Seoul National University (SNU) - Study Abroad Report - Elias Podnar

Introduction

Between late February and late June 2026, I had the pleasure of attending Seoul National University (SNU) in South Korea through an exchange program. After applying in summer 2025 and going through the selection process, I was accepted in early December of that year.

During my exchange, I joined the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS). While the department offers courses related to commerce, it also provides a wide range of subjects focusing on the political and economic development of various countries, particularly in East Asia, which was an area of strong interest for me.

The department provided a good balance between international and Korean students, with approximately half of the student body consisting of international students. Students came from a variety of backgrounds, including China, Japan, and several European countries, creating a diverse learning environment.

Classes

During my time at SNU, I took two regular courses at GSIS, each requiring three hours of attendance per week, as well as a Korean language course requiring approximately six hours per week.

The courses I selected were:
-Understanding East Asian Economic Development
-Foreign Direct Investment

Classes at GSIS generally require students to complete readings before class, along with various assignments throughout the semester. The workload depends largely on the professor and course structure. One of my courses required a multi-page submission almost every week, while the other involved fewer assignments but included a large final group presentation that students worked on throughout the semester. Both courses also included final examinations. Attendance is generally mandatory at SNU and contributes to students’ grades. While students can occasionally miss a class, this should be done sparingly.

The courses were taught by professors who were actively involved in research or diplomatic activities, allowing them to share insights from their professional experiences outside of the classroom. Class sizes also varied significantly. One class had around 30 students, while another had only eight.

The Korean language course, organized by the Language Institute, followed a textbook-based curriculum. The course concluded with speaking, writing, and listening examinations, while also including weekly assignments and role-play presentations.

Seminars and Additional Learning Opportunities

One of the most interesting aspects of studying at SNU was the access to seminars and learning opportunities outside of regular classes. I would recommend students participate in these events whenever possible.

Seminars were organized both by GSIS and other departments across the university. During my exchange, I attended a talk on physical AI organized by NVIDIA and the AI Institute of SNU, which provided me with insights into an area I had limited previous knowledge of.

GSIS also regularly hosts Global Prominence Seminars. I attended approximately seven to eight of these sessions throughout the semester. While some seminars were conducted in Korean, most were held in English.

The speakers included scholars from universities such as SNU, NUS, Fudan University, Waseda University, Dartmouth College, and Columbia Law School, as well as professionals working in influential global organizations.

Campus and Life in Seoul

In my experience, the walk from Seoul National University Station to the campus takes approximately 15–20 minutes, with an additional 5–10 minutes required to reach the GSIS building. Since the campus is located at the foot of Gwanak Mountain, walking to campus can be challenging during particularly hot days. Buses are also available, although they can become crowded during peak hours.
The SNU Gwanak Campus, where GSIS is located, is the largest university campus in South Korea and offers a wide range of facilities, including a large and modern library. The GSIS building includes a café, and a cafeteria is also located nearby. Lecture halls vary in size and comfort depending on the building.

Seoul provides many opportunities for students to explore outside of campus. The nearby subway system, including Line 2, provides convenient access to many major areas of the city. Although the campus location feels more isolated compared to many other universities in Seoul, students should still take time to explore the city. Some recommended places include the Han River areas such as Yeouido and Apgujeong, Hyehwa, Anguk, and Suwon City, which is home to a historic castle.

Public transportation by bus and subway remains affordable, even after recent fare increases, and is generally cheaper than what many European and Japanese students may be accustomed to paying in their home countries. As the campus is located near Gwanak Mountain, I would also recommend hiking Gwanaksan. The mountain offers excellent views and has trails suitable for different levels of difficulty.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Looking back on my time at Seoul National University, I can say that the exchange was an academically valuable and insightful experience. Coming from a business background, it was a great opportunity to learn about and connect with people interested in areas beyond traditional business studies, including development, policy, and international affairs.

The various events, talks, and seminars offered by the university also contributed greatly to my experience, and I enjoyed becoming part of the student community at SNU. I would encourage other students who want to experience life in Korea while expanding their knowledge beyond Business and Management to consider participating in this exchange opportunity at Seoul National University.