Korean Language and Literature

The Department of Korean Language and Literature at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive and rigorous academic program designed to cultivate students' deep understanding and appreciation of Korea's rich linguistic and literary heritage. This program aims to foster expertise in Korean language, literature, and culture, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for scholarly research, cultural preservation, and contribution to Korea's literary development. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of courses covering classical and modern Korean literature, linguistics, philology, literary criticism, and cultural studies, providing students with a holistic understanding of Korea’s literary traditions and language evolution. Throughout the program, students engage in analytical reading, in-depth research, and critical thinking, enabling them to interpret and analyze Korean literary texts within their historical, social, and cultural contexts. Emphasis is also placed on developing proficiency in Korean language skills, both written and spoken, to ensure students can effectively communicate scholarly insights and participate actively in academic and cultural discourse. The department encourages students to undertake independent research projects, participate in academic seminars, and collaborate with faculty members renowned for their expertise in Korean literature and linguistics. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in academia, literary criticism, cultural preservation, translation, and media, as well as for further graduate studies. With state-of-the-art facilities, extensive resources, and a vibrant academic community, the Department of Korean Language and Literature offers an immersive environment to explore Korea’s literary and linguistic landscape deeply. The program’s goal is not only to produce scholars with profound knowledge of Korean language and literature but also to foster appreciation for cultural diversity and the importance of cultural heritage in a globalized world.

First grader: 

• Korean Liturature and Society
• Introduction to Korean Linguistics
• Introduction to Korean Literature

Second Grader:

• Readings in Classical Korean Poetry
• Studies in Korean Grammar
• Modern Korean Poets
• A Korean Phonology
• Modern Korean Drama
• Readings in Classical Korean Prose
• A Modern Korean Novel

Third Grader:

• History of Classical Korean Literature
• A History of Korean Language
• Modern Korean Authors
• Studies in Sino－Korean Literature
• Korean Dialectology
• History of Modern Korean Literature
• Modern Korean Poets
• Classical Korean Poetry
• Korean Computational Linguistics
• A Studies in Korean Semantics

Fourth Grader:

• A History of Korean Linguistics
• Korean Oral Literature
• Readings in Modern Korean Novel(*)
• Modern Korean Literary Criticism
• Korean Lexicology(*) 
• Classic Korean Literature and Philology(*)
• Classical Korean Novel
• Readings in Classical Sino－Korean Literature(*) 
• Readings in Modern Korean Poetry(*) 
• Readings in Korean Linguistics(*)

• Online
  application
• 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)
• Personal
  Statement
  and
  Study
  Plan
• Letter
  of
  Recommendation
• Counselor
  Reference
  
• Official
  High
  School
  Transcript
  and
  Graduation
  Certificate
• A
  Copy
  of
  the
  Applicant’s
  Passport
• Certificate
  of
  Facts
  concerning
  the
  Entry
  and
  Exit
• Portfolio,
  Records
  of
  Achievement,
  etc.
• Agreement
  for
  Verification
  of
  Academic
  Record

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’s degree program in Korean Language and Literature at Seoul National University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of Korean linguistic and literary traditions. This program aims to cultivate students' proficiency in the Korean language, alongside critical and analytical skills necessary for scholarly research and cultural understanding. The curriculum encompasses a broad range of courses, including Korean grammar, phonetics, historical linguistics, classical Korean literature, modern Korean literature, literary theory, and Korean cultural studies. Students are encouraged to explore the evolution of the Korean language from ancient to modern periods, gaining insight into linguistic changes and historical contexts.

Furthermore, the program emphasizes the appreciation and analysis of literary texts from various periods, fostering skills in literary criticism and interpretation. Students have opportunities to engage with contemporary Korean authors and explore themes relevant to Korean society and culture through seminars, workshops, and research projects. The program also promotes language proficiency through advanced language courses aimed at refining reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. As part of the degree, students may participate in research activities, internships, or language exchange programs, enhancing practical experience and intercultural competence.

Graduates of the program are equipped to pursue careers in academia, education, cultural preservation, translation, and media, or to continue their studies at the graduate level. The faculty comprises renowned scholars in Korean linguistics and literature, providing mentorship and fostering a vibrant academic community. The campus facilities support extensive research and learning environments, including language labs, libraries, and digital archives. The program’s aim is to produce graduates who are not only proficient in the Korean language but also capable of contributing to the understanding and dissemination of Korean literary and cultural heritage worldwide.