Applying to university is a significant step, and navigating the process in Korean requires specific vocabulary and expressions. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and terms related to writing and submitting a college application, helping you understand requirements, fill out forms, and communicate effectively during the admission process.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 대학 지원서 작성하기
Pronunciation: dae-hak ji-won-seo jak-seong-ha-gi
Meaning: Writing a college application
Key Vocabulary for College Applications
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Expression: 대학교 (대학)
Pronunciation: dae-hak-gyo (dae-hak)
Meaning: University (College) -
Expression: 지원서
Pronunciation: ji-won-seo
Meaning: Application form -
Expression: 전공
Pronunciation: jeon-gong
Meaning: Major (field of study) -
Expression: 지원 자격
Pronunciation: ji-won ja-gyeok
Meaning: Application eligibility / qualifications -
Expression: 마감일
Pronunciation: ma-gam-il
Meaning: Deadline -
Expression: 제출 서류
Pronunciation: je-chul seo-ryu
Meaning: Required documents / submission documents -
Expression: 성적 증명서
Pronunciation: seong-jeok jeung-myeong-seo
Meaning: Transcript / Academic transcript -
Expression: 자기소개서
Pronunciation: ja-gi-so-gae-seo
Meaning: Personal statement / Self-introduction letter -
Expression: 추천서
Pronunciation: chu-cheon-seo
Meaning: Recommendation letter -
Expression: 입학처
Pronunciation: ip-hak-cheo
Meaning: Admissions office -
Expression: 합격
Pronunciation: hap-gyeok
Meaning: Acceptance -
Expression: 불합격
Pronunciation: bul-hap-gyeok
Meaning: Rejection
Phrases for the Application Process
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Expression: 지원서를 작성해야 해요.
Pronunciation: ji-won-seo-reul jak-seong-hae-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: I need to fill out the application form. -
Expression: 지원 자격을 확인해 보세요.
Pronunciation: ji-won ja-gyeo-geul hwa-gin-hae bo-se-yo.
Meaning: Please check the application eligibility requirements. -
Expression: 온라인으로 지원할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: on-la-in-eu-ro ji-won-hal su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Can I apply online? -
Expression: 서류는 언제까지 제출해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: seo-ryu-neun eon-je-kka-ji je-chul-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: By when do I need to submit the documents? -
Expression: 자기소개서를 어떻게 써야 할지 모르겠어요.
Pronunciation: ja-gi-so-gae-seo-reul eo-tteo-ke sseo-ya hal-ji mo-reu-ge-sseo-yo.
Meaning: I don’t know how to write the personal statement. -
Expression: 추천서가 필요합니다.
Pronunciation: chu-cheon-seo-ga pil-yo-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: A recommendation letter is required. -
Expression: 전형료를 납부해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: jeon-hyeong-ryo-reul nap-bu-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: You need to pay the application fee. -
Expression: 지원서 접수가 완료되었습니다.
Pronunciation: ji-won-seo jeop-su-ga wan-ryo-doe-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The application submission is complete. -
Expression: 합격자 발표는 언제인가요?
Pronunciation: hap-gyeok-ja bal-pyo-neun eon-je-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When will the acceptance results be announced? -
Expression: 입학처에 문의해 보세요.
Pronunciation: ip-hak-cheo-e mun-ui-hae bo-se-yo.
Meaning: Please inquire at the admissions office. -
Expression: 필요한 서류 목록을 보내주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: pil-yo-han seo-ryu mong-no-geul bo-nae-ju-si-ge-sseo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please send me the list of required documents? -
Expression: 지원 절차에 대해 설명해 주실 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: ji-won jeol-cha-e dae-hae seol-myeong-hae ju-sil su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Could you explain the application procedure?
Asking Questions About Applications
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Expression: 지원 마감일이 언제인가요?
Pronunciation: ji-won ma-gam-i-ri eon-je-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When is the application deadline? -
Expression: 어떤 서류를 제출해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon seo-ryu-reul je-chul-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What documents do I need to submit? -
Expression: 성적 증명서는 원본이어야 하나요?
Pronunciation: seong-jeok jeung-myeong-seo-neun won-bon-i-eo-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Does the academic transcript have to be the original copy? -
Expression: 자기소개서 분량 제한이 있나요?
Pronunciation: ja-gi-so-gae-seo bul-lyang je-han-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a length limit for the personal statement? -
Expression: 추천서는 누가 써야 하나요?
Pronunciation: chu-cheon-seo-neun nu-ga sseo-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Who should write the recommendation letter? -
Expression: 전형료는 얼마인가요?
Pronunciation: jeon-hyeong-ryo-neun eol-ma-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: How much is the application fee? -
Expression: 면접 시험도 있나요?
Pronunciation: myeon-jeop si-heom-do in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there also an interview test? -
Expression: 외국인 학생을 위한 특별 전형이 있나요?
Pronunciation: oe-gu-gin hak-saeng-eul wi-han teuk-byeol jeon-hyeong-i in-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there a special admission track for foreign students? -
Expression: 지원서 양식은 어디서 받을 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: ji-won-seo yang-si-geun eo-di-seo ba-deul su in-na-yo?
Meaning: Where can I get the application form? -
Expression: 지원 상태를 어떻게 확인할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: ji-won sang-tae-reul eo-tteo-ke hwa-gi-nal su in-na-yo?
Meaning: How can I check my application status? -
Expression: 장학금 신청은 어떻게 하나요?
Pronunciation: jang-hak-geum sin-cheong-eun eo-tteo-ke ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I apply for a scholarship? -
Expression: 입학 관련 문의는 어디로 해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: ip-hak gwal-lyeon mun-ui-neun eo-di-ro hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Where should I direct inquiries regarding admission?
Korean Culture Notes
The university application process in Korea is highly competitive. Understanding some cultural aspects can be helpful. The national college entrance exam, known as 수능 (Su-neung – su-neung), plays a significant role, but universities increasingly consider a variety of factors through 수시 모집 (su-si mo-jip – early admissions) which often includes evaluating school records, extracurricular activities, interviews, and personal statements (자기소개서 – ja-gi-so-gae-seo).
The 자기소개서 (ja-gi-so-gae-seo) is often a crucial part of the application, requiring careful thought about personal experiences, motivations for choosing the major and university, and future aspirations. It’s more than just listing achievements; it’s about crafting a compelling narrative.
Deadlines are strictly enforced in the Korean application system. Missing a deadline usually means forfeiting the chance to apply for that admission cycle, so meticulous planning and timely submission (서류 제출 – seo-ryu je-chul) are essential.
Many students attend private academies called 학원 (ha-gwon) to prepare for entrance exams and improve their application materials. While not mandatory, this reflects the high emphasis placed on university admission in Korean society.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A prospective student (A) calls the university admissions office to ask about application documents.
Roles: A = 지원자 (ji-won-ja – Applicant), B = 입학처 직원 (ip-hak-cheo jig-won – Admissions Officer)
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Expression: A: 여보세요, 입학처 맞나요? 대학 지원 관련해서 문의 좀 드리려고 하는데요.
Pronunciation: yeo-bo-se-yo, ip-hak-cheo man-na-yo? dae-hak ji-won gwal-lyeon-hae-seo mun-ui jom deu-ri-ryeo-go ha-neun-de-yo.
Meaning: A: Hello, is this the admissions office? I’d like to inquire about the university application. -
Expression: B: 네, 맞습니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, mat-seum-ni-da. mu-eo-seul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, it is. How may I help you? -
Expression: A: 지원할 때 필요한 제출 서류가 정확히 무엇인지 알고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: ji-won-hal ttae pil-yo-han je-chul seo-ryu-ga jeong-hwa-ki mu-eo-sin-ji al-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: I’d like to know exactly what submission documents are required when applying. -
Expression: B: 네, 기본적으로 입학 지원서, 고등학교 성적 증명서, 자기소개서가 필요합니다. 전형에 따라 추천서나 기타 서류가 추가될 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, gi-bon-jeo-geu-ro ip-hak ji-won-seo, go-deung-hak-gyo seong-jeok jeung-myeong-seo, ja-gi-so-gae-seo-ga pil-yo-ham-ni-da. jeon-hyeong-e tta-ra chu-cheon-seo-na gi-ta seo-ryu-ga chu-ga-doel su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: Yes, basically you need the application form, high school transcript, and personal statement. Depending on the admission track, a recommendation letter or other documents may be added. -
Expression: A: 성적 증명서는 영문으로 제출해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: seong-jeok jeung-myeong-seo-neun yeong-mun-eu-ro je-chul-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Does the transcript need to be submitted in English? -
Expression: B: 외국 고등학교 졸업자의 경우 영문 원본 또는 공증된 번역본을 제출하시면 됩니다. 자세한 내용은 저희 웹사이트 모집 요강을 확인해 주세요.
Pronunciation: oe-guk go-deung-hak-gyo jo-reop-ja-ui gyeong-u yeong-mun won-bon tto-neun gong-jeung-doen beon-yeok-bo-neul je-chul-ha-si-myeon doem-ni-da. ja-se-han nae-yong-eun jeo-hui wep-sa-i-teu mo-jip yo-gang-eul hwa-gin-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: B: For graduates of foreign high schools, you should submit the original English version or a notarized translation. Please check the admission guidelines on our website for details. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: A: Okay, I understand. Thank you!
Practice Tips
Writing a college application is a complex task, even in your native language! Don’t be discouraged~ Start by familiarizing yourself with the key vocabulary. Try creating flashcards for terms like 지원서 (ji-won-seo), 마감일 (ma-gam-il), and 자기소개서 (ja-gi-so-gae-seo).
Practice forming sentences using the phrases provided. You could try writing a mock 자기소개서 (ja-gi-so-gae-seo) outline or practice asking questions about the process. Role-playing the conversation example with a friend or tutor can also be very helpful!
Check university websites! Many Korean universities have English versions of their admission guidelines. Comparing the Korean and English versions is a great way to learn specific terminology in context. 화이팅 (hwa-i-ting – You can do it)!
