Korean Studies

The Department of Korean Studies at Korea University offers a comprehensive undergraduate and graduate program dedicated to the in-depth study of Korean history, culture, language, society, and political developments. Our curriculum is designed to provide students with a profound understanding of Korea's rich cultural heritage and contemporary societal dynamics, preparing them for careers in academia, government, international organizations, media, and cultural industries. Students have the opportunity to explore various interdisciplinary fields, including Korean history, philosophy, literature, art, and Korean language proficiency. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and cross-cultural communication, enabling graduates to engage effectively in global contexts. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, research projects, and fieldwork, students gain practical experience and develop a nuanced perspective on Korea's place within East Asia and the world. Our faculty comprises leading scholars with extensive research backgrounds, actively involved in international academic exchanges and collaborative projects. The program also offers study abroad options, language immersion programs, and internships, enriching students' academic experience and cultural understanding. Graduates of the Korean Studies program at Korea University are well-equipped to pursue advanced studies or enter professional fields that require expertise in Korea's history, society, and language. With a commitment to fostering academic excellence and intercultural competence, the department aims to produce graduates who can contribute meaningfully to Korea-related fields globally.

• KOREA & APEC
• KOREAN-EU RELATIONS
• COMPARATIVE SOCIETIES
• THE KOREAN POLITICS
• SPECIAL TOPICS IN KOREAN POLITICS I
• SPECIAL TOPICS IN KOREAN POLITICS II
• SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND POLITICAL CHANGE IN KOREA
• THE KOREAN ECONOMY
• SPECIAL TOPICS IN KOREAN ECONOMY I
• SPECIAL TOPICS IN KOREAN ECONOMY II
• INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY OF KOREA
• INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION OF KOREA
• FINANCIAL SYSTEM OF KOREA
• DYNAMICS OF KOREAN MANAGEMENT
• FOREIGN TRADE AND INVESTMENT OF KOREA
• GOVERNMENT-BUSINESS RELATIONS OF KOREA
• KOREAN CULTURE
• SPECIAL TOPICS IN KOREAN SOCIETY AND CULTURE I
• SPECIAL TOPICS IN KOREAN SOCIETY AND CULTURE II
• SPECIAL TOPICS IN KOREAN SOCIETY AND CULTURE III
• BUSINESS CULTURE OF KOREA
• KOREAN CINEMA IN A GLOBAL CONTEXT
• HISTORY OF KOREAN ART
• KOREAN AESTHETICS
• RELIGION IN KOREA
• SOCIAL CHANGE IN KOREA
• THE KOREAN LEGAL SYSTEM
• KOREAN-RUSSIAN RELATIONS
• KOREA-U.S. RELATIONS
• KOREAN-JAPANESE RELATIONS
• ADVANCED READINGS IN KOREAN
• NORTH-SOUTH KOREAN RELATIONS

Requirements

• Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university, or being expected to hold prior to entering KUGSIS. 
• Official Transcripts of all Colleges and Universities you listed on your online application
• Two Letters of Recommendation from Professors familiar with your academic work, or from professional supervisors
• TOEFL (iBT only) or IELTS score report
• Application Fee (USD80 or KRW80,000) & the Receipt
• Statement of Purpose(SOP)
• Bank Statement
• Int’l student A/B Verification Document

Scholarships

• Scholarship for Excellence
• Research/ Teaching/Administration Assistant Scholarship
• KU GSIS International Students Scholarship A/B
• Korea Foundation Fellowship
• NIIED Scholarship (Korean Government Scholarship)
• KOICA Scholarship

Korea University's Korean Studies program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of Korea's history, culture, language, politics, and society. The program aims to cultivate scholars and professionals who are well-versed in Korea's rich heritage and can contribute to fostering international understanding and cooperation. Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to develop proficiency in the Korean language through rigorous coursework, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening components, often supplemented with practical language immersion experiences.

The curriculum encompasses various specialized courses such as Korean history, literature, philosophy, traditional arts, and modern cultural studies, allowing students to explore Korea's diverse cultural landscape. Additionally, the program emphasizes research skills and critical thinking, encouraging students to analyze contemporary issues facing Korea within a historical and cultural context. Many courses are taught by faculty members who are experts in fields such as Korean history, linguistics, anthropology, and area studies, providing students with scholarly guidance and mentorship.

Students are also encouraged to participate in exchange programs, internships, and fieldwork to gain practical experience and a global outlook. Korea University supports various extracurricular activities, including cultural events, seminars, and conferences, to deepen students' engagement with Korean society and promote academic networking. Graduates of the Korean Studies program often find careers in academia, cultural institutions, government agencies, international organizations, and industries that require specialized knowledge of Korea.

The program is designed to be interdisciplinary, allowing students to tailor their academic trajectory according to their interests and career goals. It is suitable for those who wish to pursue further studies such as master's or doctoral degrees or who seek to work globally with expertise in Korean language and culture. With a dedicated faculty and excellent resources, Korea University’s Korean Studies program is recognized for its academic excellence and its role in fostering cross-cultural understanding.