A growing number of U.S. students are considering Korean universities, and this year they’ll get the chance to connect directly with more than a dozen Korean institutions at the 2025 Korea College Fair, hosted by the Ministry of Education of South Korea. The event will offer students and parents detailed information about admissions, scholarships, and life in Korea.
The annual fair, now in its second year, is part of a national campaign to attract high-performing international students. In 2023, over 3,100 students from the United States chose to study in Korea, signaling rising demand for Korean higher education.
Organizers say that the popularity of Korean pop culture continues to drive interest, and universities are stepping up their outreach across North America.
Fair Expands to Two U.S. Cities
This year, the fair will take place in both Los Angeles and Seattle. The Los Angeles event is scheduled for May 31 and June 1, running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Santa Anita Mall in Arcadia.
At least 13 Korean universities will participate in LA, including:
Kangwon National University, Kyung Hee University, Konkuk University, Seoul Institute of the Arts, Kyungbok University, Seokyeong University, Dongguk University, Pusan National University, Ewha Womans University, Kyungdong University, KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology), Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, and Chung-Ang University.
These schools highlight several benefits to studying in Korea:
- High-quality academic environments
- Affordable tuition and living expenses (about $17,000 per year)
- Degree programs in Korean studies and culture
- Strong job competitiveness through Korean language proficiency and local experience
Admissions Counseling and Cultural Activities
According to the Study in Korea Support Center for North America, each university will operate a booth with representatives offering one-on-one guidance on admissions, scholarship opportunities, and special application tracks for overseas Koreans and international students.
In addition, the event will feature Q&A sessions with former international students who studied in Korea, sharing their firsthand experiences. Attendees can also take part in Korean cultural programs, including K-pop dance showcases, games, and more.
The Seattle fair will take place on June 3 at the University of Washington Seattle campus, with participation from more than 10 Korean universities.
Jeon-Hoon Kang, director of the Korean Education Center in LA, said, “Through this fair, we hope many students will explore Korea’s excellent educational opportunities and find inspiration for their futures. The Korean Education Center and the Study in Korea Support Center will continue to support the development of global talent.”
The Study in Korea Support Center, located inside the LA Korean Education Center and available online at studyinkorea.go.kr, also provides personalized counseling on admissions, academic programs, living conditions, and scholarship systems for Korean universities.
BY HYOUNGJAE KIM [kim.ian@koreadaily.com]
