Abbey – Korea University – Korea
Semester 1, 2025
Bachelor of Design – International
Hi! My name is Abbey, and I’m currently in my second year studying Architectural Design and Scenography. In the first semester of 2025, I packed my bags and headed to Korea University in Seoul for an exchange semester.
When I first started thinking about going on exchange, I knew I wanted to immerse myself in a culture completely different from Australia. After plenty of research, South Korea stood out as an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone.
What to Know Before You Go
One of the most important things to arrange before arriving in Korea is your Alien Registration Card (ARC). This is your Korean residency ID, and it’s required for traveling in and out of the country. Appointments for the ARC fill up quickly, so make sure to look into booking your appointment before you leave Australia. It can take several weeks—or even months—for your card to be processed, and you won’t be able to leave South Korea until you receive it.
Having all your documents ready in advance will save you a lot of stress once you arrive!
First Impressions of Seoul
Moving from Australia to South Korea was a major shift in lifestyle. Seoul is massive, far bigger and fast-paced than any city I’d lived in before. The subway system is efficient (though overwhelming at first), and each neighbourhood has its own distinct vibe. Exploring different areas quickly became one of my favourite things to do, whether it was checking out hidden art museums, relaxing in aesthetic cafes, or discovering unique bars tucked away in side streets, there was always something new to experience.
While many locals were friendly and willing to help, learning some basic Korean phrases made a huge difference in everyday interactions, from ordering food to navigating public transport.
If you’re vegetarian or don’t eat meat, be prepared for a bit of a challenge. Korean cuisine is generally heavily meat-based, and even “vegetarian” options often include fish or meat broths. While some vegetarian restaurants do exist, they can be hard to find without some research.
From Snow to Sunshine: Korean Weather
When I arrived in February, Seoul was blanketed in snow and freezing cold. But by the time the semester wrapped up in June-July, it was the opposite extreme; summer in Korea is hot, humid, and intense. My advice? Pack for all seasons. You’ll experience everything from icy winds to humid heatwaves in a single semester.
Student Housing
Rather than staying in the university dorms, I opted for a student accommodation building just across from campus. It turned out to be the perfect choice, giving me a private space but still close to other exchange students which made settling in much easier. We quickly formed a little community of our own, supporting each other through homesickness, culture shock, and daily life in a new country.
Studying at Korea University
Academically, Korea University has a similar structure to QUT, with a mix of lectures and tutorial-style classes. Most courses included mid-term and final exams, along with in-class assignments and group presentations. Professors were friendly, approachable, and always willing to help with any questions I had. However, being one of the few exchange students in my classes came with challenges. Small talk isn’t as common, and the language barrier made it a bit harder to connect with local students. Still, attendance and participation count toward your final grade, so showing up and staying engaged in class was really important.
Social Life, Exploring Korea, & Travelling
One of the highlights of my exchange was the social life outside of class. Korea University ran lots of events for exchange students, and they were a great way to make friends and get involved in campus life. The university festivals were especially fun, and everyone looked forward to embracing the school spirit.
Outside of class, I explored as much as I could, both within Korea and nearby countries. From coastal towns like Busan and Yangyang to quick trips to Thailand, Vietnam, and Taiwan, I felt incredibly lucky to experience so many different places and cultures during breaks and long weekends.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering going on exchange, do it. It’s a chance to challenge yourself, learn a new culture, meet amazing people, and gain a broader perspective on the world.
My time at Korea University taught me so much. Be open-minded, get involved in campus life, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. It’s an experience you’ll carry with you long after the semester ends.
Find out more on how you can apply: Student Exchange
