The cultural influence of Korea on India has been truly noteworthy, as evidenced by the substantial influx of Indian students seeking higher education opportunities in Korea. In 2017, I embarked on a journey to Korea as part of a collaborative initiative for my master’s and doctoral studies. Through my own experiences, I have observed a noticeable transformation in the way foreigners, particularly Indians, are perceived and received by the local community.
However, with the surge in Indian students in Korea, there have been reports of diverse challenges faced by them. The internet is flooded with information on these concerns, yet gauging the accuracy of these reports in the present context remains challenging. Each instance is distinct, contingent upon the individual’s circumstances. Amidst a panorama where some students have relished a positive and enriching encounter, others have grappled with difficulties. These challenges have even led some to discontinue their academic pursuits and return to India or their homeland due to the formidable cultural shock they encountered.
In this blog post, I share my insights to Indian students preparing for higher education in Korea. Even if you hail from a different background, the information furnished here can prove advantageous. My primary aim is to furnish you with comprehensive insights, empowering you to navigate your academic journey with discernment and clarity.
Why Korea?
- Top-notch education and advanced infrastructure: Korean universities have established a remarkable reputation for their outstanding academic standards, with numerous institutions maintaining a consistent presence among Asia’s premier educational options. These universities proudly offer cutting-edge facilities, affording you immersive experiences to explore the latest tools and technologies. This is notably evident across most of Korea’s national universities, which thrive due to substantial financial backing.
While the university’s reputation is noteworthy, the influence of professors and their research laboratories is equally pivotal in shaping your academic journey. Taking the time to investigate the laboratory’s focal points and recent publications is a wise approach, ensuring your academic aspirations align harmoniously before finalizing your application.
Here’s an interesting read about how to approach professors for job availability.
- Scholarships and affordable tuition: In contrast to other developed nations, tuition costs in Korea are notably affordable. Alongside these affordable fees, an array of scholarship options exist, encompassing both tuition expenses and the cost of living. Among the most sought-after scholarship initiatives are the Korean Government Scholarship program (KGSP), the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), and the Korean Language Scholarship Program.
- Safe and Vibrant culture: Korea’s celebrated standing as one of the world’s safest and cleanest nations is truly remarkable. This foundation of safety and cleanliness guarantees a secure and comfortable experience during your stay. In terms of culture, Korea presents a wide spectrum of opportunities to explore, ranging from traditional festivals to a continuous flow of events that infuse vitality into daily life. The dynamic urban lifestyle of major cities like Seoul and Busan harmonizes seamlessly with the distinctive allure of smaller treasures such as Daejeon and Gwangju. These hidden gems possess their own unique charm, replete with a wealth of activities situated around university campuses. Notably, Korea’s rapid and efficient transportation system simplifies countrywide exploration. With a profusion of choices tailored to diverse preferences, embarking on a journey of discovery necessitates only a step forward, welcoming the myriad experiences that lie ahead.
Challenges commonly encountered
- Dietary Concerns: Food is a big problem for students in Korea, especially those from India or other countries. Vegetarians and vegans face this issue more. Unlike India, where there are many vegetarian and vegan options, Korea mostly has dishes with meat and eggs. This makes it hard for people who don’t eat meat. Some students in this situation spend a lot of time cooking their own meals, even though they have busy lab schedules. Moreover, adopting a vegetarian lifestyle in Korea can prove economically demanding, as the reliance on imported fruits and vegetables contributes to escalated expenses. For Muslim students, the quest for halal food presents a persistent hurdle. Although there have been positive changes, like better access to Indian groceries and food, difficulties remain. The changing Korean market, influenced by more foreigners coming in, seems to bring hope for more choices and options that cater to different tastes and backgrounds.
- Language barrier: Korea is not an English-speaking country, which can initially pose a challenge for communication and socializing. To feel more comfortable in Korea, it may be necessary to learn the Korean language. Fortunately, there are many free resources available in universities to help foreign students learn Korean. Personally, I found learning the Korean alphabet to be relatively easy, and with regular attendance at Korean classes, you can easily grasp Korean grammar and vocabulary, which is helpful for navigating daily life in Korea. From my own personal experience, I can affirm that learning and conversing in Korean has greatly enhanced my life. People have been friendlier, and interactions have become more seamless. Navigating around and driving have also become less nerve-wracking, as I am confident in finding my way around Korea.
- Socializing: Many students face difficulties when trying to socialize in Korea. One reason is that they’re not familiar with the local social norms and manners. Also, Korean students often stay in their own groups, which makes it hard for international students to connect with them. The language barrier makes it even more challenging to understand what’s going on around them. Some students also feel left out because they have specific dietary preferences, like being vegetarian or vegan.
But, on a positive note, I’ve seen many students and colleagues form strong bonds despite their food choices or language skills. Even though it might take some extra effort to make friends while sticking to your values, staying open-minded can help you find people who share your views.
- Racism and discrimination: Unfortunately, racism and discrimination are challenges that many foreigners in Korea, including Indian students, have to deal with. While this doesn’t apply to all Koreans, there are individuals in Korea who may hold negative views towards foreigners or people from different backgrounds. This can result in mistreatment and unfair treatment. One reason for racism in Korea is the country’s predominantly Korean population, with over 95% being ethnically Korean. As a result, foreigners might stand out and be seen as different or unfamiliar, which can lead to biased behavior. The media and entertainment industries in Korea sometimes perpetuate stereotypes and biases against foreigners, which can reinforce these negative attitudes among the general population. Some students have shared their personal experiences of encountering discrimination, such as facing unfair treatment in part-time jobs based solely on their Indian nationality or enduring racial slurs and harassment while using public transportation. Many foreign communities, especially people of color, often experience micro-racism, which is more frequent and can make speaking up difficult.
Everyone will have a unique experience in Korea. There are certain common challenges that many foreign students or workers may face, there are also many positive aspects to living in Korea. Every country has pros and cons. You will find ample information online, but it’s up to you to weigh these pros and cons and decide what you are looking for.
Overall, every experience should be approached with an open mind and a willingness to learn and adapt. Korea has a rich and fascinating culture, and there are many opportunities to explore and experience new things. While there may be challenges along the way, embracing the positives and finding ways to overcome the challenges can lead to a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Here are some additional resources:
- Here is a guidebook for living in Korea for Foreigners (by mois.go.kr)
- List of top apps for foreigners living in Korea
- Online store for Indian groceries
- If you are a reddit user, r/Korea is a great place to ask questions or get suggestions.
Have questions? Leave a comment below
Designed by CKB 
Leave a comment