Top ten things to do while studying abroad in South Korea

By IBTimes Staff Reporter | September 01 2010 10:29 AM

A beguiling mix of the ancient and the futuristic, the commercial and the spiritual, warp-speed urban action and serene rural isolation, South Korea is a nation on the rise. Its capital city, Seoul has expanded into one of the world's dominant economic hubs, and Korea's universities have in recent years experienced a similar boom. With an impressive 42 of Asia's top 200 universities in the 2010 QS Asian University Rankings, South Korea is one of the region's major educational centres and an increasingly attractive study abroad option for students around the world. Top Universities has come up with the top ten things any undergraduate student should do to get the most out of your time studying abroad in South Korea.

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1. Visit Gyeongju: the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla

Nearest universities: Pohang University of Science and Technology; Yeungnam University; Kumoh National Institute of Technology; Handong Global University;

The ancient city of Gyeongju is known as 'the museum without walls'. Although it gets overrun by swarms of tourists during the summer, with eight to nine million people visiting the area each year, there is a very good reason for this - Gyeongju is an extraordinarily well-preserved slice of Korean history that will dazzle you with its beauty. The former capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla, Gyeongju contains an embarrassment of architectural and historical treasures, including three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple, and Gyeongju Historic Areas. If you're a history buff, head to the Gyeongju National Museum, which houses over 16,000 artifacts.

Did you know? The kingdom of Silla was one of the longest-sustained dynasties in Asia's history. One of the former three kingdoms of Korea (the others are Goguryeo and Baekje), Silla retained its autonomy for nearly 1,000 years until its dissolution in AD 935.

2. Explore the urban jungle of Seoul

Nearest universities: Seoul National University; Yonsei University; Sungkyunkwan University; Ehwa Woman's University; Hanyang University; Sogang University; Kyunghee University; The Catholic University of Korea; Chung-Ang University; Hankuk (Korea) University of Foreign Studies; Konkuk University; University of Seoul; Dongguk University; Sookmyung Women's University; Sejong University; Hongik University

A dizzying metropolis whose population of 10 million exceeds those of London, Berlin and New York, Seoul is one of the 21st Century's undisputed urban powerhouses. If you're visiting Seoul for the first time, the best place to get a sense of its epic scale, and to take in its sparkling cityscape after dark, is the iconic N Seoul Tower. Perched atop Namsan Mountain in the city centre, the tower rises to a lofty 479 metres above sea level, providing visitors with stunning panoramic views across the city.

If you're studying abroad as an undergraduate student in Seoul, you can rest assured this sprawling metropolis will keep throwing up new adventures and surprises no matter how long your program lasts. If you're in need of a cultural top-up, start off with Seoul's four UNESCO World Heritage sites: Changdeokgung, a 15th Century palace built by the Joseon dynasty; the imposing 18th Century Hwaseong Fortress; Jongmyo, the oldest extant Confucian shrine; and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon dynasty. For retail therapy head to the massive Dongdaemun Market, made up of 26 shopping malls stretching over ten blocks. And if you want to delve into Seoul's nightlife, the Hongdae district around Hongik University is South Korea's party central - take your pick from literally hundreds of bars, restaurants, boutiques and nightclubs.

3. Sing your heart out at a noraebang, Korea's quirky obsession

It may be the domain of drunken hen nights and the occasional embarrassing office party in many western countries - but karaoke has been massive all over Asia since the 1980s, and nowhere more so than in South Korea. The noraebang (translating as 'song room') is a national institution - a designated booth in which young Koreans let off steam by doing battle on the microphone. You'll find noraebangs all over South Korea, and even if you're dubious at first we guarantee you won't leave Korea without developing your own personal repertoire of off-key hits and cringeworthy classics. What better way of overcoming your inhibitions and breaking the ice with your new classmates?

4. Get spiritual with a Korean Temple Stay: enjoy a peaceful break from city life Australian

As well as getting yourself a world-class education, studying abroad is about experiencing another culture - and if you really want to be immersed in a new way of life, even only for a few days, there is no better way of doing so than staying in a traditional Korean temple. Take time out from the rat race in one of many blissfully secluded mountainous retreats populated by Korean Buddhist monks, which open themselves to visitors.

More than just a holiday, temple stay was devised as an opportunity for foreigners to learn about Buddhist culture - so be warned, this won't be your average holiday lounging around by a pool! Visitors live exactly as the monks do, which involves waking up at 3am, taking part in religious services, meditation, chanting and prostration, sticking to a vegetarian diet, and maintaining silence for large periods of time. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but if you're ready to try something completely new, a temple stay will be an experience that will stay with you for life - and you never know, it may even change the way you look at the world.

Did you know? Temple Stays in Korea were introduced when the nation hosted the football World Cup in 2002, with Buddhist monks proposing the idea as an alternative way to accommodate visitors. Over 100,000 people now take part in temple stays in Korea each year.

5. Visit the demilitarized zone a.k.a DMZ: learn more about the sad history between South and North Korea

The history of Korea in the 20th Century is fractious to say the least. Since the armistice that ended the Korean War in 1953, North and South Korea have maintained a tense and brittle truce that has frequently come close to breaking point. Given that a trip to the isolated socialist state of North Korea will not be on your agenda (the country is all but closed to outsiders, and attitudes towards South Korea and westerners are hostile), the next best thing will be taking a guided tour of the surreal no-man's-land that is the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).

The world's most heavily militarized border, the DMZ spreads for 2.5 miles on either side of the 38th parallel, the border line that divides Korea into North and South. Tours run to Panmunjeon , the only place in the world where talks take place between officials from North and South Korea; the 3rd Tunnel, supposedly dug during the 1970s by North Korea in order to launch a surprise attack on Seoul; and the North Military Demarcation Line, a military barricade lined by North Korean soldiers. If you're intrepid and curious to see more of this conflict hot-spot, going on a DMZ tour is a good (and perfectly safe!) way of finding out more.

6. Check out Gyeongbokgung Palace, former royal home of the Joseon dynasty

Nearest universities: Seoul National University; Yonsei University; Sungkyunkwan University; Ehwa Woman's University; Hanyang University; Sogang University; Kyunghee University; The Catholic University of Korea; Chung-Ang University; Hankuk (Korea) University of Foreign Studies; Konkuk University; University of Seoul; Dongguk University; Sookmyung Women's University; Sejong University; Hongik University

Gyeongbokgung translates as 'palace greatly blessed by heaven', which says it all really. Whether it was due to divine beneficence or old-fashioned craftsmanship we may never know, but this 14th Century palace is a must-see if you're interested in the architecture and historical legacy of Korea's Joseon dynasty. Featuring distinctive curved roofs, pillars and colourful tiling, and ceremoniously attended by uniformed guards in unflinching solemnity, the palace is a perfect example of traditional Korean architecture. Located at the heart of Seoul's government district, it retains an air of regal pomp even centuries after the downfall of its original inhabitants.

7. Seoraksan National Park

Nearest universities: Hallym University; Kangnung National University; Kangwon National University;

Named after Seoraksan Mountain - the third-highest peak in Korea and the centrepiece of this dramatic wilderness - Seoraksan National Park is a must-see for any undergraduate student studying abroad in Korea. Featuring the spectacular peaks of the Taebaek mountain range and a rich variety of rare flora and fauna, the area is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and one of Korea's most popular tourist attractions. With many stunning hiking and walking trails, Seoraksan offers a perfect chance to take time out from the heady bustle of the nation's cities and experience Korea at its most unspoilt - don't forget your camera!

8. Busan

Nearest universities: Pusan National University; Donga University;

A busy port city known for its distinctive local dialect and rugged character, Busan is the place to go to get to know a more authentic side of Korea. Slightly off the well-trodden tourist trail, Busan is the country's second most populous city after Seoul, and is full of hidden charms: the famously fresh local seafood (live squid is a local delicacy!), a buzzing nightlife, historic temples, an idyllic surrounding coastline and a vibrant student population due to the local Pusan National University and Dong-A University.

9. Go island hopping at Dadohae Haesang National Marine Park

A huge archipelago consisting of around 1,700 islands sprinkled around Korea's southern coastline, Dadohae Haesang National Marine Park is an explorer's paradise. The most popular spots for visitors include the islands of Hongdo (known as Red Island due to its distinctive hue) and Heuksando, featuring a series of beautiful peaks interspersed with untouched fishing villages. Spend some time checking out the breathtaking views and exploring the rugged landscape of the larger islands, then check the boat timetables and head out on a cruise around the remote rocky outcrops that make up the rest of the area's dizzying cluster of islands.

10. Marvel at the volcanic wonders of Jeju-do Island

Nearest universities: Cheju National University;

Jeju-do Island isn't known as 'the island of the gods' for nothing, as demonstrated in this hilariously glitzy publicity video. Created by a series of volcanic eruptions around two million years ago, Jeju-do is Korea's answer to Hawaii. A breathtaking combination of pristine waterfalls, unspoilt beaches and dramatic volcanic landscape make the island a popular holiday spot and the nation's number one honeymoon destination. Highlights for visitors include the island's two botanical gardens, the Manjanggul lava-tube cave, 'Sunrise Peak' (a volcanic crater edge so-called because it is the first part of the island to see the rising sun every morning), and the annual Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival.

Once you've finished those:

Have a close encounter with nature at the COEX Aquarium
Brush up on your chopstick skills and sample Korean cuisine
Hit the streets and join the crowds cheering on the Korean national football team
Check out the traditional markets at Buyeo