As the academic year kicks off, universities buzz with activity, especially with new students settling into their dorms. If you're embarking on a study abroad journey in Korea, here are seven essential destinations you shouldn't miss.

1. Sinchon: University life can't be complete without going to Sinchon. The mecca of college hangouts, this is the place to be on Friday nights and weekends. With many shops and restaurants to eat at, Sinchon has become one of the hot spots for college students.

2. Coin Karaoke: What's the easiest way to get your mind off the stress of school than singing your heart out? A trendy place that you'll often see many college students at is none other than the coin karaoke.

3. Everland: With college comes finals, and when you're done with your exams, you're definitely going to want to celebrate, so what better way than celebrating with a trip to Everland? The amusement park offers various ride attractions and is a great place to get some of the best snacks, too.

4. Namsan Tower: Sometimes, being stuck in a classroom every day can get to you, so if you're looking to get a breath of fresh air, make sure you make your way to Namsan Tower. Not only do you get a fantastic view of the entire city, but it's also another way to give your mind some time to relax.

5. Hongdae: To let loose, make sure you also go and drop by Hongdae. This is where you'll see most of the busking, wherein street performers will sing or dance. It's a great place to not only shop but also to eat.

6. Net Cafe (PC Bang): Night owl life is just the norm for any college student, and the perfect place to go is definitely the PC Bang. Here, you find many college students playing computer games and snacking on some of the best late-night dishes!

7. Manhwa Cafes: If you get tired of reading textbooks, time to dive into the adventures of manhwas (comics). You can literally spend all day here reading through various manhwas. Whether it be romance, thriller, or comedy, you won't notice time passing. All the yummy dishes they serve attract even more college students.

College life is all about going out into the world and having fun; as they say, you only get to live out your twenties once, so what better way than to explore all the hotspots of Korea?