About South Korea

Located in Eastern Asia, the southern half of the Korean Peninsula commonly known as South Korea borders the Sea of Japan, the Yellow Sea and the People's Republic of Korea (a.k.a. North Korea).  South Korea’s political history dates back to the 7^th century and currently functions as a modern democracy with a civilian president.  Until the 20^th century, North and South Korea existed as a single independent country, but were annexed by imperial Japan in 1905 during the Russo-Japanese War.  In 1945, after Japan surrendered to the United States during World War II, Korea regained its independence, at which point a Republic of Korea was set up in the southern half of the country while a communist-style government was installed in the north.

South Korea is a major center of commerce, business, science and technology, and is home to many of the world’s largest transnational corporations.  With approximately one-half of South Korea’s population living in or near the capital, Seoul is the country’s largest city and is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world.

The Ministry of Culture and Tourism actively encourages the traditional and modern arts by providing educational programs and funding to support Korean art and culture in the country. Influenced by Confucian ideals that respect elders, worship ancestors, and promote ethical manners, Korean society is exploring new frontiers and driving into the future while remaining grounded in its cultural and historical legacy.

Disability History and Information

Though the history of Korean policy for people with disabilities is very short, the country has since taken great measures to ensure their success, thanks largely to advocacy from grassroots organizations.

The Republic of Korea encourages the employment of workers with disabilities, and has articulated this initiative in policies such as the Social Pact for Job Creation as well as the Employment Promotion and Vocational Rehabilitation for the Disabled.  Furthermore, the government signed the United Nations’ Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in March 2007.

With 2.5% of the population registered as having a disability in South Korea in 2001, the Korean government has worked to strengthen its welfare policies for people with disabilities.   Hoping to raise people’s awareness and eliminate social prejudice towards people with disabilities, the government provides rehabilitation services so that people with disabilities may increase their independence and mobility.

Disability Organizations

Knowing which disability organizations are active in your destination country is a good starting point for your pre-departure preparation.  Visit MIUSA's on-line searchable database of disability organizations in South Korea.  Select "Korea, Republic of (South)" to search by country.

Exchange Programs

Learn Korean in Seoul, teach English in Taegu, work at a kindergarten for children with developmental disabilities in Eunpyun, or take a cultural group bicycle tour while observing the sites of the country.  Get started on your research using MIUSA’s database of exchange programs in South Korea.  Select "Korea, Republic of (South)" to search by country. You can also search for international exchange opportunites at GoAbroad.com,  IIE Passport, or StudyAbroad.com.

Featured university: Daegu University

Known for campus-wide accessibility, Daegu University boasts an on-campus Braille library, mental health counseling and a rehab/special education/occupational thearpy institute. Find out more at http://eng.daegu.ac.kr/

Language Schools / Programs

There are about 80 million Korean language speakers in the world, most in North and South Korea, but many millions in countries like China, Japan and the United States. 

Learning even a little of the language of your host country can lead to a greatly enhanced experience while abroad a wider world view and lifelong friendships.

There is no better way to learn a language than to live where it is spoken every day!

There are hundreds of programs and schools all over South Korea from Seoul to Pusan. Below are just a few of the many programs available to study Korean in South Korea:

• Korean Language School of Youngsan University
• LanguBridge Korean Language Programs in Seoul
• Korean Language Education Center - Sogang University
• Language Schools Guide: List of Langugage schools and programs in Korea including homestays, short term, summer and other programs 
• Study Abroad Links - Korean Language Study Abroad Programs in Korea
• Languages Abroad.com - Korean Language Study Abroad Programs in Korea

Korean is one of the Critical Need Languages as described in the U.S. State Department's National Security Language Initiative (NSLI). There are generous schoarships to learn Korean in the United States and abroad. To learn more about NSLI, Critical Need Languages and scholarships offered by the U.S. State Department, Depart of Education and Department of Defense go to: http://exchanges.state.gov/NSLI/fact_sheet.htm (See the Gilman Scholarship Program below!)

Fellowships, Scholarships and Funding 

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the United States Department of State sponsors several scholarship, fellowship and internship programs available to university students, scholars and professionals from South Korea and the United States. Information about the programs is available by contacting the ECA.

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs is committed to ensuring that all of its activities reflect the full diversity of American society and culture.  The Bureau seeks and encourages the involvement of both Americans and foreign citizens in its programs from traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities and people with disabilities.  People with disabilities are encouraged to apply!  

The Fulbright Program provides grants for graduate students, scholars and professionals, and teachers and administrators from the U.S. and other countries.  Whether you’re a Korea-bound American or an American-bound Korean, opportunity awaits!

• For Korean students and educators wishing to study or teach in USA (bilingual page): Learn more.
• For American students and educators wishing to study or teach in Korea: Learn more.
• For Americans who want to teach English in Korean schools (no prior knowledge of the Korean language required!): Learn more.

 
The Gilman Scholarship Program offers up to $5,000 for American students to pursue overseas study for college credit.  Additional scholarships of $3000 are available for those students who pursue “critical need languages,” including Korean!

General information and resources can be found on the NCDE's webpage Financial Aid and Funding.

Share YOUR Story!!

Travel books and websites are useful, but the most valuable resource for international travel comes from other people with a love of travel who have a story to tell!

Please consider sharing your experience with us, especially if:

• You are a person with a disability who participated in an exchange program to the South Korea;

• You are a person from South Korea with a disability who has studied or worked in the United States;

• You are an international exchange professional who has worked with students with disabilities going to or coming from South Korea. 

We would love to hear your story, and possibly post it on our website.  Please contact clearinghouse@miusa.org for more information.

• Read about one woman with a disability's Fulbright teaching experience in South Korea - click here!
  

Links

World Factbook - South Korea

Korea Tourism Organization

Lonely Planet: South Korea

South Korea's Official Website

U.S. Department of State: Profile on South Korea

Transitions Abroad: Non-Koreans writing about life in Korea

The Solidarity of the Disabled to Obtain Mobility Rights

World Travels Overview of Health in South Korea

Wikipedia's page on Korean cuisine

Life in Korea: List of basic expressions

  Although efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, MIUSA/NCDE cannot be held liable for inaccuracy,misinterpretation or complaints arising from these listings. Mention of an organization, company, service or resource should not be construed as an endorsement by MIUSA/NCDE. Please advise NCDE of any inaccuracies you may find.