Two universities became one
PKNU says it was the first university in Busan to merge successfully. It joined the National Fisheries University of Busan, opened in 1941, and Busan National University of Technology, founded in 1924.
Pukyong National University
PKNU · Busan
PKNU was formed in 1996 when two Busan universities merged, one for fisheries and one for technology. It says it has taught fisheries and maritime studies for longer than any other school in Korea. Exchange students go to Daeyeon, the main campus in Nam-gu.
- Founded
- 1996 from a merger of two universities
- Campus
- Daeyeon Line 2, Kyungsung Univ.·Pukyong Nat'l Univ. Station, Exit 3
- Dorm
- About ₩2,000,000 a semester, three meals a day included
- Course load
- Up to 18 credits a semester
Hansol Jeong, public domainWhat PKNU is like
Things Korean students all know that are new when you arrive.
A compass for a symbol
The school symbol is a compass, which the school says stands for students who keep looking to the future. Its colours are navy blue and sky blue, and its motto is "The future is in our hands."
A tower for alumni lost at sea
Baekyong Tower stands beside a pine forest that dates from the fisheries university days. It honours alumni who died at sea while developing deep-sea fishing.
A Korean War bunker on campus
Walker House is a stone and concrete bunker that served as a US Army command post during the Korean War, when it helped defend the Nakdong River line.
A dinosaur in the lobby
The lobby of Cheongun Building shows Pukyongsaurus millenniumi, a plant-eating dinosaur that lived on the Korean Peninsula about 140 million years ago. The school calls it the first dinosaur with a Korean name.
- Words you'll hear
- Bugyeongdae 부경대 Short for Pukyong National University
- Daeyeon 대연 The neighbourhood and campus in Nam-gu
- Yongdang 용당 The second campus, for industry research
- Sugang 수강신청 Course registration
From PKNU's official English pages (about PKNU, the school symbol and Daeyeon campus), checked on 26 October 2026.
People
The buddy club and the International Office's own account.
i-Friend
PKNU's buddy programme. A PKNU student helps you settle into life at PKNU.
- How to join
- Sign up at the exchange student orientation, a few days before the semester starts.
PKNU International
The Office of International Affairs' own account.
@pknu_oiaInstagram accounts checked on 21 October 2026.
Country chats
Country chats are for everyone from that country studying anywhere in Korea, not only at PKNU.
Netherlands
Germany
France
Spain
Italy
Sweden
Finland
PolandGoing with friends? Make a group in A-CHA for your own crew and send them the invite link.
A-CHA events
All eventsOpen to every international student in Korea, not only at PKNU.
Flash meetups. Anyone can start or join a short meetup in the app, like dinner tonight or a hike on Saturday.
Around campus
PKNU has two campuses in Nam-gu, Busan: Daeyeon, where the Office of International Affairs is, and Yongdang.
Address in Korean
부산광역시 남구 용소로 45
45 Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan 48513
Also on Kakao Map and Google Maps. Naver and Kakao work best in Korea.
- Subway
- Kyungsung Univ.·Pukyong Nat'l Univ. Station on Line 2, Exit 3.
- Bus
- Buses 10, 20, 22, 24, 27, 39, 131 and 155 stop at Pukyong National University Daeyeon Campus.
- From Busan Station
- Line 1 to Seomyeon, then Line 2 to Kyungsung Univ.·Pukyong Nat'l Univ. Station, Exit 3.
- International Office
- Room 101 in the Mirae Building (A21). Exchange questions go to studyin@pknu.ac.kr, +82-51-629-6916.
Gwangalli Beach and the Igidae coastal trail within 3 km of campus.
380places to eat near Daeyeon CampusVegetarian options 148Each place shows the menu in English and Korean and walking directions.
2.5 km from campus
Gwangalli Beach
Take Line 2 to Gwangan Station and use exit 3. Gwangan Bridge sits straight ahead, and the area is dense with cafes and pubs. Thursday Party Gwangalli has a beachfront terrace that looks out at Gwangan Bridge. Nights here and in Haeundae are mostly pubs and bars, and clubs are few.
2.8 km from campus
Igidae Coastal Trail
A 4.7 km cliffside path between Dongsaengmal and Oryukdo, about 2.5 hours one way, with Gwangan Bridge and Marine City across the water. You can start at either end, and both are a short bus ride from Kyungsung Univ.·Pukyong Nat'l Univ. Stn on Line 2. Much of it is stairs and wooden decks, so wear sneakers and bring a snack. It closes in high waves and typhoons.
3.3 km from campus
Hwangnyeongsan Observatory
A-CHA's favorite view in Busan. Several lookouts are within a short walk, and it's prettiest from sunset into the night. Hazy or foggy days hide the view.
3.5 km from campus
Millak Waterside Park
The closest view of Gwangan Bridge. It used to be the place to sit on the steps and drink, but it's been an alcohol-free zone since July 2023 (50,000 won fine). Now it's a night-view walk.
4.2 km from campus
Oryukdo Skywalk
The City Tour Green Line stops here and the Haeparang Trail starts at this point. You put on shoe covers for the glass floor, and it closes in strong wind.
Before you come
0 / 5For Spring 2027. The emails from the school come first. Use this list to check nothing is missing. Ticks stay in this browser only.
Not an official PKNU page. Dates and rules change. Check the details on PKNU's official site before you apply or book anything. PKNU exchange programme ↗ Checked on 21 October 2026
Your home university nominates you, then you send PKNU the application and documents. For spring, nominations close on 20 October and applications on 31 October. You hear by email in late December.
You need to be an undergraduate at a PKNU partner, with English at B2 level or Korean. You don't need a language certificate. Send the application form, a nomination letter, your transcript and enrolment certificate, a passport copy, an ID photo, a bank statement and a recommendation letter.
PKNU sends the acceptance packet in early January for spring, with your certificate of admission and pre-arrival information. Use it to apply for your student visa.
National Health Insurance starts automatically on the day you register as a foreign resident. If you stay less than six months it won't cover you, so buy student or travel insurance for your whole stay before you leave.
There's an exchange student orientation a few days before the semester starts, and that's where you sign up for a buddy.
Other dates
- 2 MarchSemester starts
After you arrive
Residence card
Register within 90 days of arriving.
Every exchange student staying more than 90 days has to, and your health insurance starts the same day.
You need the card to open a phone contract in your own name, open a bank account and sign up for most Korean apps.
Booking the immigration visit. Papers, fee and HiKorea screens step by step. Read the guide
- Fee
- The government fee for the card is ₩35,000.
- Changes
- Report a new address within 15 days of moving, at your local community centre or at immigration. Report a new passport to immigration within 15 days as well. Both are free.
- Trips abroad
- Don't travel to other countries until your card is out. A single-entry visa works only once, so leaving early can stop you from coming back on it.
- Immigration helpline
- Call 1345 with visa or residence card questions. It answers in English and other languages on weekdays from 9:00 to 22:00. From abroad, dial +82-2-1345.
Going to PKNU with a friend? Send them this page.
Housing
PKNU gives every exchange student a shared room in an on-campus dorm. You can live off campus instead if you want.
Exchange student rooms
About ₩2,000,000a semester, three meals a day included
- Rooms
- Shared rooms. PKNU assigns you one automatically.
- Meals
- Three meals a day in the cafeteria, included in the fee.
PKNU's autumn 2026 exchange fact sheet. Checked on 21 October 2026.
Room search sites in English
Korean universities point exchange students to these. They're private companies with no tie to any school. Don't send a deposit before you've seen the contract.
Finding a room. Browse rooms near campus in the app. If nothing fits, tell us what you need and we'll ask local agents for you, free.
Courses
- When
- The list of courses taught in English comes out one or two months before the semester. PKNU emails it to accepted students with instructions for registering.
- How much
- Up to 18 credits a semester. A 3-credit course is 45 hours of class.
- Taught in English
- Most courses are in Korean, but there's a range of courses in English.
- Korean
- Exchange students can join PKNU's Korean Language Program during the semester at 30% off.
4 more
- Grades
- Out of 4.5. An A+ is 95 to 100, and below 60 is an F.
- Transcripts
- Mid-July for the spring semester and mid-January for autumn.
- Attendance
- Korean universities usually fail you after a set number of absences, whatever your grades. Ask each professor in week one.
- Calendar
- PKNU's academic calendar in English.PKNU calendar ↗
Questions exchange students ask
Are there courses taught in English at PKNU?
Most courses are in Korean, but there's a range of courses in English.
How much is the dorm at PKNU?
Exchange student rooms · On campus
About ₩2,000,000
A semester, three meals a day included
What do I need for the visa to study at PKNU?
PKNU sends the acceptance packet in early January for spring, with your certificate of admission and pre-arrival information.
Use it to apply for your student visa.
How do exchange students meet PKNU students?
i-Friend
PKNU's buddy programme.
A PKNU student helps you settle into life at PKNU.
Is there a group chat for PKNU exchange students?
Yes.
PKNU has a room on A-CHA where exchange students meet, and you can join before you land.
When should I arrive at PKNU?
There's an exchange student orientation a few days before the semester starts, and that's where you sign up for a buddy.
How do I get my residence card at PKNU?
Register within 90 days of arriving.
Every exchange student staying more than 90 days has to, and your health insurance starts the same day.
Do exchange students at PKNU need health insurance?
National Health Insurance starts automatically on the day you register as a foreign resident.
If you stay less than six months it won't cover you, so buy student or travel insurance for your whole stay before you leave.
How many credits can I take at PKNU?
Up to 18 credits a semester.
A 3-credit course is 45 hours of class.
How do I apply to PKNU as an exchange student?
Your home university nominates you, then you send PKNU the application and documents.
For spring, nominations close on 20 October and applications on 31 October.
You hear by email in late December.
Who do I contact at PKNU?
Official links and help
Office of International Affairs+82-51-629-6916
studyin@pknu.ac.kr