Sookmyung Women's University

Located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul (capital), Sookmyung University (SMU) was founded in 1906. It is the first royal private educational institution for women in Korea. Sookmyung University is ranked as the second best women’s university in Korea and is ranked no.33 on Korea’s best universities list. It has 13 colleges and partnerships with 308 universities in 50 different countries.

School’s Main Website (In English) | International / Exchange Student Website 

Minimum GPA requirement: 

3.0/4.3 (Recommended)

Language of instruction:

Korean, English

Flying Chalks’ tip: Do note that even for classes indicated as being taught in English, professors may choose to teach in Korean instead for various reasons (own preference, cater to the English standards of Korean students etc). It is advisable to check out the classes at the start of the semester, and plan more course options as a backup plan. 

Courses:

Course descriptions can be found in respective college’s webpage, click here!

English Taught Course - Undergraduate Program http://e.sookmyung.ac.kr > Academics > Search For Course Time Schedule > Type of lecture > English

Korean language courses

Sookmyung University has its own language institution, LinguaExpress. The Korean language program at LinguaExpress offers a wide variety of Korean courses. It includes general Korean classes, Korean teacher training programs, short-term courses and TOPIK preparation classes. LinguaExpress provides language classes combined with a ­­complete cultural immersion enhancing one’s potential for the language.

 For more information:

http://lingua.sookmyung.ac.kr/mbs/infoEn/subview.jsp?id=infoEn_010100000000

Flying Chalks’ tip: Should you already have some background knowledge on the language, there is no need to worry about which level of proficiency to take up for your classes as Sookmyung University offers a placement test for all new students for all of our programs to determine their Korean level.

Course registration process:

Registration for courses is via the Fastest-Fingers-First system on the start of the application date.

Flying Chalks’ tips:

• In most Korean universities, professors have the authority to accept students into their class even though it might appear as fully enrolled on the university’s online course registration system.

In addition, professors are usually more understanding towards exchange students’ demands. Having said that, do not bet all your hopes on it!

• As Korean websites tend to require certain plug-ins not used in other parts of the world, it would be good to use Internet Explorer which supports these plug-ins. Browsers like Google Chrome or Firefox may not support the plug-ins needed for the websites to run. 

Attendance policy:

For language school students: 80% attendance must be maintained to be able to enroll in the next session and for approval of the VISA extension.

* Students with more than 3 unauthorized absences will be reported to the immigration office

Campus map:
The Sookmyung Women's University campus map can be found here!

Selected facilities:

Global Lounge: The Global Lounge is run by the office of international Affairs and can be found in the College of Fine Arts building on the Renaissance campus. This area allows for local and international students to interact. Students are able to study or watch a movie in the global lounge as well. Additionally, “second language tutoring” and “English speaking spot” programs are held here. 

PC Spots: There are PC rooms around for students to use. Students are also able to borrow laptops with wireless LAN card. 

English lounge: The English lounge was established in 2007, as an English only area. This area aims to provide a conducive and comfortable environment for students to practice English.

Food on campus:

The Student Cafeteria is located at the basement of Myung Shin building. There are 3 different menus – Korean menu, Western menu and one dish menu. There are also light dishes such as Ramyun, Kimbab, sandwiches etc. 

Campus transportation:

There is a free shuttle bus service that ferries students around the campus.

Sookmyung University places a strong emphasis on leadership in the university with school activities instilling in students the values of serving and caring for others, and enhancing their abilities as active leaders. 

Orientation program:

In February, there is the Sookmyung family welcome party, where incoming freshmen are introduced to their seniors. There will be a get-together session for all the students to celebrate the freshmen’s entrance into the university. During the welcome party, students will learn more about Sookmyung Women’s University, coupled with survival tips from the seniors.

For exchange students, the orientation will include an information session, campus tour and a welcoming session.

Buddy program:

Sookmyung University offers a buddy program for international students. Each international student will be introduced to one or two Sookmyung buddies. These buddies will help the international students to assimilate into the campus life and Korean culture.

To apply for the buddy program, send an email to: inbound.exchange@sm.ac.kr   

Student clubs:

Sookmyung Women’s University boasts a wide range of student clubs. The clubs are divided into 5 categories; Religion, Social, Hobby/Liberal Arts, Art and Scholarship. Joining a student club will further immerse students in the school culture, leaving students with fonder memories of their school experience.

 You can find out more information on the student clubs here:

http://e.sookmyung.ac.kr/contents/contents.jsp?cmsCd=CM0478

University events:

Cheongpa Festival: Held in May, this is one of the most exciting events of the school year. During the festival, students buy and sell food from street stalls set up throughout the campus.  The highlight of the festival would be the performance by popular K-pop artistes in the evening.

Sports Festival: The Sports Festival held in Autumn is a time for students to be able to interact and network outside the classroom. Here, students are able to make new friends through sports and friendly competitions. An exciting part of the festival is also where professors take on their students in the sporting arena! This is a great chance for students to be able to see their professors out of the serious classroom environment, and see that they too, let loose and have fun!

Yongsan-gu, where Sookmyung women’s university is located, is one of the best areas with everything you can find. Myeongdong, the most popular shopping street in Korea, is just 3 subway stops away. You can also get to Samgakji and Itaewon in 10 mins. These are areas that have some of the best restaurants and nightlife in Seoul!

For food:

There are plenty of restaurants, themed cafes, dessert cafes, coffee chains, fast food restaurants, Korean BBQ and interesting street foods in the area around Sookmyung Women’s university.

Flying Chalks’ recommendation: Deo Ham (signboard reads 더함) is a fusion Korean Restaurant located in 2^nd floor or Myeong-Shin plaza which is ranked in top 5 well-known restaurant to students. It serves Tteok-Gal-Bis and salads with pumpkin porridge.  The interior design of the restaurant is of Korean traditional style so you can enjoy the atmosphere with delicious food. 

For nightlife and entertainment:

You can easily find bars, pubs, pc gaming shops and No-Rae-Bangs (Korean-style singing rooms) around the university’s area. For those who enjoy movies, there is the ‘Lotte Cinema’ nearby as well! Additionally, just three subway stops away from the university is Itaewon, the best place to enjoy nightlife and entertainment.

Flying Chalks’ recommendations:

• Li-O-Neo-La (이리오너라) is a Korean-style drinking joint a 3-minute walk from Sookmyung Women’s University station. It serves Korean drinks called Dong-Dong-Ju and Mak-Gul-Li. The main dish is Korean pancake. This place has a great atmosphere, with Korean folk songs to accompany the traditional drinks.
• Nam-Young-Po-Cha (남영포차) is located right in front of Sookmyung Univ. Station. It offers dishes such as Bulgogi shabushabu, Spicy chicken feet, Soondae Boggum (Blood sausage), the list goes on. If you want to try Korean specialty dishes, this is the place to enjoy your night! 

For daily necessities and groceries:

The three main marts near the university are ‘Lotte Mart’, ‘Dae-Young Mart’, ‘Cosa Mart’. There are some smaller marts in the area as well. Should you need items late at night, convenience stores such as 7-ELEVEN and CU are open 24/7.

Flying Chalks recommendation: There is the ‘Campus U-tong (캠퍼스유통)’ where students can enjoy a discount and earn membership points that can be used to purchase other items. 

For shopping:

If you are looking for a place to shop, you can go to the nearby Lotte department store in Myeongdong. The departmental store sells everything from fashion items to accessories and even electrical appliances. Myeongdong is generally a great area to shop as you can easily find clothes and shoe stores along the streets. Even better, there are almost always promotions you can enjoy!

As you would probably know, Korea is also well-known for their cosmetic products. For those who are keen, there are many cosmetic stories in the area around the university street and Myeongdong. 

Flying Chalks’ recommendations:

• “Express Bus Terminal” is a highly popular place amongst locals and foreigners alike for shopping. The underground shopping features hundreds of shops with products at affordable prices. Having said that, you can always bargain for better prices!
• Dongdaemun is another highly popular shopping haven where you can literally shop till dawn! For serious shoppers, it is near impossible to finish the entire shopping area even in one full day!

Getting from Incheon airport to Sookmyung Women's University:

There are 3 options to get to Sookmyung Women’s University from Incheon airport.

1.SMU students’s pick up service

The price for this option would be USD $50. It is recommended for students arriving in Korea for the first time.  SMU student buddies will bring you from the airport to the international house on campus by public transportation. The buddy will contact you via e-mail to confirm your flight schedule arriving in Seoul and the meeting point about one week before the start of the orientation program. You would need to make a reservation for ‘Buddy Program’  inbound.exchange@sm.ac.kr 

2.Air-help Service

Sookmyung Women’s University has contracted a company, “AIRHELP CENTER INT’L” to provide pick-up service from the airport to the campus. The fare is about USD $80 and online reservation can be made at: http://www.airhelp.co.kr/english/index.html

3. Public Transportation   

By Incheon Airport Railroad Express

The Airport Railroad can be said to be the fastest and most affordable option to get from Incheon Airport / Gimpo Airport to the heart of Seoul city.

The Express train (non-stop) allows one to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul station in just 43 minutes! Should your final desired destination not be Seoul station, you can also take the All-stop train which is slightly slower but stops at several stations in between (56 minutes to Seoul station).

Flying Chalks recommendation: This option is highly recommended for students who seek a comfortable ride and yet not want to splurge on commuting! However, do note the train timings in order not to miss it.

• First train (Express): 5.20am (runs in intervals of about 30-40minutes)

• First train (All-stop): 5.23am (runs in intervals of about 7-15minutes)

• Last train (Express): 9.40pm

• Last train (All-stop): 9.42pm; 9.57pm (train stops at Digital Media City station)

Directions: From the Arrival Hall, head down to B1 floor and follow the signs “Airport Railroad” to the station. Take the train to Seoul station, then transfer to Line 4 Subway and head for Sookmyung University Station (1 stop away). From there, you can either walk or get a taxi to your destination.For more information, visit: www.english.arex.or.kr/jsp/eng/main.jsp

By Limousine Bus

The limousine bus offers a comfortable and relatively inexpensive ride to various places, including that of Seoul.  Passengers can get information about its services and ticketing at the following ticket booths located outside the airport’s Arrival floor:

• Exit 4 and 9 (indoors)

• Exit 4, 6, 7, 8, 11, 13, and 9C (outdoors)

Directions: Board the limousine bus numbered 6001 at bus stop “6A” or “12B” and it will take you to  Sookmyung Women’s University, the 5^th stop. From the bus stop, you can wither choose to walk to the university, or take a taxi.

The first limousine bus leaves Incheon Airport for Seoul and 5.50am and the last bus leaves Incheon Airport for Seoul at 10.40pm

For more information, visit: http://www.airport.kr/pa/en/d/3/1/1/index.jsp  http://www.airportlimousine.co.kr/eng/lbr/lbr02_1.php

By Taxi

Taxi is by far the most convenient way of getting from the airport to the campus (especially when you have lots of luggage) but is also the most expensive. You can get a taxi outside the Arrival Hall of the airport. This should take about 45 minutes, and will cost $65 – $85 USD