Chosun University in Gwangju: Applications for the 2026 Winter Korean Language Program Accepted September 1–18

Chosun University is accepting applications for its 2026 academic year winter Korean language program from September 1 to 18. Classes begin on November 23 and run through February 2, 2027; registration is complete only after both the online application and submission of original documents have been finalized.

The university is located in Seoseok-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju. Applicants who wish to learn Korean in a major city in the Honam region—rather than in Seoul or the greater Seoul area—while experiencing both university campus life and local community life should review not only the schedule but also the requirements for second-semester tuition, dormitory and meal fees, proof of financial resources, and academic document certification as a single package.

Applications for the winter program must be received by 5:00 PM on September 18

Original documents must arrive at the International Cooperation Team by 5:00 PM on September 18. Since this deadline is not based on the date of mailing, international applicants must work backward to account for the time required for translation, notarization, academic credential verification, and international shipping. Important announcements, such as interview schedules and admission notifications, will be sent via email.

An 80-Year-Old Privately Funded Comprehensive University in Dong-gu, Gwangju

Chosun University is a privately funded university located in Dong-gu, Gwangju. The university’s official website states that it was founded in 1946 through the collective efforts of approximately 72,000 local residents and celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2026. As a comprehensive university offering programs in the humanities, natural sciences, law and social sciences, business administration, engineering, IT, education, arts and physical education, as well as medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, students considering degree programs after completing their Korean language training can find information on a wide variety of majors within the same institution.

A key benefit directly relevant to Korean language students is the support system provided within the program. The university’s admissions brochure specifies that it offers Korean cultural experiences, a Korean language student support program, class-based scholarships for academic excellence, and TOPIK scholarships. The campus features various types of housing options, allowing students to choose between on-campus residence halls and off-campus living.

The second-semester program is 20 weeks/400 hours, with tuition of 2.55 million won

The academic calendar in the admission guidelines lists the combined fall and winter sessions for the second semester of the 2026 academic year as 20 weeks/400 hours, with tuition of 2.55 million won. Textbook costs are included in the tuition. Fall classes run from September 2 to November 17, and winter classes run from November 23 to February 2, 2027.

However, the combined structure of the table does not clearly indicate which portion of the 2.55 million won tuition fee applies to new students enrolling through the winter admissions cycle. The actual payment schedule and progression to subsequent programs must be confirmed via the tuition bill issued after admission or through the International Cooperation Team.

Calculate Your Initial Budget, Including Dormitory and Meal Costs

In addition to tuition, initial costs vary depending on your housing arrangement and dormitory selection. The amounts listed in the admission guidelines for the 2026 academic year are as follows.

Dormitory fees are based on the 2026 academic year and are subject to change. Residents of Baekhak Hall and Global House must select the mandatory meal plan, and once a dormitory application is submitted, it cannot be changed to off-campus housing or vice versa. Upon move-in, students must also submit a tuberculosis test result form.

The university estimates the initial settlement cost—which includes a double room at Global House, one meal per day, private insurance, and the foreigner registration fee—at 1,374,000 won. Personal expenses for food, transportation, communications, and airfare are not included in this amount.

Both the Applicant and Parents Must Hold Foreign Nationality

Eligible applicants must meet both of the following conditions:

• Both the applicant and their parents must hold foreign citizenship
• The applicant must have graduated from or be scheduled to graduate from a high school (domestic or international) or possess an equivalent level of education

Individuals with dual citizenship or stateless individuals are not eligible to apply. Applicants currently residing in Korea must submit a copy of both sides of their Alien Registration Card and confirm with the International Cooperation Team whether they are eligible to apply under their current residency status.

Required documents include a signed online application form, a personal statement, a study plan, a consent form for personal information, two passport-sized photos, a color copy of your passport, graduation and transcript certificates from your most recent school, a consent form for academic record verification, proof of family relationships and the nationalities of the applicant and parents, and employment and income documentation from the financial guarantor. If there is a gap of six months or more after graduation, proof of employment or activities during that period may also be required.

Documents not in Korean or English must be accompanied by a notarized translation into Korean or English. For academic records from overseas, an Apostille or consular certification may be required depending on the country; for Chinese academic records, CHSI certification or separate verification documents may be required depending on the type of institution.

Bank Statement Is a Financial Document, Not Tuition Payment

Universities require an original English-language bank statement showing a balance of at least 8 million won, issued within 30 days of the visa application date. The account must be in the applicant’s or a parent’s name. This amount is not intended to cover tuition fees paid to the university but serves as proof of financial capacity for the duration of the study abroad period.

Applicants with Vietnamese citizenship are instructed to either maintain a balance of at least 8 million won in a Korean-affiliated financial institution located in Vietnam for at least 12 months or submit a confirmation of deposit for study abroad expenses issued by a financial institution in Korea. Applicants with Uzbek citizenship are required to maintain a balance of the same amount in a Korean-affiliated financial institution located in Uzbekistan for at least 3 months.

Submission of Original Documents Is Required After Online Application to Complete the Process

The application process is not complete with online submission alone.

1. On the Chosun University International Exchange website, select Admission → Apply → Korean Language Course Admission.
2. Fill out the application form and sign the printed copy.
3. Color-scan the original documents (in Korean and English) and submit them online as PDF files.
4. Submit the original documents to the International Cooperation Team by mail or in person.
5. After document review and an interview, check your admission status and pay the tuition according to the tuition bill.

The mailing address listed in the admission guidelines is “International Cooperation Team, 1st Floor, International Building, Chosun University, 9 Chosun-dae 5-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City (61452), Korean Language Training Coordinator.” The English address is “International Affairs Team, Korean Language Program Coordinator, Chosun University.” For inquiries, please call +82-62-230-6789 or +82-62-230-6956.

Academic Performance, TOPIK, and Academic Advancement Scholarships

The top student in each class receives a scholarship covering 20% of the tuition; the second-place student receives 15%; and the third-place student receives 10%. A one-time payment of 500,000 won is awarded to students who achieve a TOPIK Level 4 or higher, and a one-time enrollment scholarship of 500,000 won is also awarded to students who enroll in a degree program at Chosun University after completing the Korean language training.

Scholarships differ from the automatic tuition reduction applied at the time of application. Since this system is applied only after meeting the requirements of academic performance, passing the TOPIK, or enrollment in a degree program, it is advisable to initially budget for the full tuition amount without deducting the scholarship.

Official Sources

• Recruitment Guide for the Korean Language Training Program, 2nd Semester of the 2026 Academic Year | Chosun University International Cooperation Team
• Korean Language Training Program Application Guidelines (PDF)
• English Language Training Program Application Guidelines (PDF)
• Chosun University International Exchange Website · Online Application
• Chosun University Official UI · Logo

The featured image uses the symbol mark distributed by the Chosun University Official UI page, formatted for a 16:9 screen.