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Korean language program
Seoul National University Language Education Institute (Korean program)
Korea's top national university, with morning or cheaper afternoon classes, an Advanced Academic Class after level 6, and the widest housing range of any program here.
Next intake for overseas applicants: Spring 2027
Spring 2027: Mar 8 – May 14, 2027. Applications Nov 2 – Dec 24, 2026.
Last verified Oct 14, 2026
Quick facts
- Location
- Gwanak campus, southern Seoul
- Term
- 10 weeks
- Morning
- 9:00–13:00
- Afternoon
- 13:30–17:20
- Class size
- About 12–16
- Levels
- 1–6 + Advanced Academic
- Tuition
- KRW 1,800,000 morning / 1,650,000 afternoon
- Application fee
- KRW 100,000
Fees: current published fee.
Terms and deadlines
| Term | Classes | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 | Mar 8 – May 14, 2027 | Nov 2 – Dec 24, 2026; results Jan 11, 2027 |
| Summer 2027 | Jun 7 – Aug 13, 2027 | Feb 1 – Mar 29, 2027 |
| Fall 2027 | Sep 6 – Nov 12, 2027 | May 3 – Jun 28, 2027 |
| Winter 2027 | Dec 6, 2027 – Feb 11, 2028 | Aug 2 – Sep 24, 2027 |
Winter 2026 has closed. Tuition for new students is due eight weeks before classes start.
What you need to apply
Bank certificate of KRW 10,000,000 or more, issued within 30 days, in your name. A parent's account needs a family relationship certificate.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Only China, Vietnam and Uzbekistan have extra rules. Vietnam: balance held more than 3 months, or a study-abroad deposit certificate. Uzbekistan: from a Korean financial institution in Uzbekistan, held more than 3 months. Nepal isn't mentioned.
Document review; no interview is mentioned. Placement test after you arrive.
Housing
On-campus Gwanaksa twin room KRW 600,000 per term (incl. deposit), the cheapest we've found. Off-campus SNU houses KRW 900,000–1,850,000. SNU warns on-campus places may be limited from Spring 2027 because of renovation.
Route to a degree
SNU lists a Korean study support program for its undergraduate program, but no formal admission benefit for language students. Thinking about a degree? See our Seoul National University admission guide.
Refunds
Full tuition back before classes, then falling to nothing after day 40. The application fee isn't refunded. No specific visa-refusal rule.
Our view
What this really means
For a national university in Seoul, the price is fair and the afternoon class is KRW 150,000 (about 8%) cheaper. Few extra rules by nationality make SNU one of the more open choices for Nepali applicants, but the campus is far from central 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
SNU Language Education Institute English pages (regular program, admission, application, refund, dormitory) and 2026 brochure, checked Oct 14, 2026.
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.