Location of KAIST
KAIST is located in Daedeok Science Town, home to more than sixty government-supported and privately-run research institutes, four universities, and numerous venture businesses. The Science Town is situated at the northern part of Daejeon, which is approximately 150 km south of Seoul and has a population of over 1.3 million. KAIST takes advantage of the area's ideal geographical conditions and the abundant opportunities for research, fulfilling the academic needs of our faculty and students through collaboration and exchange with institutions and organizations in the vicinity.
Accommodation
1) Student dormitory
- Eligibility: exchange students, KAIST summer program participants
** Visiting students and internship students can apply and occupy on-campus dormitory room if it is available. - Dormitory rooms are furnished with beds, wardrobes, and desks. Students should prepare their own sheets, pillow/pillowcase, and blankets during their stay. Cleaning can be done (by the students themselves) either in one .... of the on-campus dry cleaners or elsewhere.
- Restrooms, showers, coin-operated washing machines, and computer labs are shared in the dormitory.
- Kitchen facilities are not available in the dormitory. Meal services are available at on-campus cafeterias serving three times a day, Monday through Sunday. The average price of a meal is US$2.
- Dormitories are installed with LAN, allowing 24-hour access to information networking.
- Check-in dates:
| Fall semester | Spring semester |
| Twin Share Double (one semester basis for undergraduates) | Twin Share Double (six-month basis for graduates) |
| - Male:232,000 won/4 months - Female: 240,000 won/4 months |
Male & Female - 348,000 won |
2) Apartment style housing
There are on-campus and off-campus apartment style housings for foreign professors, visiting professors, post-doc., and married student couples. Each unit has one or two rooms, kitchen, living rooms, and bathroom. To reserve it, please ask your academic division or department office before you come to KAIST.
Campus Health Service
The campus clinic is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and every other Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For information or for an appointment, call 350-2175. The nursing staff members provide all students and staff with a limited low cost, consultation service. A regular medical check-up is given once a year with notification. International degree-seeking students are eligible to apply for medical aid membership to the Student Welfare Team (T. 350-2177), which covers up to 45~65% of the total treatment fees for injuries/diseases and provides a free medical examination, medical consultation, and vaccination. However, international exchange students, visiting students, and internship students coming to KAIST should arrange for health insurance from their respective home countries. Exchange students should submit a copy of their health insurance to the International Relations Office upon their arrival. Telephone Numbers of Clinics and Hospitals designated by KAIST
| Hospital & Clinics in Daejeon | Telephone |
| Daejeon Sun General Hospital | 252-7771 |
| Yonsei Clinic | 862-6625 |
| Sung Ophthalmic Clinic | 522-0901 |
| Yoon Sangim Clinic for Internal Diseases | 862-7590 |
| Yoon Dental Clinic | 862-2800 |
| Kim Soon Shin Herb Clinic | 863-5600 |
| Joongang Clinic of Neuropsychiatry | 255-1489 |
| Choi SookJa Clinic of Neuropsychiatry | 527-8993 |
| Kim Wan-jung Clinic of Neuropsychiatry | 255-8559 |
| Lee Chulho Clinic of Dermatology | 254-5867 |
| Cha Jong-sik Clinic of Dermatology | 483-7606 |
| Jae-il Ophthalmic Clinic | 256-5162 |
| Yum Clinic of Otorhinology | 534-7050 |
| Yusong Clinic of Orthopedics | 822-3773 |
| Lee Sungkoo Clinic of Otolaryngology | 823-0555 |
| Cho Sung Joong Clinic of Dermatology and Urology | 822-9132 |
* Students with a KAIST ID will pay 30~40% less at the clinics and hospitals above.
Cost of Living
We estimate that a single international student living alone in an on-campus dormitory requires approximately US$ 420 per month for living expenses.
| Rental fee of dormitory room | 55,000 won |
| Meals at the campus cafeteria | 2,500 ~ 3,000 won/meal |
| Meals at a restaurant | 4,000~ 15,000 won/meal |
| Approximate budget for one month | 500,000 won |
Banking /ATM
The KAIST branch of Woori Bank is located in the Student Center (graduate area). The bank issues drafts, traveler’s checks, or foreign currency (US dollars). We strongly recommend that you set up a bank account in the bank, without any fee. To open an account, you will need to bring your passport as identification. When you withdraw cash by using your VISA or Master card, please go to the bank with your passport and your card. The bank is open from 09:30 to 16:40, Monday through Friday, excluding national holidays. However, the ATM in the administration building is available from 9:00 to 22:00, every day.
Korean Language Course
Most lectures are conducted in Korean. The Language Center (http://lang.kaist.ac.kr) located at KAIST offers 10 weeks of Korean language instruction for international exchange students. The course fee will be paid by KAIST.
E-mail Account
Each international exchange student who has a student ID number is eligible to open a KAIST e-mail account during his/her stay at KAIST. To open an e-mail account, please contact the Information & Communications Team at sysop@mail.kaist.ac.kr
IC (Integrated circuit) Card
To enter your dormitory or each building, you should carry your IC card with you, especially during the night. To apply for the IC card, please visit the General Affairs Team (T. 350-8000) in person, located on the fourth floor of the Main Administration Building, after paying the refundable deposit (20,000 Korean won) to the KAIST branch of Woori Bank. If you lose your card, your deposit will not be returned.
Student ID
Students who need picture ID cards should submit one picture (passport size) to the Academic Registrar’s Team (T. 350-2361~3), located in Room 212 of the Main Administration Building.
Friday Night Cultural Events
Friday Night Cultural Events are a means of promoting a campus culture that is mindful of the arts. From classical music concerts to traditional Korean plays, these programs provide a rare opportunity to enjoy a variety of performances by some of the most distinguished local and international artists.
- Venue: KAIST Auditorium
- Date & Time: Every Friday at 7:30 pm (Excluding vacation periods)
- Inquiries & Contact: KAIST Public Relations Team (Tel. 350-2295)