Chinese Language and Literature

The Department of Chinese Language and Literature at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program dedicated to the study of Chinese language, literature, culture, and history. This program aims to develop students' proficiency in modern and classical Chinese, while also fostering a deep understanding of the rich literary and cultural heritage of China. Students engaging with this curriculum will explore a wide array of topics, including classical Chinese texts, contemporary Chinese literature, linguistic structures, translation techniques, and cross-cultural communication. The program emphasizes both linguistic skills and analytical thinking, encouraging students to critically examine literary works and cultural phenomena within historical and social contexts.

Throughout their studies, students will have opportunities to participate in intensive language training, academic research, and cultural exchange activities. The curriculum is designed to cultivate not only fluency in Chinese but also a nuanced appreciation of Chinese civilization’s evolution over millennia. Faculty members are distinguished scholars with expertise in Chinese linguistics, literature, philosophy, and history, providing students with mentorship and guidance for their academic pursuits and future careers.

Graduates of this program are well-equipped for diverse careers, including academia, translation, international business, diplomatic service, and cultural management. The program also prepares students for advanced studies in Chinese studies or related fields both within Korea and internationally. Through project-based learning, seminars, and research opportunities, students develop critical thinking, research skills, and intercultural competence. Overall, the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at Seoul National University offers a rigorous and enriching educational environment for those passionate about Chinese language and culture, fostering leadership and scholarly excellence in the global arena.

Courses:

• Readings in Classical Chinese 1
• Readings in Classical Chinese 2
• Intermediate Chinese 1
• Intermediate Chinese 2
• Readings in Traditional Chinese Poetry 1
• Readings in Traditional Chinese Poetry 2
• Introduction to Chinese Linguistics 1
• Introduction to Chinese Linguistics 2
• Chinese Conversation and Composition 1
• Chinese Conversation and Composition 2
• Literature and Society of Modern China
• Readings in Modern Chinese Literature
• Advanced Chinese
• Topics in Socio-cultural Aspects of China
• History of Chinese Literature 1
• History of Chinese Literature 2
• Readings in Traditional Chinese Prose 1
• Readings in Traditional Chinese Prose 2
• Implication of Chinese Traditional Culture and The Contemporary China
• Chinese Grammar
• Studies in Modern Chinese Literature
• Readings in Traditional Chinese Novel 1
• Readings in Traditional Chinese Novel 2
• Readings in Chinese Ci Poetry
• Qerforming Arts of China
• Thesis Writing on Subjects of Chinese Language and Literary
• Reading in Shijing and Chuci

1. Online
   application
2. Either
   proof
   of
   Korean
   or
   English
   proficiency
   is
   required;
   
   
   
   
   1)
   Korean
   Proficiency:
   TOPIK
   level
   3
   or
   higher
   
   
   
   
   2)
   English
   Proficiency:
   TOEFL
   (PBT
   550,
   CBT
   213,
   iBT
   80),
   TEPS
   551, IELTS
   5.5
   or
   higher
   
   
   
   3)
   Other
   official
   documents
   indicating
   proof
   of
   language
   proficiency (ie.
   SNU
   Korean
   Language
   Center
   Level
   4
   or
   higher)
3. Personal
   Statement
   and
   Study
   Plan
4. Letter
   of
   Recommendation
5. Counselor
   Reference
   
6. Official
   High
   School
   Transcript
   and
   Graduation
   Certificate
7. A
   Copy
   of
   the
   Applicant’s
   Passport
8. Certificate
   of
   Facts
   concerning
   the
   Entry
   and
   Exit
9. Portfolio,
   Records
   of
   Achievement,
   etc.
10. Agreement
    for
    Verification
    of
    Academic
    Record

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

If you wish to apply for the scholarship program, please fill out the scholarship application form every semester. Application period:

• During November(1st semester)
• During May(2nd semester)

New  Student (Merit scholarship)

• Funding: Fully funded or partially funded (admission fee + tuition 10%)
• Eligibility: New undergraduate student (Full fund – 2 by college (excluding science and engineering);

Partial fund – selected within the 30% of the registered students)

Current Student (Merit scholarship)

• GPA requirement: Completed more than one semester; 3.6 GPA or higher (average of all semesters)
• Funding: Fully funded
• Eligibility: Undergraduate student (selected from the allotted pool)

International Student Scholarship:

• GPA requirement: 2.4 GPA or higher (average of the previous semester)
• Funding: Tuition and fees (partial or fully funded)
• Eligibility: International student in the government-funded (government-invited) scholarship, international

  student (self-funded), Korean student living overseas and studying in Korea (undergraduate and graduate course)

SNU Foundation Scholarship:

• GPA requirement: 2.7 GPA or higher (average of the previous semester)
• Funding: Tuition and fees (partial or fully funded)
• Feature: Scholarship funded by some 200 funds created by Seoul National University Foundation

The following is the scholarship programs offered for undergraduate applicants. Students may apply for the programs before or during the admission application period. Applicants may find program details via this website http://en.snu.ac.kr/apply/info or supporting organizations.

Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

Eligibility

• International applicants who wish to apply for 4-year undergraduate programs of SNU.
• * Those who wish to study in the programs longer than 4 years – such as medicine, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, and architecture – cannot apply for this scholarship.

Number of Recipients

• Approximately 20~40 every year

Subsidies

• Full tuition fee: tuition exemption for 8 semesters
• Living expenses: 800,000 KRW per month
• Airfare: one economy round trip
• Korean language training fee: one year
  * Korean language training is mandatory and when the student does not achieve TOPIK grade 3 within a year, she/he is not eligible to enter the degree program.
• Others: medical insurance, settlement and returning expenses

Application Period

• September

Selection Procedure

• Applicants submit applications for this program to Korean embassies in their countries ⇒ the embassies make the first selection ⇒ the National Institute for International Education make the final selection

Contact

• SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-6971, sck590@snu.ac.kr

Reference

• NIIED: http://www.studyinkorea.go.kr (English version) ⇒ GKS ⇒ Introduction to the projects ⇒ Korean Government Scholarship Program
• 2016 KGSP Guideline Download

Overseas Koreans Scholarship

Eligibility

• Overseas Korean students who wish to take undergraduate degrees at SNU

Number of Recipients

• Approximately 5 students

Subsidies

• Full tuition exemption for a maximum of 8 semesters
• Living expenses: 800,000 KRW per month
• Airfare for one economy round trip
• Korean language training fee: fee exemption at the Language Education Institute for 8 months
• Medical insurance fees

Application Period

• March

Selection Procedure

• Applicants submit applications to Korean embassies in their countries ⇒ the embassies make the first selection ⇒ the Overseas Koreans Foundation make the second selection

Contacts

• SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-2519, intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr
• Overseas Koreans Foundation: 82-2-3415-0174, ljh@okf.or.kr
  * The latest announcement on this scholarship can be found only via the foundation’s website.

Reference

• Overseas Koreans Foundation: http://scholarship.korean.net (Korean)

The Bachelor of Arts in Korean Language and Literature at Seoul National University offers students a comprehensive education in Korean language, literature, and culture. The program is designed to develop students' proficiency in Korean language skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening, while also providing in-depth knowledge of Korean literary history, classical and modern works, literary analysis, and cultural studies. The curriculum includes core courses in Korean linguistics, literary theory, and literary history, alongside elective courses that explore various genres, authors, and periods within Korean literature. Students are encouraged to engage in critical thinking and analytical skills through seminars, research projects, and presentations, preparing them for careers in education, publishing, media, and cultural preservation.

The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical language skills, often incorporating modern pedagogical approaches and technology-enhanced learning tools. There are opportunities for students to participate in internships, language immersion programs, and academic exchanges with partner universities abroad, enriching their educational experience and cultural awareness. Faculty members are distinguished scholars in Korean language and literature, contributing to ongoing research and publications in the field. Students are also supported in developing their research through access to extensive university libraries, digital archives, and scholarly resources.

Graduates of the program are equipped with a deep appreciation and understanding of Korean language and literary traditions, as well as the skills necessary for careers in academia, cultural institutions, translation, and international relations. The program aims to foster a new generation of scholars and professionals who can contribute to the global dissemination and preservation of Korean cultural heritage. Overall, the Korean Language and Literature program at Seoul National University is recognized for its rigorous academic standards, rich curriculum, and commitment to fostering intellectual growth and cultural awareness among its students.