Korean School Registration Guide

Understanding the school registration process in Korea is essential for prospective students. This guide provides the core Korean expressions and vocabulary needed to navigate school enrollment, from initial inquiries to completing the necessary steps. Learn the key phrases to confidently manage your registration at Korean educational institutions.

Core Expression

This is the fundamental phrase for discussing school registration.

• Expression: 학교 등록하기 (hakgyo deungnokagi)
  Pronunciation: hak-gyo deung-nok-ha-gi
  Meaning: To register for school / School registration (The verb stem ‘등록하다’ means ‘to register’, and ‘학교’ means ‘school’. Adding ‘-기’ turns the verb into a noun form.)

Essential Vocabulary

Knowing these basic terms will help you understand registration documents and conversations.

• Expression: 학교 (hakgyo)
  Pronunciation: hak-gyo
  Meaning: School
• Expression: 대학교 (daehakgyo)
  Pronunciation: dae-hak-gyo
  Meaning: University
• Expression: 학생 (haksaeng)
  Pronunciation: hak-saeng
  Meaning: Student
• Expression: 입학 (ipak)
  Pronunciation: ip-ak
  Meaning: Admission / Entrance into school
• Expression: 등록 (deungnok)
  Pronunciation: deung-nok
  Meaning: Registration
• Expression: 등록금 (deungnokgeum)
  Pronunciation: deung-nok-geum
  Meaning: Tuition fee
• Expression: 신청서 (sincheongseo)
  Pronunciation: sin-cheong-seo
  Meaning: Application form
• Expression: 서류 (seoryu)
  Pronunciation: seo-ryu
  Meaning: Documents
• Expression: 마감일 (magamil)
  Pronunciation: ma-gam-il
  Meaning: Deadline
• Expression: 학기 (hakgi)
  Pronunciation: hak-gi
  Meaning: Semester / Academic term
• Expression: 전공 (jeongong)
  Pronunciation: jeon-gong
  Meaning: Major (field of study)
• Expression: 교무실 (gyomusil)
  Pronunciation: gyo-mu-sil
  Meaning: Administration office / Faculty office

Key Registration Phrases

Use these phrases when interacting with school staff during the registration process.

• Expression: 학교 등록하고 싶어요. (Hakgyo deungnokago sipeoyo.)
  Pronunciation: hak-gyo deung-no-ka-go si-peo-yo
  Meaning: I want to register for school.
• Expression: 등록 절차가 어떻게 되나요? (Deungnok jeolchaga eotteoke doenayo?)
  Pronunciation: deung-nok jeol-cha-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo
  Meaning: What is the registration procedure?
• Expression: 등록 기간이 언제예요? (Deungnok gigani eonjeyeyo?)
  Pronunciation: deung-nok gi-gan-i eon-je-ye-yo
  Meaning: When is the registration period?
• Expression: 어디서 등록해야 하나요? (Eodiseo deungnokaeya hanayo?)
  Pronunciation: eo-di-seo deung-no-kae-ya ha-na-yo
  Meaning: Where do I need to register?
• Expression: 등록금은 얼마예요? (Deungnokgeumeun eolmayeyo?)
  Pronunciation: deung-nok-geum-eun eol-ma-ye-yo
  Meaning: How much is the tuition fee?
• Expression: 필요한 서류가 뭐예요? (Piryohan seoryuga mwoyeyo?)
  Pronunciation: pi-ryo-han seo-ryu-ga mwo-ye-yo
  Meaning: What documents are required?
• Expression: 신청서를 작성해야 해요. (Sincheongseoreul jakseonghaeya haeyo.)
  Pronunciation: sin-cheong-seo-reul jak-seong-hae-ya hae-yo
  Meaning: I need to fill out the application form.
• Expression: 등록 마감일이 언제까지예요? (Deungnok magamiri eonjekkajiyeyo?)
  Pronunciation: deung-nok ma-gam-il-i eon-je-kka-ji-ye-yo
  Meaning: Until when is the registration deadline?
• Expression: 온라인으로 등록할 수 있나요? (Ollaineuro deungnokhal su innayo?)
  Pronunciation: ol-la-in-eu-ro deung-nok-hal su in-na-yo
  Meaning: Can I register online?
• Expression: 등록 확인증을 받을 수 있을까요? (Deungnok hwaginjeungeul badeul su isseulkkayo?)
  Pronunciation: deung-nok hwa-gin-jeung-eul ba-deul su is-seul-kka-yo
  Meaning: Can I get a registration confirmation slip?
• Expression: 등록금을 납부했어요. (Deungnokgeumeul nappuhaesseoyo.)
  Pronunciation: deung-nok-geum-eul nap-bu-haess-eo-yo
  Meaning: I have paid the tuition fee.
• Expression: 신입생 등록 안내를 받고 싶어요. (Sinipsaeng deungnok annaereul batgo sipeoyo.)
  Pronunciation: sin-ip-saeng deung-nok an-nae-reul bat-go si-peo-yo
  Meaning: I’d like to receive guidance for new student registration.

Asking About Requirements

These questions will help you clarify specific details about the registration requirements.

• Expression: 입학 조건이 어떻게 되나요? (Ipak jokkeoni eotteoke doenayo?)
  Pronunciation: ip-ak jok-keon-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo
  Meaning: What are the admission requirements?
• Expression: 어떤 서류를 제출해야 하나요? (Eotteon seoryureul jechulhaeya hanayo?)
  Pronunciation: eo-tteon seo-ryu-reul je-chul-hae-ya ha-na-yo
  Meaning: What kind of documents do I need to submit?
• Expression: 성적 증명서가 필요한가요? (Seongjeok jeungmyeongseoga piryohangayo?)
  Pronunciation: seong-jeok jeung-myeong-seo-ga pi-ryo-han-ga-yo
  Meaning: Is a transcript required?
• Expression: 졸업 증명서 원본이 필요해요? (Joreop jeungmyeongseo wonboni piryohaeyo?)
  Pronunciation: jo-reop jeung-myeong-seo won-bon-i pi-ryo-hae-yo
  Meaning: Do I need the original graduation certificate?
• Expression: 추천서도 내야 하나요? (Chucheonseodo naeya hanayo?)
  Pronunciation: chu-cheon-seo-do nae-ya ha-na-yo
  Meaning: Do I also need to submit a recommendation letter?
• Expression: 등록금 납부 방법은 무엇인가요? (Deungnokgeum nappu bangbeobeun mueosingayo?)
  Pronunciation: deung-nok-geum nap-bu bang-beob-eun mu-eos-in-ga-yo
  Meaning: What are the methods for paying the tuition fee?
• Expression: 장학금 신청은 어떻게 하나요? (Janghakgeum sincheongeun eotteoke hanayo?)
  Pronunciation: jang-hak-geum sin-cheong-eun eo-tteo-ke ha-na-yo
  Meaning: How do I apply for a scholarship?
• Expression: 기숙사 신청도 같이 하나요? (Gisuksa sincheongdo gachi hanayo?)
  Pronunciation: gi-suk-sa sin-cheong-do ga-chi ha-na-yo
  Meaning: Do I apply for the dormitory at the same time?
• Expression: 외국인 등록증 사본이 필요한가요? (Oegugin deungnokjeung saboni piryohangayo?)
  Pronunciation: oe-gug-in deung-nok-jeung sa-bon-i pi-ryo-han-ga-yo
  Meaning: Is a copy of the Alien Registration Card (ARC) required?
• Expression: 서류 제출 기한을 알려주세요. (Seoryu jechul gihaneul allyeojuseyo.)
  Pronunciation: seo-ryu je-chul gi-han-eul al-lyeo-ju-se-yo
  Meaning: Please tell me the document submission deadline.
• Expression: 건강 검진 결과가 필요한가요? (Geongang geomjin gyeolgwa-ga piryohangayo?)
  Pronunciation: geon-gang geom-jin gyeol-gwa-ga pi-ryo-han-ga-yo
  Meaning: Is a health check-up result required?

Korean Culture Notes

Understanding these cultural points can make the registration process smoother.

• Strict Deadlines: Korean administrative processes, including school registration, are very strict about deadlines (마감일 – magamil). Missing a deadline often means missing the opportunity entirely for that semester or year. Always double-check and submit everything well in advance.
• Document Emphasis: There’s a strong emphasis on official documents (서류 – seoryu). Expect to provide original or officially certified copies of transcripts, diplomas, identification, and sometimes even family relation certificates (가족관계증명서 – gajokgwangyejeungmyeongseo), especially for younger students or specific visa requirements.
• Online Systems: Many universities heavily rely on online portals for applications and registration. Familiarize yourself with the university’s website and online system early on. However, some final steps or document submissions might still require an in-person visit.
• Bank Transfers: Tuition payment (등록금 납부 – deungnokgeum nappu) is commonly done via direct bank transfer to a specific virtual account number assigned to each student for that registration period. Credit card payments might be less common or involve extra steps.
• Competition: Admission and registration, especially at popular universities or departments, can be competitive. Ensure your application is complete and compelling. Following instructions precisely is crucial.

Real Conversation Example

This conversation simulates a student inquiring about the registration process at a university administration office.

Situation: A newly admitted international student visits the university’s administration office to ask about the registration procedure.
Roles:
* A: International Student
* B: University Staff Member

• Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 이번에 입학하게 된 학생인데요. 학교 등록 절차에 대해 여쭤보고 싶어서 왔어요. (Annyeonghaseyo, ibeone ipakhage doen haksaengindeyo. Hakgyo deungnok jeolcha-e daehae yeojjwobogo sipeoseo wasseoyo.)
  Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, i-beon-e ip-ak-ha-ge doen hak-saeng-in-de-yo. hak-gyo deung-nok jeol-cha-e dae-hae yeo-jjwo-bo-go sip-eo-seo wass-eo-yo.
  Meaning: Hello, I’m a student who got admitted this time. I came here because I wanted to ask about the school registration procedure.
• Expression: B: 네, 안녕하세요. 합격을 축하드립니다. 등록 안내 자료는 받으셨나요? (Ne, annyeonghaseyo. Hapgyeogeul chukadeurimnida. Deungnok annae jaryoneun badeusyeonnayo?)
  Pronunciation: ne, an-nyeong-ha-se-yo. hap-gyeog-eul chu-ka-deu-rim-ni-da. deung-nok an-nae ja-ryo-neun ba-deu-syeot-na-yo?
  Meaning: Yes, hello. Congratulations on your admission. Did you receive the registration guide materials?
• Expression: A: 네, 이메일로 받았는데, 필요한 서류랑 등록금 납부 기한이 궁금해서요. (Ne, imeil-lo badanneunde, piryohan seoryurang deungnokgeum nappu gihani gunggeumhaeseoyo.)
  Pronunciation: ne, i-me-il-lo bad-at-neun-de, pi-ryo-han seo-ryu-rang deung-nok-geum nap-bu gi-han-i gung-geum-hae-seo-yo.
  Meaning: Yes, I received it via email, but I’m curious about the required documents and the tuition payment deadline.
• Expression: B: 필요한 서류 목록은 안내 자료에 나와 있고요, 주로 졸업 증명서, 성적 증명서, 그리고 외국인 등록증 사본 등이 필요합니다. 등록금 납부 마감일은 다음 주 금요일까지입니다. (Piryohan seoryu mongnogeun annae jaryoe nawa itgoyo, juro joreop jeungmyeongseo, seongjeok jeungmyeongseo, geurigo oegugin deungnokjeung sabon deungi piryohamnida. Deungnokgeum nappu magamireun daeum ju geumyoilkkajiimnida.)
  Pronunciation: pi-ryo-han seo-ryu mong-nog-eun an-nae ja-ryo-e na-wa it-go-yo, ju-ro jo-reop jeung-myeong-seo, seong-jeok jeung-myeong-seo, geu-ri-go oe-gug-in deung-nok-jeung sa-bon deung-i pi-ryo-ham-ni-da. deung-nok-geum nap-bu ma-gam-il-eun da-eum ju geum-yo-il-kka-ji-im-ni-da.
  Meaning: The list of required documents is in the guide materials; mainly, the graduation certificate, transcript, and a copy of your Alien Registration Card are needed. The tuition payment deadline is until next Friday.
• Expression: A: 알겠습니다. 서류는 어디로 제출해야 하나요? 온라인으로 가능한가요? (Algesseumnida. Seoryuneun eodiro jechulhaeya hanayo? Ollaineuro ganeunghangayo?)
  Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. seo-ryu-neun eo-di-ro je-chul-hae-ya ha-na-yo? ol-la-in-eu-ro ga-neung-han-ga-yo?
  Meaning: I understand. Where should I submit the documents? Is it possible online?
• Expression: B: 서류는 저희 사무실로 직접 제출하시거나 우편으로 보내주셔야 합니다. 온라인 제출은 어렵습니다. 등록금은 안내된 계좌로 입금하시면 됩니다. (Seoryuneun jeohui samusillo jikjeop jechulhasigeona upyeoneuro bonaejusyeoya hamnida. Ollain jechureun eoryeopseumnida. Deungnokgeumeun annaedoen gyejwaro ipgeumhasimyeon doemnida.)
  Pronunciation: seo-ryu-neun jeo-hui sa-mu-sil-lo jik-jeop je-chul-ha-si-geo-na u-pyeon-eu-ro bo-nae-ju-syeo-ya ham-ni-da. ol-la-in je-chul-eun eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da. deung-nok-geum-eun an-nae-doen gye-jwa-ro ip-geum-ha-si-myeon doem-ni-da.
  Meaning: You need to submit the documents directly to our office or send them by mail. Online submission is difficult. You can deposit the tuition fee into the provided account.
• Expression: A: 네, 감사합니다! 잘 준비해서 기한 안에 제출하겠습니다. (Ne, gamsahamnida! Jal junbihaeseo gihan ane jechulhagesseumnida.)
  Pronunciation: ne, gam-sa-ham-ni-da! jal jun-bi-hae-seo gi-han an-e je-chul-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Yes, thank you! I will prepare well and submit them within the deadline.

Practice Tips

Now that you’ve learned the key phrases for school registration, it’s time to practice~! Try role-playing the conversation example with a friend or language partner. You can also visit Korean university websites (many have English versions) to see how these terms are used in official announcements. Prepare a list of questions using the phrases learned here before contacting a school. Consistent practice will make you feel much more confident when it’s time to register! 화이팅! (Fighting!)