Diversity in South Korea
Diversity and Inclusion in South Korea
We are so excited for you to travel and experience the country of South Korea. Whether it is your first time overseas or not, it is important to remember the reasons why you are there and that you are there as a student and visitor. You want to be consciously aware of the culture that will be surrounding you while you are in South Korea and be willing and open to learning about the country and its people. It is fun and exciting to be in a new environment and we hope that you will enjoy every part of it. It is also important to remember that you will be acting as a representative of your country and home university while abroad.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity
South Korea is a vastly homogenous country and students who are underrepresented in their home country may face similar or more obstacles while in South Korea. You may come into contact with people who are curious about you or your home country and may approach you with preexisting notions or ideas about you and where you are from that may stem from known stereotypes. This often may come from a place of curiosity and wanting to know more about you and your home.
To find more resources for Minority and Students of Color Abroad, check out Diversity Abroad's articles and student blogs.
LGBTQIA+ in South Korea
In recent years, social support for the LGBTQIA+ community has grown in South Korea, with more people every year showing their support. The South Korean government, however, as of 2023 does not recognize same-sex marriage as a legal relationship with the same rights as heterosexual marriage. While this is the case, many people in South Korea, especially Seoul, continue to show their support for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
While LGBTQIA+ representation remains low in South Korea, there are events and resources available.
- Seoul Queer Culture Festival (similar to Pride) held in June
- Korea Queer Film Festival
- Openly LGBTQIA+ friendly spaces such as stores, restaurants, cafes, bars, etc. around neighborhoods like Itaewon and Jongno/Euljiro.
Accessibility in South Korea
It is our intention at CIS Abroad to ensure that our programs are accessible for every student regardless of ability. Seoul is becoming increasingly more accessible for citizens and travelers alike. For more information and details about accessibility in South Korea, Visit Seoul goes into great detail about the options available to you.
The subway system in South Korea is the most efficient way for people to navigate the city of Seoul. It is also very accessible for the people who utilize it. Subway stations are well-equipped with elevators and ramps, braille tiles, and audio and visual information systems in Korean, English, Spanish, and other languages.
For accessing the train, there are wheelchair-accessible gates, priority seating, and boarding assistance.
Busses are equipped with accessible entrances and wheelchair lifts. There are also a number of accessible taxis available that can be requested through transportation and navigation apps that are used in South Korea, Naver, and Kakao Taxi.
Preparing for Your Study Abroad Experience
Maximizing your study abroad experience starts before you even leave. It's important to be open and honest with our advisors and staff about any specific needs you may have. This can include accommodations in the classroom, transportation, meals, support, housing, and more. By sharing this information with us ahead of time, we can work to ensure that the program is tailored to meet your individual needs.
Check out abroadwithdisabilities.org for helpful tips on preparing for your trip and consider applying for a Passport Scholarship.
Resources
Religious Diversity
Within South Korea, there is no one dominant religion that the majority of people tend to identify with. In South Korea, you will find a variety of places of worship where people can gather with many churches in temples. Catholicism, Buddhism, and Christianity are some of the more popular religions that people identify with, while many people in South Korea also do not identify with one specific religion at all.
At Sogang, there is a prayer room inside the Gonzaga Dormitory open for all students living on campus to use. Sogang Office of International Affairs has also opened a prayer room on campus (outside dormitories) with Muslim students in mind specifically.
Resources
Christian Resources:
Muslim Resources:
Jewish Resources: