Korea National Open University
Established in 1972 and becoming an independent national university in 1982[5], KNOU removes barriers to learning by offering undergraduate, graduate, and non-degree programs without traditional entry restrictions.Its open education model enables students from diverse backgrounds to pursue accredited degrees through various formats, including online platforms and regional centers.However, the selected candidates failed to meet public expectations relative to the costs incurred, and the proposal was ultimately rejected due to opposition from enrolled students.However, with the expansion of higher education in modern times, the demand for open universities, which previously addressed challenges related to population decline and income inequality, has somewhat diminished.Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a noticeable increase in remote learning and a shift toward practical education in South Korea, leading to renewed interest in open universities.Today, open universities are particularly popular among foreigners, socially isolated individuals (an issue of growing concern in Korean society), people without disabilities, the elderly, office workers, and some young adults.Cities which have KNOU campuses include: Seoul, Daejeon-Chungnam, Busan, Daegu-Gyeongbuk, Incheon, Gwangju-Jeonnam, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Jeonbuk, Chungbuk, Gyeongnam, Ulsan, Jeju.However, students who qualify for scholarships—such as young adults, senior citizens, naturalized foreigners in South Korea, or recipients of basic living subsidies—can reduce the total cost per semester to as little as $30, significantly lowering the financial burden or, in some cases, waiving the fee entirely.