The Chungbuk Global Centre was officially launched in Cambodia on May 23, 2025, with a mission to provide support to Cambodian students to successfully settle and study in Korea.
B2B Cambodia sat down with Peter Sangseok Kim, Managing Director at SM Global Foundation and Chungbuk Global Centre, and Savda Deng, Director at SM Global Group, to understand how Chungbuk Global Centre wants to help Cambodian students seek study opportunities in South Korea's Chungbuk province.
Introducing Chungbuk Global Centre Cambodia
The Chungbuk Global Centre was initiated in 2023 by the Chungcheongbuk-do Provincial Government to attract outstanding international students to universities in the province. It is currently active in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar.
Chungcheongbuk-do is known as a region with modern industrial capacity, home to semiconductor facilities, biodigesters, electrical power plants, cosmetics, research institutes, and 18 universities that provide skills training.
The Chungbuk Global Center provides end-to-end support, such as university promotion, student recruitment, admission guidance, cultural adaptation education, and career counseling. Its goal is not only to support overseas study, but also to ensure students' smooth settlement and future career planning in Korea.
Chungbuk Global Centre's Partner Universities
The Chungbuk Global Centre has official agreements with three universities in Chungbuk province: Chung Cheong University, Gangdong University, and Chungbuk Provincial University. These universities emphasise practical education and community engagement, offering international students valuable academic and employment opportunities. The foundation also works with the local government to establish a more systematic support system.
WATCH: Chung Cheong University Welcomes Cambodian Students
Support Systems in Place for Cambodian Students
- Before admission: Students are supported through online briefings, academic counseling, Korean language training, on/off-line consultations, document preparation, visa support, and pre-departure cultural education.
- After admission: Students receive regular personal counseling, legal guidance, and support for adapting to academic and daily life in Korea.
- Post-graduation: Career counseling, internship matching, and employment information continue to help students transition into stable lives in Korea.
Watch “Part 2: Why Study in Korea?” with Peter Sangseok Kim
Why Study in Korea? – Students' Vision and Motivation
As of late 2024, over 260,000 international students are studying in Korea. As of January 2025, students from China and Vietnam account for about 200,000, or 77 per cent, of the total. Korea is aiming to diversify its international student population and has shown strong interest in Cambodian students. Currently, only about 450 Cambodian students are studying in Korea.
Why is Korea an Attractive Study Destination for Cambodian Students?
Korea offers advanced education infrastructure, a high-tech lifestyle, a safe society, and vibrant cultural content. Korean universities focus on practical training and career linkage. The ‘Vision Track’ program, operated by the Chungbuk Global Centre and regional universities, also supports Cambodian students from study to employment and even long-term residency. The centre runs a pre-arrival education program to help students understand Korean life and culture before departure. After arrival, students are connected with local communities to support their emotional and social adaptation.
The Chungbuk Global Centre offers counselling through Telegram and Facebook, and students can also visit the Phnom Penh office between 10 AM and 7 PM. Post-graduation employment statistis reveal that rates are increasing, and many companies in Chungbuk are actively hiring foreign talents.
Requirements to Study Abroad in Korea
Minimum requirements include TOPIK Level 2, a high school diploma, and academic transcripts. For visa purposes, students must also submit financial proof, such as a bank balance of at least USD 6,000. Applications usually begin seven months in advance, during which students can attend Korean language classes at the Chungbuk Global Centre to meet language requirements.
Watch “Part 3: Costs & Tuition Fees” with Savda Deng
Realistic Cost Comparison: Korea vs. Other Countries
Tuition in Korea is very reasonable compared to the United States and Australia. The three universities in Chungbuk (Chung Cheong University, Gangdong University, and Chungbuk Provincial University) charge around USD 4,000 annually.
Cambodian students are eligible for a 40 per cent scholarship, reducing the tuition to approximately USD 2,500 – lower than many international universities in Cambodia. Additional scholarships are available based on TOPIK scores (e.g. 60 per cent for Level 4, full for Level 6), and students can also apply for merit-based scholarships during their studies.
Cost of Living in Chungbuk Province
Living costs in Chungbuk province are approximately 30 per cent lower than in Seoul or Busan, with monthly expenses averaging around USD 300. Dormitories and local discounts are widely available. Chungbuk is also just an hour away from Seoul, making weekend travel convenient.
Can Cambodian Students Find Part-Time Work in Korea?
The working allowance is 10 hours per week for students who have not passed the TOPIK Level 3 language proficiency test. However, students who have obtained TOPIK Level 3 can work up to 25 hours during the week days, and an unlimited number of hours on weekends and during breaks.
Jobs are available in restaurants, marts, cafes, and logistics centres. The average wage is around USD 7 per hour at the current exchange rate, and can go up to USD 9 per hour. If students work up to 30 hours a week (e.g. 20 hours on weekdays, and 10 hours on the weekends) they can earn up to USD 860 per month.
Study-Work-Life Balance
Flexible university schedules and stable dormitory life mean many students can manage both studying and working in Korea. The Chungbuk Global Centre also offers counseling to help with stress management and maintaining a balanced lifestyle.
Some companies also sponsor graduate studies or support part-time learning. For example, Peter Sangseok Kim himself is currently studying Korean Language Education at the Digital Seoul Culture and Arts University while working full-time. Korea offers many online and offline study options, allowing international graduates to pursue further education in fields of their choice.
Watch “Part 4: Study to Employment Roadmap” with Savda Deng
Study to Employment Success Roadmap – Vision Track Program
After completing their studies, if students wish to continue seeking employment in Korea they must have a diploma, relevant certifications, and a company-sponsored visa (E-7). Some industries also require a TOPIK Level 3 proficiency test result or higher.
What is the Vision Track Program?
The ‘Vision Track’ program is a structured pathway allowing students to study in Chungbuk, participate in internships at local companies, and transition into full-time employment with options for long-term residency or permanent settlement. It links education, career, and integration into one seamless journey.
What Industries are Most Open to Foreign Workers in Korea?
IT, semiconductors, manufacturing, agri-food processing, logistics, and tourism/service sectors are key industries. In particular, Chungbuk’s bio-health and cosmetics sectors have high demand for international talent.
What Should Cambodian Students Know About Korean Workplace Culture?
Korean workplaces are characterised by hierarchical relationships, punctuality, and teamwork. While culture shock is possible, workplace etiquette training is provided. As Cambodian and Korean work cultures differ, advance preparation is important. University-provided internships also help students adjust to Korean corporate culture before full-time employment.
Chungbuk Global Centre offers company matching, resume/interview coaching, and internship recommendations. Practical tips offered by the centre include early career planning, language skill development, and active networking within Korea.
To learn more about the opportunities Chungbuk Global Centre offers Cambodian students, visit the centre's Facebook page.