or nothing by the share of classes passed. The application fee isn't refunded.
Our view
What this really means
For a tight budget, CNU is hard to beat: national-university tuition, a lower funds requirement and meals included in the first term's dorm. Daejeon is quieter and cheaper than Seoul.
Compare and prepare
How it works
Ten steps from choosing a program to your first class, and how long each takes.
Documents
What to prepare, how to certify it, and the extra papers for some countries.
Costs
Tuition, housing, the bank balance you need and what a first year really costs.
D-4 visa
Who qualifies, how to apply, part-time work, attendance and extensions.
Before you apply
The mistakes that cost students their visa or their money.
From language school to university
How a year of Korean leads into a degree, and which universities reward it.
Compare institutes
Nine university language institutes side by side, with 2027 dates and fees.
From Nepal
Consular confirmation, the NOC, and which institutes add extra rules.
From Uzbekistan
Apostille, the 3-month bank balance rule, and when you need a CCVI.
Sources and verification
CNU International Language Education Center pages (admissions, schedule, fees, dormitory, visa), dream.cnu.ac.kr, checked Oct 14, 2026. CNU says the 12-year schooling rule applies; check with CNU if your country has 11 years of school.
K-Admission is independent and not affiliated with any university or language institute. Rules change every term; always confirm in the institute's official guide before you apply.