Study Abroad in Busan, South Korea

Study Abroad in Busan, South Korea

Location
  • South Korea
    • Busan
Term
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Housing
Apartment Dormitory
Jun 15, 2026
Jan 11, 2025
6 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Culture and tradition meet a relaxed beach atmosphere in South Korea’s second-largest city – Busan. It's a great city for outdoor and nature lovers as well as for those who love art, history, unique cafe shops, and unique shopping – and don't forget to try the freshest seafood around, straight from the sea at the famous Jagalchi Fish Market.

Program Highlights

  • Busan is a major port city and plays a crucial role in international trade. It is home one of the busiest ports in the world, connecting South Korea to various global destinations.
  • Pusan National University (PNU) is ranked one of the top 100 universities in Asia.
  • Program includes an orientation in Seoul to get to know the city, learn about Korea’s rich history, and meet other TEAN students.
  • Students can learn about the rich history, traditions, and customs of the country, while also experiencing its vibrant modern culture, including K-pop, fashion, and cuisine.
  • PNU is a budget-friendly program with an included meal plan.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion 💙

Our team is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and staff. We have developed our Community and Impact Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations.
Our team is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and staff. We have developed our Community and Impact Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations.
WorldStrides is devoted to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of neurodivergence. Our Health & Safety team is available to answer questions about insurance and medication, as well as provide students with materials on overseas access to support.
We are dedicated to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of accessibility. With our wide portfolio of program types and locations we’re confident there is a suitable and accessible program for each student. Accommodations abroad can be complex and take time, so those with accessibility needs should inform WorldStrides of any accommodations requests as early as possible in the advising process.

Impact 🌎

We have partnered with Fill it Forward to engage team members and program participants in waste reduction practices. The goal is to encourage the elimination of single-use waste. Every QR code scan shows the impact of reusable bottles and unlocks a donation to environmental impact groups.
WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.

Popular Programs

Pusan National University

Spend a semester or summer living and learning in Busan, South Korea’s vibrant second-largest city, surrounded by beaches, mountains, and rich cultural heritage.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 5 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.4
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Ariyanna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I wish I could stay!

I LOVED my study abroad to Busan, specifically at Pusan National University. TEAN helped me so much to have fun cultural events and supported me through the visa process and the insurance process. I am so grateful for my program coordinator, Chinny Cruz, who helped me and my whole group of students feel so welcomed, safe, and provided multiple fun activities that made my experience in Busan unforgettable. Busans beautiful beaches interesting culture and especially the unforgettable sight of Dadaepo Beach is one to die for!

131 people found this review helpful.
Audrey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

South Korea

Choosing to study abroad, especially in South Korea, was one of the best things I have ever done!! It was so much fun, I was able to learn so much about the culture, and I met so many amazing people while abroad. It is such a fun and awesome way to step out of your comfort zone, and it helps you grow so much as a person. It can seem really daunting to travel to a new place by yourself, but it is such an amazing experience! I will always encourage and recommend studying abroad, and I absolutely loved my experience in doing so!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
I think I would go out and do more if I had the chance! There is still so much I want to see and experience!
Pros
  • Food
  • Cool city life
  • Beautiful nature
Cons
  • Slightly intimidating at first
139 people found this review helpful.
Maria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

부산이 젛다!!!

South Korea has been one of the many countries I plan on working at some point in my career. When the opportunity to go there arose in front of me, I HAD TO TAKE IT! I wanted to immerse myself in the country to see what it would be like to live there. Busan, South Korea exceeded my expectations. Although four weeks may not seem as long, I am even more determined to go back. It felt like home. I have met so many wonderful people and saw so many beautiful sights. It was truly an unforgettable experience. Until next time, Busan!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Make the most out of your experience, truly try. Be brave to step out of your comfort zone, to go on solo adventures by yourself, to revel in what you were able to accomplish. Opportunities like these may not come around too often. Stay grounded in yourself and enjoy everything that is placed in front of you. The journey of your experience is influenced by your effort.
Pros
  • Helpful and attentive PNU Staff
  • Well organized schedules
  • Beautiful campus surrounded by many restaurants
Cons
  • K-Beauty Class was replaced by Kimchi Making Class
144 people found this review helpful.
Michelle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Independence

I came here to Korea looking to become more independent. Where I come from in the States, I also do things with others. However, being in a country that has another primary language and is independent has made me branch out. I was able to go to stores alone. Travel hours away by myself in the subway system. I was even able to socialize more and make a lot of friends. Overall, I enjoyed the independence this program gave me. It has also given me a new sense of identity that I plan to use back in the States.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Raw squid. I was very hesitant to eat it at first, but I am very glad I did! This is not something I normally eat or would try at home but once I was offered to try it. It became a new favorite of mine.
Pros
  • New friends
  • A different outlook on the culture besides what is shown on the media.
  • Independency
Cons
  • The language barrier
  • Homesickness
  • Curfew
170 people found this review helpful.
MJ
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A-Life changing summer in Busan

I had an amazing experience studying abroad in Busan, South Korea. I felt that Busan, in comparison to Seoul, allowed me to immerse more into Korean culture and language.

As soon as I met everyone in my TEAN program, it felt like we shared a sense of community, and we got along with well with each other really quickly. When you're studying abroad, you're often surrounded by like minded people, who share a lot of the same basic interests as you! The resident director for TEAN Busan, Yeseul Park, is very kind, inclusive, and excited to help you get the best experience out of your program. I often felt that she went above and beyond to make sure that we were having an enjoyable and safe experience. Getting to talk to her and explore Busan and Seoul with her was a very happy experience. She gave a lot of helpful insights as a native Korean.

The program at PNU was exciting and allowed me to get close with students from all over the world. We spent a lot of time together, and quickly started to hangout during our free time. The PNU campus is beautiful and sits in between mountains. There are a ton of fun restaurants, karaokes, stores, and sports venues to visit near/on campus. In terms of the Korean classes, the teachers were ecstatic and helpful. They were so passionate about helping us learn and enjoy ourselves!

Looking back, I wish that I had known that when TEAN places you in the PNU summer program, it's not just TEAN students in the program. The trip begins with just TEAN students in Seoul, but when you get to PNU, you're immersed in PNU's program, with other international students. This was an amazing experience and made it better, I just remember that I was surprised when there were other international students in the program.

Overall, I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is looking for an immersive and exciting experience in South Korea! My experience truly helped me grow so much as an individual. I will never forget my 2023 summer in Busan.

Pros
  • Language and Cultural Immersion
  • Meeting people from all over the world
181 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers