About Chonnam National University Study Abroad Program Program
Study abroad at Chonnam National University (CNU), one of Korea's most innovative and respected public institutions, located in Gwangju. Founded in 1952, CNU serves approximately 30,000 students, including 2,000 international students from 70 countries, and holds prestigious AACSB accreditation plus accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering Education of Korea.
When you study at CNU's main campus in Gwangju, you'll be part of a vibrant academic community spread across 300 tree-lined acres with 19 colleges, 11 graduate programs, and numerous research and medical institutes. The university offers comprehensive facilities including multiple libraries, computing centers, residence halls, a broadcast center, a Global Education Center, sports facilities, and a university museum. As an international student, you'll have access to all campus resources and will study alongside both Korean and international peers.
Gwangju itself holds deep historical and cultural significance in Korea. The city is known for its role in Korea's democracy movement—it was at CNU's front gate in May 1980 that peaceful pro-democracy demonstrations took place, a pivotal moment in Korean history now memorialized in the nearby 518 Memorial Park and Museum. This context makes Gwangju an intellectually rich and historically meaningful destination for your study abroad experience.
CNU's International Summer Session brings together experienced scholars and faculty from CNU and other prestigious universities worldwide, creating a truly international academic environment. Alternatively, if you're interested in intensive Korean language study, CNU operates a satellite campus in Yeosu, located 1.5 hours away by bus, which overlooks the ocean and provides a serene setting for language immersion. The Yeosu campus includes three colleges, serves 3,400 students (about 400 international), and offers similar facilities including libraries, computing centers, residence halls, a broadcast center, sports facilities, and a medical center.
Whether you choose the main Gwangju campus for regular exchange studies or the Yeosu campus for intensive language training, you'll experience world-class Korean higher education with strong institutional support for international students. CNU's commitment to fostering global leaders and professionals, combined with its growing reputation in research and community impact, makes it an excellent choice for your study abroad journey in Korea.