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India Today
12-08-2025
- Business
- India Today
MBA in K-Pop land: South Korea's rising appeal for Indian students
When Indian students think of an MBA abroad, the usual suspects the US, UK, Canada, or Australia immediately spring to mind. But a new player is quietly making its way into the shortlist of discerning aspirants: South Korea. Known globally for K-pop, cutting-edge tech, and powerhouse brands like Samsung and Hyundai, the country is now emerging as an attractive destination for business SOUTH KOREA IS ON THE MBA RADARWhen Indian students think of an MBA abroad, the usual suspects the US, UK, Canada, or Australia immediately spring to mind. But a new player is quietly making its way into the shortlist: South country has seen its international student population soar from just 16,832 in 2004 to over 208,000 in 2024, with a growing share coming from India 1,328 students in 2022, up from fewer than 500 in 2008. Top business schools like Yonsei University and Seoul National University now offer globally competitive, English-taught MBAs with significant foreign enrollment, while tuition remains far lower than in the West. With scholarships like the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), strong corporate links to global giants like Samsung and Hyundai, and a vibrant cultural pull, South Korea is rapidly becoming an MBA destination to GUIDE: STUDYING MBA IN SOUTH KOREA Top Universities Offering English-Taught MBAs: Typical Course Duration:Full-time MBA: 12–24 monthsPart-time/Executive MBA: 18–36 monthsAdmission Requirements:Bachelor's degree (any discipline)GMAT/GRE score (some programs waive it for strong academic or work backgrounds)English proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS (waived if previous education in English)2–5 years of work experience preferredStatement of Purpose & Letters of RecommendationTuition Fees (Approx.):15–25 lakh for the full programScholarships: Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), university-specific grants, corporate sponsorshipsVisa Process for Indian Students:D-2 Student Visa requiredDocuments: Admission letter, proof of funds, passport, visa application form, medical checkProcessing time: 4–6 weeksPost-study work: D-10 Job-Seeking Visa allows 6–12 months to find employment in KoreaCOMPETITIVE COSTS AND SCHOLARSHIPSCompared to US or UK programs, South Korea's MBA tuition fees are significantly lower, often ranging from 15–25 lakh for the full course, with generous scholarships available for international students. The cost of living, while slightly higher than India, is still manageable, especially in student-friendly cities like Daejeon or initiatives like the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) also provide tuition waivers, living allowances, and even airfare — making the financial equation more attractive for Indian CAREER OPPORTUNITIESadvertisementHere's where South Korea truly stands out: direct access to corporate giants. Many MBA graduates secure roles at global headquarters of Korean multinationals such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai, and POSCO. These companies value multicultural talent and increasingly seek managers who understand both Asian and global addition, South Korea's start-up scene is booming, with Seoul positioning itself as a hub for fintech, AI, gaming, and e-commerce ventures. For Indian students with entrepreneurial ambitions, this creates a fertile ecosystem of venture capital, accelerators, and networking ADVANTAGE: BEYOND THE CLASSROOMStudying in South Korea also offers a unique cultural immersion. From the discipline and efficiency of Korean corporate culture to the creative energy of K-pop and film, students gain insights into a society that blends tradition with relentless innovation. This global exposure, coupled with strong alumni networks, makes an MBA from South Korea more than just an academic credential it's a passport to Asia's fast-growing South Korea is still a lesser-known option among Indian MBA aspirants, its mix of affordable quality education, corporate connections, and cultural richness is hard to ignore. As global business pivots towards Asia, being trained at the heart of one of its most dynamic economies could be a strategic the coming years, if the trend continues, South Korea might just become the Singapore of the MBA world compact, connected, and bursting with opportunity.- Ends
The Hindu
22-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
How learning Korean benefits Indian students
Today, the ability to communicate across cultures is not just a valuable skill, but also a passport to opportunity. This is why learning Korean offers students a powerful advantage both academically and professionally. Here's why Korean is quickly becoming a smart language choice for students around the world. Gateway to global businesses: South Korea is a global hub for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship with companies such as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai are shaping the future. By learning Korean, students position themselves for potential internships, job opportunities, and international collaborations with these companies. Proficiency in the language isn't just impressive on a resume. It is often the key to building meaningful relationships in Korean business culture. World-class education: South Korea boasts some of Asia's top universities, known for cutting-edge research and academic excellence. Through scholarships such as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), Indian students have an opportunity to study at institutions like Seoul National University, KAIST, or Yonsei. Learning Korean enhances a student's ability to immerse themselves in this academic environment, both inside and outside the classroom. Cultural depth: From the global K-pop phenomenon to award-winning Korean cinema and innovative fashion, Korean culture is shaping the global entertainment scene. Students who learn the language gain deeper insights into Korea's rich history, literature, and values. As language is not just vocabulary; it's a lens into how people think, live, and connect. Cognitive growth: Korean challenges the brain in ways that few other languages do. With its unique alphabet (Hangul) and grammar structure, students develop new cognitive patterns, enhancing memory, focus, and problem-solving abilities. Learning Korean can also improve academic performance in other subjects by strengthening overall study habits and mental agility. In the job market: Whether one aspires to work in diplomacy, international relations, business, education, or the media, Korean language skills are in increasingly high demand. With South Korea being one of the world's top economies and a major player in global affairs, speaking Korean can be the edge that sets a student apart from the crowd. Building connections: One of the most fulfilling aspects of learning the Korean language is forming authentic relationships. By learning Korean, students can connect with Korean-speaking peers, participate in exchanges, and build friendships that often lead to transformative experiences and a deeper appreciation for global diversity. Students should consider learning Korean not just as a language, but as a life-changing tool. It opens doors to global experiences, academic excellence, and personal growth. The writer is Assistant Professor, Korean Department of English and Foreign Languages at SRM University
