Kangwon National University Hosts 1,979 International Students: The Campus Feels Like a Small Global Village

According to Chuncheon MBC, the number of international students at Kangwon National University (KNU) has reached 1,979, marking a 78.6% increase compared to last year. With students from Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, the description of KNU as a “small global village” seems apt. This article highlights the experiences of three international students, exploring their satisfaction with campus life and the challenges they face.

Attractive Campus and Support for International Students

▲ Photo provided by Farhana, Kangwon National University international student

Farhana, a Malaysian senior majoring in Computer Science, said, “From the very beginning, KNU has provided extensive support for international students.” She highlighted her involvement in the student club LIKELION, where she helped design the website for the 2024 Fall Festival. “It was an opportunity to apply my web and app development skills in a real project, and it gave me a great sense of accomplishment,” she said. Farhana also noted that her friendships with Korean students helped her gain a deeper understanding of Korean culture and daily life.

▲ Photo provided by Medina, Kangwon National University international student

Medina, a first-year student from Kyrgyzstan majoring in Psychology, praised KNU’s Buddy Program, free counseling services, and cultural activities. “These programs made the campus feel like home,” she said. While studying at the language school, she participated in a ‘Cultural Class’, visiting Nami Island, museums in Seoul, Lotte Tower, and Lotte World to experience Korean culture firsthand. Medina also recalled, “My Korean buddy invited me to her home, cooked Korean meals, and taught me traditional games and the so-maek drinking culture—it was unforgettable.”

▲ Photo provided by Kymia, Kangwon National University international student

Kymia, a first-year design student from Iran, described the campus as “built in the middle of a forest,” recalling her first day searching for the dorm office: “It felt like arriving at Korea’s Hogwarts.” She participated in the Body Program and language school cultural classes, and she continues to join international student free activity programs such as ice skating and boating, as well as academic seminars announced via email.

Challenges Amid Satisfaction: Language Barrier

All three students cited the Korean language as their biggest challenge. Keeping up with fast-paced lectures and having deeper conversations with Korean peers were mentioned as key difficulties.

Medina noted, “Psychology courses have a lot of specialized terms, so it’s not easy to follow.” Kymia added, “Even after a year and a half of studying Korean, I still have trouble fully understanding the class materials.”



Memorable Moments: Friends and Cultural Experiences

Medina remembered the cultural classes and visits to Nami Island, Seoul museums, and amusement parks as her most enjoyable experiences. She also emphasized learning about Korean cuisine and the so-maek drinking culture with her Korean buddy.

Kymia cited diverse experiences such as visiting exhibitions with Korean friends, exploring cafes in Chuncheon, and boating. She said that participating in the Body Program, free activity programs, and academic seminars provided opportunities to experience both Korean culture and academic growth simultaneously.

Jang Myeong Jin

<lamb3211@kangwon.ac.kr>