GKS Dormitory Life
The 2026 Jeonbuk controversy put dormitory issues in the spotlight. But the problems have existed for years: small rooms, shared bathrooms, curfews at some universities, and growing tensions between international and Korean students.
ScholarshipUnion Editorial
2 min read
Updated Oct 5, 2026
The 2026 Jeonbuk controversy
In early 2026, tensions at Jeonbuk National University made national headlines. Korean students complained about what they called "reverse discrimination" — international students (many of them GKS scholars) allegedly receiving priority dormitory placement while Korean students faced housing shortages.
The reality is more complicated. GKS scholars are required to live on campus during the Korean language year, so universities have to find them rooms. Korean students compete for limited spots. When dormitory capacity is tight, this creates real friction. Comment sections filled with resentment, and some scholars reported feeling unwelcome.
This is not unique to Jeonbuk. Similar tensions exist at other universities with large international student populations. The government has increased GKS numbers without proportionally increasing dormitory capacity.
What dormitories actually look like
| Room | Typically shared with 1 roommate (sometimes 2–3). Small — about 10–15 sqm total. A bed, desk, wardrobe, and not much else. No private bathroom at many universities. If you need your own kitchen or bathroom (for religious reasons, for example), check with the university before you apply. |
| Cost | Usually KRW 150,000–300,000 a month. Since 2026 accommodation is officially part of the all-inclusive GKS allowance, so expect to pay it out of your allowance — either deducted from it or paid separately. |
| Rules | Some dorms have curfews (typically midnight). Guest restrictions. No cooking in rooms. Quiet hours. Breaking rules can result in eviction. |
| Meals | Many dorms offer meal plans. Cafeteria food is cheap (KRW 3,000–5,000 per meal) but repetitive. Many scholars cook on shared floors or eat out. |
Off campus: the jeonse trap
Want to move off campus? Korea's jeonse (key money) system requires a massive lump-sum deposit, usually tens of millions of won or more. That is impossible on a GKS allowance. Monthly rentals (wolse) are more common for students, but they still usually need a deposit of several million won — often KRW 5–20 million (about USD 3,500–15,000) — plus rent. For most GKS scholars, the dormitory is the only realistic option.
Related
Check the full living costs breakdown and the cultural adjustment guide.