Graduate Scholarship for Excellent Foreign Students (gsfs program) 2006 Fall Seoul National University Contact Addresses Gwanak Campus

San 56-1, Shillim-Dong, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul 151-742, Korea

Tel: +82 2 880 5114 Fax: +82 2 885 5272
Yongon Campus

28 Yongon-Dong, Chongro-Gu, Seoul 110-799, Korea

Tel: +82 2 740 8114 Fax: +82 2 742 5947
http://www.snu.ac.kr
Admissions and Inquires to:

Office of International Affairs

San 56-1, Shillim-Dong, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul 151-742, Korea

Tel: +82 2 880-8638 Fax: +82 2 880 8632

E-mail: joohyunj@snu.ac.kr

Studying at SNU requires dedication and diligence but it also offers many rewards including opportunities to meet life-long friends, enjoy new cultural experiences, and develop self confidence and skills which will help you throughout your life. We hope that you will decide that SNU is the right place for you. We invite you join us in our distinguished history, exciting present, and bright future.

Admissions decisions are based on the candidate’s academic achievements and potential, as well as his or her personal accomplishments.

The admissions committee reviews a number of factors – records of past studies (such as grade point average or GPA), study plan, personal statement, and letter of recommendation. Other achievement records and specific qualifications such as language proficiency are also taken into consideration. The candidate’s application is reviewed in the context of the level of studies completed, quality of achievement, and characteristics of institutions attended. Finally, the appropriateness of the applicant’s academic goals and suitability of preparation for the proposed program of studies are assessed.

Interviews, examinations, and/or additional documents may be required from the applicant, based on the policy of the specific college or department to which the applicant is applying. The applicant will be notified individually.

Successful applicants have the option of residing on campus at the Gwanak-sa dormitory. (Please see details on page 12.)

The OIA will provide GSFS students with the following additional assistance:

1. 
   Certificate of Admission and Information Guide
   
2. 
   Welcome Orientation
   
3. 
   Registration Management
   

• Eligibility requirements for each category of candidates are explained in the following pages. All requirements must be met before enrollment, not necessarily at the time of application.

• Submitted documents become the property of SNU and will not be returned to the applicants.

Documents that are not in English or Korean must be accompanied by an English or Korean notarized translation. Please submit the original documents as well.

• International applicants with unusual cases and individual circumstances may be given special consideration.
Master's Program Applicants
Eligibility for Application

• 
  Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
  
• 
  Common Requirements
  

1. One completed Application Form (Form 1)

2. Study Plan and Personal Statement (Free style; in English or Korean)

3. A letter of Recommendation (Form2) from the university which the applicants are currently attending in his/her country

4. Official documents:

• 
  Official Undergraduate Studies Transcript
  
• 
  Notarized Certificate of a Bachelor's Degree
  
• 
  Undergraduate School Graduation Certificate
  

6. Copies of both parents' passports (or other official documents indicating parents' nationality)

7. Official document indicating parent-child relationship between the applicant and his/her parents

8. Optional materials

• 
  Scores of language proficiency tests (Korean Proficiency Test, TOEFL, TEPS)
  
• 
  Certificates of relevant work experiences, test scores and/or other achievements
  

• 
  Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
  
• 
  Common Requirements
  

1. One completed Application Form (Form 1)

2. Study Plan and Personal Statement (in English or Korean)

3. A letter of Recommendation(Form2) from the university which the applicants are currently attending at his/her country

4. Official documents:

• 
  Official Graduate Studies Transcript
  
• 
  Notarized Certificate of a Master's Degree
  
• 
  Graduate School Graduation Certificate
  

6. Copies of both parents' passports (or other official documents indicating parents' nationality)

7. Official document indicating parent-child relationship between the applicant and his/her parents

8. Optional materials

• 
  Scores of language proficiency tests (Korean Proficiency Test, TOEFL, TEPS)
  
• 
  Certificates of relevant work experiences, test scores and/or other achievements
  

• 
  Form 1 contains your personal information. Please specify your desired area of study, using Appendix of this booklet as a reference.
  

• 
  A letter of recommendation from the university is required.
  
• 
  Complete your part of this form and give it, along with a stamped and addressed envelope, to the professor. Be sure to give him or her adequate time to complete the forms before the application deadline. A recommendation should be sealed in an official envelope and signed across the back by the university professor.
  

• 
  The Study Plan should state your academic goals and career aspirations. You may include questions that you hope to answer through your program of study and/or a timeline for how you plan to meet your objectives. It is advised that you review the requirements for the desired degree.
  
• 
  We recommend that you discuss your academic goals with a professor prior to composing your study plan.
  

• 
  This is an opportunity for you to convey information about yourself and your accomplishments that could not be adequately expressed through other portions of the application.
  
• 
  Include family background, academic achievements, extracurricular commitments and accomplishments, volunteer work, employment experience, and your reasons for applying to SNU. You may even include personal interests and your taste in music and the arts.
  

• 
  These documents detail your academic achievements and are required from every institution that you attended in the past.
  
• 
  Transcripts must provide a record of the courses you have taken in each year of study along with the final grades. If an institution cannot provide a year-by-year record, then the school official must at least provide us with a listing of the disciplines you have studied (i.e. English, Biology, History, etc.) and a summary of your achievement in each.
  
• 
  Please submit official transcripts as issued directly by the institutions you have attended.  You must also submit official evidence of the conferrals of all degrees, diplomas, or professional titles showing the date of the conferrals (month and year).
  

• 
  Standardized tests are optional for foreign students. Test scores, however, are helpful indicators of an applicant’s abilities, and will be considered in the admissions decision if submitted.
  
• 
  As proof of language proficiency, scores for the Korean Proficiency Test, TOEFL, TEPS may be submitted.
  
• 
  Note: We only accept TOEFL scores sent to us directly by ETS. The official ETS code of SNU is 7972. You may submit a photocopy of the Examinee's Score Report for review purposes only, but this is not a substitute for an official score report.
  

• 
  Korean Proficiency Test scores are an optional component of the application. Based on the submitted application materials, the admission committee will decide whether each admitted student should take the test or not.  Admitted students who are notified for the Korean Proficiency Test should refer to the test schedule included in the Certificate of Admissions for the date and location of the test.
  

• 
  Students whose Korean proficiency is found to be less than adequate to effectively participate in class (i.e. Level 4 and below) may be required to take Korean Language courses at the SNU Language Education Institute (http://language.snu.ac.kr) at their own expense. The following table indicates the required study periods according to test result:
  

SNU’s academic year begins in the Spring. Please note the following important dates:

 All documents should be in English or Korean. Documents in another language should be accompanied by a notarized English or Korean translation.

 If any of the submitted materials contain false information, admission may be rescinded.

 Original documents should be submitted. Should they be unavailable, however, copies must be authorized by the originating institution before they are submitted.

 Students whose graduations were pending at other institutions during the time of application should submit their Graduation Certificates and the Certificates of their degrees to their departments within 15 days after the first day of class after enrollment at SNU.

 Be sure to make and keep photocopies of all completed forms. Submitted documents become property of SNU and will not be returned to the applicants.

 Admitted students may not defer enrollment to a later semester.  Students who wish to defer enrollment must reapply.

Please note that SNU issues the Certificate of Admission for VISA application only to admitted students.

1. 
   Applicants whose forms and supporting documents are incomplete or
   

2. 
   A high volume of connections are anticipated on the deadline; completing the application prior to the deadline is highly recommended.
   

San 56-1, Shillim-Dong, Gwanak-Gu, Seoul 151-742, Korea

The Korean Language Program (KLP) is part of the Language Education Institute at SNU established for the benefit of foreigners and ethnic Koreans residing abroad. The comprehensive program addresses knowledge of the Korean language as well as Korean culture. Since its founding, over 7,000 students from over 70 countries have graduated from KLP, and the program has grown to about 1,000 annual enrollments.

Applications for accommodation should be directed to the relevant dormitory office during the student selection period. Applicants should apply online at the Gwanak-sa homepage at http://dorm.snu.ac.kr.

The National Medical Care Insurance for Foreigners Act has been in force since October 1, 1998. So foreigners who expect to stay in Korea for one year or more are able to be insured (with a certain insurance premium to be paid monthly). You can get insured at the Medical Care Insurance Branch Office in the area where you are staying. The required application documents are a school certificate and a certificate of alien registration.

The Student Medical Service financially assists students by paying for a portion of their medical treatment fee when they need medical care. This system has been put into operation in order to contribute to improving students’ health. The students are charged with a fixed fee upon admission and become members of the service during their time at SNU.

1. 
   Membership and fee
   Qualification for membership: Registered students who have paid the fee upon admission
   Fee: Undergraduate freshmen: 12,000 won
   First year graduate: 6,000 won
   
2. 
   Service procedures
   After a medical treatment is performed and the payment is made, one must complete the subsistence application forms which are located in the student administrative office of the respective college or the Welfare Office on the third floor of the University Administrative Building. With a letter from the doctor (if not available, the diagnosis document), submit it to the Welfare Office. After an examination, a medical treatment fee will be paid according to the fixed payment basis. The application of deduction payment period is within 2 months after graduation or completion of one's studies. However, it is recommended that a comprehensive medical care insurance be obtain by the student since the Student Medical Service offers only minimal coverage.
   

The Student Union Building provides several facilities for the convenience and comfort of students on campus. You will be able to fully enjoy the atmosphere of your campus life here. In the Student Union Building, located in the center of Kwanak Campus for easy access, you can find a cafeteria, lounge, classical music-listening room, student activity areas, various stores (stationary, souvenir shop, commodities store, daily necessities store, accessories shop), a bookstore, convenience facilities (photocopy room, barber shop, beauty salon, flower shop), the Health Service Center, and a pharmacy.

There are various convenience facilities, which are for the welfare of both students and faculties located here: on the 1st floor, a cafeteria, a photo development shop, and an automobile insurance agency; on the 2nd floor, a foreign books store, electronics shop, bag store, cosmetics shop, sports equipment store, clothes store, haberdashery, photo studio, optician, computer store, seal-engraver’s shop, shoe store, stationery, and travel agency; and on the 3rd floor, the SNU Cooperative office, a table tennis room, Go (Baduk) game room, small cinema, and electronics repair shop.

SNU founded the Health Service Center on Gwanak Campus for the students’ health and medical welfare. You can receive various diagnoses at a minimum cost and have the benefit of having a portion of your medical fee deducted according to the designated procedure of the Student Medical Service.

If you plan to study in Korea, you have to apply for a student visa (D-2) at the Korean embassy or consulate abroad. In the case of short-term visits (less than 90 days) you can apply for a short-term visa, but it cannot be extended in Korea. In order to get your student visa (D-2), you have to submit the documents required by the embassy, such as the admission letter from SNU and a certified sponsorship letter. The application procedure varies a little according to embassies or consulates, so you should check the required documents with the Korean embassy or consulate in your area first.

Within 90 days from the day of your arrival in Korea, you have to apply for a Certificate of Alien Registration at the Immigrant Office. The required documents include: a certificate form, passport, 3 photos (3×4cm), application fee (10,000 won), and a school certificate.

Head Office

Sejong-ro Office

Mok-dong Office

Airport Limousine Service

It is most convenient to take Airport Limousine from the airport to SNU. Take airport limousine bus(#603) via Gimpo Airport and get off in front of Main Gate of SNU. Bus fare is 5,500 Won and it takes about 80 minutes under normal traffic conditions. Service is available everyday from 5 am to 8 pm at the Gate IIA with no charge for the normal amount of baggage.

Taxi Service

Taking regular taxi costs about 50,000 won and it takes one hour or so under normal traffic conditions. This service is available 24 hours everyday.

It is recommendable when you arrive in a group. Call-van is called "Jumbo Taxi" here and service can hold up to 5 passengers and up to one ton of baggage. Fares are about 50,000 won from IIA to SNU. For reservations, please call at 1588-6499 (domestic) or +82 2 310 3312 (overseas).

The closest subway station from SNU is Seoul Dae Ip-ku (Seoul National University Station) - station number 228 on the number 2 or green line. So you may get off there and leave the station through exit number 3. Then, walk straight ahead for approximately 40 meters until you find a bus stop for bus number 5512 toward the College of Business Administration or 5511 toward the Administration Building.

Regular Bus: 5516

Get off in front of Administration Building on campus

Regular Bus: 152, 5518, 5519, 6511, 6512, 6513, 6514

Get off at the main gate of the University and pass through the gate

Near Bongcheon-dong

Regular Bus: 501, 5411, 5511, 5512, 5513, 5514, 5517

Get off at the main gate of the University and pass through the gate.

From NakSeongDae Area

Take #3 shuttle bus in front of Jean Blanc Bakery just across from LG gas station toward Seoul National University campus via the Rear Gate (shuttle bus interval is 3-5 minutes).

Both traffic cards and T-Money can be used to receive fare discounts when changing mass transportation means to reach a destination. Passengers should have their transportation card and T-money read by a machine and touch the card to the machine each time they embark and disembarking from a bus or a subway to get the discount benefits of the transfer. After get off the bus or subway, a passenger must transfer within 30 minutes (except from 21:00 to 07:00, when the transfer period is within 1 hour) to get the transfer discount. Transportation Card can be purchased at kiosque or Woori Bank. However, SNU Student ID Card include the function of transportation card. Rechargeable at any subway station and copy rooms in SNU campus.

On July 1, 2004, Seoul opened a new Bus system. To simplify passenger use, each bus in the municipal transit system will now employ one of four colors: blue, green, red or yellow, depending on its function. Now, passengers can easily identify the starting point and the destination of a bus at a single glance. The entire area of Seoul is divided into eight zones, which are clearly indicated in the numerical designation of each bus.

Passengers have to pay 800 won over a given distance no matter how many times they change between buses (including village buses) and subways, with an increment of 100 won charged for every additional 5 km. (For buses, the distance surcharge only applies to transfers. Without bus transfers, the basic fare will apply.)

Seoul has 8 major subways lines (and several branch lines) crisscrossing the city and extending out to the suburbs and satellite cities. Because of frequent traffic congestion, subways generally offer the fastest transportation method. All stations are numbered and station names are printed in Korean and English.

The fare system is based on both the distance traveled and the time taken. Fares are 1,600 won for the first 2 km and 100 won for each additional 210m. If the taxi is going less than 15 km per hour, an additional charge of 100 won per 51 seconds is added. The fare between Incheon International Airport(www.airport.or.kr/Eng/) and the SNU Kwanak campus will be around 40,000 won depending on the traffic situation. Fares are 20% higher from midnight until 4 a.m. Not all drivers can speak English well. Some taxis have a special free interpretation service. Or passengers can call with their own cell phone- 017-200-3000.

Deluxe taxis, called Mobum taxis in Korean, are black with a yellow light on the top and the phrase "Deluxe Taxi" written on the side. They offer a high quality service. Fares are 4,000 won for the first 3 km and 200 won for each additional 250 m or each 60 seconds if the speed drops below 15 km per hour. The approximate fare between the airport and the SNU Kwanak campus is about 60,000 won. Receipts are issued and there is no late-night surcharge.

People living in remote areas may need to use a call taxi for a pickup. A taxi will usually arrive within 10-15 minutes of the call. Some companies may adds a 1,000 won surcharge to the metered fare. (In some cases where the passenger lives a very far distance, the surcharge may be slightly higher.)

Korea has 2 types of public phones: coin phones and pre-paid card phones.

Most coin phones will accept 10-, 50-, and 100-won coins. Coin phones do not return change under 100 won after a call, but more calls can be made if money from the original deposit is still available.

Pre-paid phone cards in denominations of 3,000, 5,000, and 10,000 won are available at convenience stores, newspaper stands, and stationary stores. To use, take the receiver off the hook, insert the card, and dial the number. The display tells how much money remains on the card. End a call by hanging up and retrieving the card, or make additional calls by pressing the green button and dialing the next number. If the card runs out of money during a call, the receiver will beep several times. Press the red "change card" button and insert a new card.

Fares are like below. Local call : 70 won per 3 minutes. Long-distance call : 70 won per 43 seconds. Mobile phone calls : 70 won/38 second. You can get 30% discount from 9pm to 7am.

 International phone calls can be made through public card phone (coin phones will not connect overseas) and personal phones. Callers can use International Direct Dialing (IDD) or go through an operator. For IDD, dial an international access code (001, 002, or 008- all have slightly different rates and discount periods), the country code, area code, and phone number. For example, to call 555-1234 in Los Angeles (area code 213, country code 1), using KT (001) as the international access provider, dial 001-1-213-555-1234. For an international operator, dial 00799.

Very few Koreans do not have mobile phones. The country has two major types of mobile phone services: cellular and PCS. Providers have their own prefix for numbers. Monthly subscription and per-call fees vary between providers, but PCS service is generally cheaper. Subscribers pay for all calls that they make. Calls made to mobile phones are charged more than calls made to land line phones. However, the fee to call a mobile phone is a flat time-based charge and does not depend on the distance involved. Several companies rent mobile phones for short-term usage. (Please see the local English language newspapers for advertisements from rental agencies.) Foreign residents must provide their Certificate of Alien Registration, passport, and a credit card when applying for service.

Korea lies in the temperate zone and has four distinct seasons.

  ▶ ln late March or early April, the trees bloom beautifully to mark the beginning of spring. Most of the sunny days can be expected from March to May.

   ▶ During the relatively hot and rainy summer season, the vegetation is green and lush. The average temperature in June is over 20℃. The monsoon rains usually begin at the end of June and last until mid- to late July.

    ▶ The coming of autumn in late September brings continental winds and dry weather, making the fall months the most pleasant time of the year. The vivid golds and vibrant reds of the changing leaves create a colorful panorama.

   ▶ December to February are cold and dry with occasional rain or snow. During the winter months, three or four days of cold weather are usually followed by a few warmer days.

The Bank of Korea issues currency notes and mints coins. Currency units are 1,000-, 5,000-, and 10,000-won notes, and coins include 10-, 50-, 100-, and 500-won coins. Special bank checks (Supyo) in denominations of 100,000 won or higher can be issued by banks on-demand, but are sometimes subject to a handling charge by merchants, especially is cashed outside of the city where they are issued. There are two banks on campus, Nong-hyup(NACF:National Agricultural Cooperative Federation) and Cho-Heung Bank. Both deal with money exchange, opening accounts, telegraphic transferring, etc. 

Applicants should apply to the desired college or professional school and corresponding major. Names of departments and programs are subject to slight variation.