Kyemyung University review: Introduction and Good points

Keimyung University is the third university in Daegu, Korea’s 4th city. Situated on the Western edge of the city, the extent of the university's reputation is a beautiful campus and its pretty girls.
The Korean language course takes place in the 어학당eo-hak-dang, a privately run “language school” that houses a Confucius Institute and a recently opened Goethe Institute. Apparently the 어학당 is not directly affiliated with the university, but rather is contracted out to teach foreign languages to the students, essentially operating separately from the university. In addition to its international partnerships the 어학당eo-hak-dang has recently become affiliated with the National Scholarship program, becoming one of three centres where international scholarship students are sent to learn Korean before joining another university.

Facts and figures
The promotional material for the “intensive Korean language course” promises speaking, writing, reading and listening in the classroom as well as cultural events including trips and in school activities.
At the cost of ₩1,000,000 (+₩100,000 for registration) the 10 week, 4 hour a day intensive course works out at exactly ₩5000 a lesson. It runs from level 1 to 6 and you can join the level that suits your ability.

In the classroom

The classrooms in the 어학당eo-hak-dang are standard. There are desk-chairs to sit in, a whiteboard and a computer with a large plasma screen. Rooms are spacious, but the chairs are a little small. The university management is stingy with heating and air-conditioning, but this is apparently nationally mandated, and students across the country are made to freeze/boil depending on the season.

Outside the classroom

The 어학당eo-hak-dang building is a standard modern Korean building. There’s a small computer/hang-out room that closes at lunch time. In a close-by building there’s a small shop and “international lounge” where you can sit and have tea/coffee/snacks. There are also lots of cheap student-restaurants throughout the university. The area around the university is student friendly with a lot of cheap accommodation, student restaurants and even 3 foreigner bars.

Cultural events & class trips

Once or twice a semester (every 10 weeks) some kind of event is held for the whole 어학당eo-hak-dang. It’s normally a talent show, a Korean quiz and Game day or a Sports event. They’re actually really fun and everyone (except the teachers) gets involved. They’re always followed by FREE lunch!
In addition to this there are trips throughout the year during and out of class time to cities and places around Korea. During class time they go to places like 안동Andong - a very touristy city and 경주gyeong-ju - another touristy city and weekend trips to cultural conferences and international shows. The class trips you don’t have to sign up for, but the weekend ones you do. Everything is free!