Guide
GKS UniversitiesType A & Type B
How to choose a realistic shortlist
- Understand the difference between Type A and Type B.
- Browse universities by type and region.
- Build a smart, competitive shortlist that fits you.
Type A universities
- Ajou University아주대학교SuwonType A
- Chung-Ang University중앙대학교SeoulType A
- Ewha Womans University이화여자대학교SeoulType A
- Yonsei University연세대학교SeoulType A
- Korea University고려대학교SeoulType A
Type B universities
- Pukyong National University부경대학교BusanType B
- Pusan National University부산대학교BusanType B
- Keimyung University계명대학교DaeguType B
- Kyungpook National University경북대학교DaeguType B
- Chungnam National University충남대학교DaejeonType B
- Hannam University한남대학교DaejeonType B
- Chungbuk National University충북대학교CheongjuType B
- Kangwon National University강원대학교ChuncheonType B
Type A vs Type B
- Type A: Mostly in Seoul & metro. Higher demand, more competitive.
- Type B: Located in regional areas outside the capital. More reserved GKS seats.
How to choose your universities
- Pick up to 3 universities with at least one Type B on the Embassy Track.
- Pick up to 2 universities, both Type B, on the R-GKS Track.
- Pick a single university (Type A or Type B) on the University Track.
- Use your GPA (80th percentile baseline) as one reference.
UIC universities (different track)
UIC applicants choose one university only (no country quota, no Type A / Type B split).
- Ajou
- Daegu
- Dong-A
- Inje
- Keimyung
- Konyang
- Kookmin
- KOREATECH
- Sungshin Women's
- Yeungnam
GKS Type A Universities
Mostly Seoul and the metro area — more competitive. 22 in this guide.
- Ajou University아주대학교SuwonType A
- Chung-Ang University중앙대학교SeoulType A
- DGIST대구경북과학기술원DaeguType A
- Dongguk University동국대학교SeoulType A
- Ewha Womans University이화여자대학교SeoulType A
- GIST광주과학기술원GwangjuType A
- Hankuk University of Foreign Studies한국외국어대학교SeoulType A
- Hanyang University한양대학교SeoulType A
- Hongik University홍익대학교SeoulType A
- Inha University인하대학교IncheonType A
- KAIST한국과학기술원DaejeonType A
- Konkuk University건국대학교SeoulType A
- Kookmin University국민대학교SeoulType A
- Korea University고려대학교SeoulType A
- Kyung Hee University경희대학교SeoulType A
- POSTECH포항공과대학교PohangType A
- Seoul National University서울대학교SeoulType A
- Sogang University서강대학교SeoulType A
- Sookmyung Women's University숙명여자대학교SeoulType A
- Sungkyunkwan University성균관대학교SeoulType A
- UNIST울산과학기술원UlsanType A
- Yonsei University연세대학교SeoulType A
GKS Type B (Regional) Universities
Outside the capital, with more reserved R-GKS seats. 13 in this guide.
Busan
- Pukyong National University부경대학교BusanType B
- Pusan National University부산대학교BusanType B
Cheongju
- Chungbuk National University충북대학교CheongjuType B
Chuncheon
- Kangwon National University강원대학교ChuncheonType B
Daegu
- Keimyung University계명대학교DaeguType B
- Kyungpook National University경북대학교DaeguType B
Daejeon
- Chungnam National University충남대학교DaejeonType B
- Hannam University한남대학교DaejeonType B
Gimhae
- Inje University인제대학교GimhaeType B
Gwangju
- Chonnam National University전남대학교GwangjuType B
Gyeongsan
- Yeungnam University영남대학교GyeongsanType B
Jeju
- Jeju National University제주대학교JejuType B
Jeonju
- Jeonbuk National University전북대학교JeonjuType B
Type A vs Type B — what's the difference?
Type A universities sit mostly in Seoul and the surrounding metro area. They draw the most applicants, so competition is higher.
Type B universities are located outside the capital region. Korea runs a dedicated regional track (R-GKS) that reserves a large share of seats for them — so a Type B choice is often the structurally more reachable one. That is why the Embassy Track requires at least one Type B pick.
How to choose your universities
A strong shortlist mixes ambition with structure. On the Embassy Track you list up to three universities and at least one must be Type B — so aim at the Type A schools you want, but always include a Type B: it meets the rule and is usually the more reachable seat. On the University Track you pick a single university, Type A or B. Your GPA is one gate — GKS uses an 80th-percentile baseline.
Open the GKS GPA Pre-checkerUndergraduate UIC universities (different track)
For undergraduate applicants, the University Track also runs through a set of University-Initiated Colleges (UIC). These follow different rules — a single university choice, no country quota, and no Type A / Type B split — so they are listed separately from the set above.
- Ajou University
- Daegu University
- Dong-A University
- Inje University
- Keimyung University
- Konyang University
- Kookmin University
- KOREATECH
- Sungshin Women's University
- Yeungnam University
FAQ
How many universities can I choose for GKS?
On the Embassy Track you can choose up to three universities, and at least one must be Type B. The R-GKS regional program allows up to two, both Type B. On the University Track you apply to a single university.
Do I have to pick a Type B university?
On the Embassy Track, yes — at least one of your choices must be a Type B university. The R-GKS program is Type B only. The University Track has no such requirement; you apply to one university of either type.
What is the difference between GKS Type A and Type B universities?
Type A universities are mostly in Seoul and the metropolitan area and tend to be more competitive. Type B universities are in non-capital regions and have more reserved seats through the R-GKS regional track.
What are Type B (regional) GKS universities?
Type B universities are non-capital universities supported for regional development, such as Pusan National University, Kyungpook National University, and Chonnam National University.
Which GKS universities are less competitive?
Structurally, Type B regional universities tend to have more room, because GKS reserves a large share of seats for them through the R-GKS track. Actual competition still depends on the department, country quota, and applicant pool.
Is my GPA good enough for these universities?
GKS uses a GPA baseline around the 80th percentile. You can check whether your GPA likely clears it with our free GPA pre-checker before you build a shortlist.
Where is the official GKS university list?
The complete official list is in the University Information file attached to the GKS Notice on the Study in Korea website (studyinkorea.go.kr). This guide is an independent selection, not the full official list.
Are these programs taught in English?
It varies by university and department and is not verified here. Check each university or department directly for its language of instruction and any language requirements.
Source: GKS Notice — University Information (Study in Korea)Last verified