Kangwon National University Aims to Strengthen Academic Ties in Nepal (Video)

Kathmandu, October 15
Mr. Johnny Seo, Senior Manager at the Global Talent Network Center and representative of Kangwon National University (KNU) in Nepal, shared insightful details about the university’s academic environment, admission process, and opportunities for international students with Sisam Bajagain of Khabarsewa Online.

Mr. Seo expressed his pleasure to interact with prospective Nepali students and shed light on the growing relationship between Kangwon National University and Nepal.

“Our full name is Kangwon National University, located in Gangwon  State. We have three campuses in total, with the main campus based in Chuncheon City,” Seo said. “The university started as an agricultural college in the 1940s, even before the Korean War, and was promoted to a national university in the 1970s.”

According to Mr. Seo, KNU has received as accreditation from South Korea’s Ministry of Education since 2017 — a recognition that enhances the university’s academic credibility and provides students with greater advantages.
“This accreditation gives our students higher visa success rates and more part-time work opportunities compared to those from private or general universities,” he added.

Kangwon National University offers a wide range of academic disciplines. However, English-speaking students are currently eligible to apply mainly for the Global Business program.

“If students can only speak English, they can apply for Global Business. But if they have at least TOPIK Level 3 or 4 in Korean language proficiency, they can access many more departments,” explained Seo.
The Department of Global Convergence provides first-year courses focusing on Korean language, culture, and grammar, allowing students to later transfer to other departments once they achieve the required TOPIK level.
Mr. Seo stated that KNU has recently raised its IELTS requirement from 5.5 to 6.0, reflecting the increasing number of applicants from Nepal and other countries.
“If you have an IELTS score of 6.0 or above and a GPA of at least 3.2, you are welcome to apply,” he said, noting that the GPA requirement aligns with the Korean Embassy’s guidelines for Nepali applicants.
Mr. Seo highlighted that many Nepali students are already studying at Kangwon National University and have expressed positive feedback.
“Whenever I meet them, they look happy and tell me studying in Korea is satisfactory. As someone who has visited Nepal personally, I have a special affection for Nepali students,” he shared warmly.
Addressing prospective students, Mr. Seo emphasized the importance of cultural adaptability and language learning for a successful study experience in Korea.
“Please try to understand our culture and adapt to it. It will definitely be a good cultural experience for you,” he advised.
He also praised the growing preparedness of Nepali students over recent years.

“When I first met Nepali applicants, many had little idea about Korea. But now I can see they are becoming more well-prepared, and I feel proud about that,” he said.

Concluding the interaction, Seo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to share information about Kangwon National University.
“Please be well prepared not only about our university but also about life in South Korea. We are confident that we can give you the best possible experience,” he said.
Kangwon National University continues to stand as one of South Korea’s leading national universities, offering diverse academic programs and fostering international collaboration, with a growing presence among Nepali students pursuing higher education abroad.