Chung-Ang University Housing, Dorms & Korean Language Program: A Guide for Foreign Students
Chung-Ang University's Seoul campus sits in Dongjak-gu, on the south bank of the Han River — a quieter, more residential part of the city than the busy university clusters of Sinchon or Anam.
This guide covers CAU's Korean Language Program fees, dorm options including the Global House, and where students actually live off campus near CAU.
Chung-Ang University Map & Campus Address
Seoul Campus Address: 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 동작구 흑석로 84)
The Seoul campus is served by two nearby subway stations: Heukseok Station (흑석역, Line 9) near the main gate, and Sangdo Station (상도역, Line 7) on the back side. The campus itself is hilly — most buildings require significant uphill walking from the main gate, so location matters when choosing housing.
For the campus map, visit → https://www.cau.ac.kr/cms/FR_CON/index.do?MENU_ID=90
Chung-Ang University Korean Language Program
CAU's Korean language program is run by the Language Education Center (언어교육원), located in Building 101 on the Seoul campus. The program runs four semesters a year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter), each 10 weeks long (200 hours, Monday to Friday).
| Fee item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition (수강료) | ₩1,700,000 | Per 10-week semester |
| Application fee (전형료) | ₩100,000 | Paid once per application, even for multiple semesters |
| Total | ₩1,800,000 | Textbooks (₩56,000–₩60,000) and insurance sold separately |
Source: CAU Language Education Center → Contact: Korean@cau.ac.kr / +82-2-820-6490~2
💡 For D-4 visa applicants, a minimum of 2 semesters (₩3,500,000) must be registered. Students from Vietnam, Myanmar, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan must register for 4 semesters. If you already hold a valid Korean visa and don't need a D-4, 1-semester registration is available — contact the office directly.
Degree Programs (학부 / 대학원)
CAU is one of Korea's top private universities with strong programs in art, film, music, and business (AACSB accredited). Undergraduate and graduate tuition varies by department. For current figures, visit https://oia.cau.ac.kr or contact oiaadmin@cau.ac.kr
Chung-Ang University Dormitory : Global House (글로벌 하우스)
Dorm Overview
KLP students can apply for the on-campus Global House (글로벌 하우스, Building 307). Rooms are 2-person only. The dorm is popular and fills on a first-come, first-served basis — apply as soon as you receive your admission letter.
Chung-Ang University Dorm Fee
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Room type | 2-person room (2인 1실) |
| Fee — new students | ₩800,000 / semester (10 weeks) |
| Fee — extension | ₩1,000,000 / semester (13 weeks) |
Chung-Ang University Dorm Address & Facilities
- Dorm address: Building 307, 84 Heukseok-ro, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
- In-room: Bed, desk, chair, bookshelf, wardrobe, air conditioning
- Shared facilities: Bathroom, shower room, laundry room, microwave, water purifier, shared refrigerator
- Meals: Cafeteria available in Buildings 303, 308, and 310 — meal tickets purchased separately
- Cooking: Not permitted in rooms
Chung-Ang University Dorm Application
Applications are submitted online during the designated period after your admission letter is issued. As spots are limited and allocated first-come, first-served, apply as early as possible. For application details, visit the Language Education Center website or contact Korean@cau.ac.kr.
💡 The Global House dorm at CAU is genuinely affordable — ₩800,000 for 10 weeks works out to around ₩80,000/week. If you can get a spot, it's worth prioritizing over off-campus options.
Chung-Ang University Off-Campus Housing
Most CAU students live off campus in one of two neighborhoods: Heukseok (흑석) near the main gate, or Sangdo (상도) on the back side of campus. They suit different lifestyles and both have real trade-offs.
Most students choose between Heukseok and Sangdo, but a third group extends their search further — to Sillim (신림) or Nakseongdae (낙성대) on Line 2. It's a longer commute (20–30 minutes by subway and bus), but for students who want significantly lower rent or more amenities, it's worth considering.
Chung-Ang University Student Housing Cost — By Area
Heukseok (흑석) — Closest to Main Gate
Heukseok Station is on Line 9, directly connected to the CAU main gate. Line 9 express reaches Gangnam in ~20 minutes and Yeouido in ~15 — the best transport option for students commuting or working in those areas.
The area is currently undergoing significant redevelopment, which is improving amenities over time but creates a mixed picture — some pockets have older buildings with limited facilities, others have been upgraded. The hilliness is a real practical factor; most routes to campus involve steep inclines.
| Room type | Monthly rent | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| One-room (원룸) | ₩500,000 – ₩550,000 | ₩3–10 mil |
| 1-bedroom / 2-bed | ₩800,000 – ₩900,000 | ₩5–20 mil |
✅ Strengths: Direct Line 9 access, closest to main gate, Han River bridge within 10 min walk, redevelopment bringing new amenities
⚠️ Things to know: Steep uphill roads throughout, limited restaurants in some areas, older buildings with weaker security in maintenance zones, noise during campus festivals
Sangdo (상도) — Quieter & More Residential
Sangdo is on Line 7 and connects to campus via the village bus (마을버스). The neighborhood is generally cleaner and quieter than Heukseok — popular with students who want a calm living environment. Seodal Mountain (서달산) and Noryangjin Park are nearby for walks.
| Room type | Monthly rent | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| One-room (원룸) | ₩500,000 – ₩550,000 | ₩5–10 mil |
| 1-bedroom / 2-bed | ₩800,000 – ₩900,000 | ₩5–20 mil |
✅ Strengths: Quieter and more pleasant atmosphere, good security, green space nearby, variety of cafes and student restaurants, Line 7 access
⚠️ Things to know: Village bus (마을버스 01) to campus congested at 8–9am, limited supermarkets, fewer officetels than in other university areas
SNU Station / Nakseongdae (서울대입구 / 낙성대) — Accessible Option with a Direct Bus
Some CAU students live further out in the SNU Station and Nakseongdae area (Gwanak-gu, Line 2). These neighborhoods are primarily known as the home base for Seoul National University students, but the commute to CAU is more convenient than it looks: Bus 5524 runs directly from Nakseongdae Station to Chung-Ang University without transfers. Around 20–30 minutes door to door depending on traffic.
The reason students make this trade-off: more housing options and public transportation(Line 2) than Heukseok or Sangdo, and the area has more cafes, restaurants, and student-oriented amenities.
| Room type | Monthly rent | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| One-room (원룸) | ₩550,000 – ₩1,000,000 | ₩5–10 mil |
| Goshiwon | ₩400,000 – ₩450,000 | Little to none |
- Seoul National University Station: Most Popular Neighborhood Guide →
- Nakseongdae: A Budget-Friendly Alternative →
What Types of Housing Will You Find?
- One-room (원룸) — Most common choice for foreign students near CAU. Available in both Heukseok and Sangdo.
- Officetel (오피스텔) — Less common near CAU than in areas like Gangnam. Limited availability. Higher deposit and rent but better facilities.
- Goshiwon (고시원) — Budget option, more available near Noryangjin.
Find out more about Korean Housing Info → Learn more about Korean Housing Info
The area around Chung-Ang University is calmer and more residential than most Seoul university districts — well-suited to students who prefer a quieter base with solid transport access to Gangnam and Yeouido. If you want more urban energy and a wider range of amenities, Noryangjin or Sillim are within reach.
Ready to find a room near Chung-Ang University? Browse verified, foreigner-friendly listings on Checkmate Korea.