When people think of studying abroad, most first consider traveling to Europe or the United States. That's a shame considering just how much the countries of East Asia have to offer, in particular South Korea. Located between Japan and China, and more formally known as the Republic of Korea, South Korea is a prime location for your higher education needs. Both technologically advanced and historically rich, South Korea has much to offer both students preoccupied with the past, and those with an eye on the future.

An Intriguing Culture and History
Thanks in part to its location, South Korea's culture is a unique mixture of Korean roots and Japanese and Chinese influences. When you study in South Korea, you'll get to see just how this culture manifests itself in the day to day life of Koreans, whether it's in traditional ceremonial dress, religion, or the Korean language itself. It's a one-of-a-kind opportunity that textbooks, pictures, and movies can never truly replicate. So why settle on studying South Korea from the comfort of your own country and nearby school, when you can study in South Korea.

South Korea is also home to a very rich history that dates back as far as 2333 BC. Unfortunately, this history also features relatively brief moments of peace in between wars with, and invasions by, its neighbors -- the latter of which is a significant factor that led to Japan's and China's impact on Korean culture. You can witness the effects of all of these past events firsthand when you visit museums and historical sites across the nation.

Of course, you don't have to be interested in dusty, old texts and graying relics in order to appreciate the culture of this region. South Korea is well-known for its modern pop culture, which it exports as a commodity to the rest of the world -- be it in the form of TV miniseries known as "Korean dramas," music, or contemporary film.

Be a Part of a Cinematic Revolution
If you're a film student, or your interests lay somewhere in the arts, you might have a very good reason to study in South Korea. Over the last decade or so, the South Korean film industry has been gaining more and more recognition overseas thanks to great directing minds like Park Chan-wook.

South Korean cinema is also an exercise in thinking outside of the Hollywood box. Unimpeded by short running times, Hollywood formulas, or directing cliches, South Korean movies have broken some ground in the world of filmmaking. Studying in South Korea will give you the opportunity to witness this industry up close, possibly even working in it if you choose. You'll also have easier access to all of the cinema that South Korea produces on an annual basis, of which only a small portion gets exported.

So if you're ready to begin expanding your world and learning experiences, get started on researching schools and other opportunities for studying in South Korea.