Physics

The Bachelor of Science in Physics at Seoul National University offers students a comprehensive and rigorous education in the fundamentals of physical sciences, preparing them for diverse careers in research, industry, or further academic pursuits. The program is designed to develop a deep understanding of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and modern physics, providing students with the theoretical foundation necessary to explore the physical universe. Through a combination of lectures, laboratory work, and research opportunities, students gain hands-on experience in experimental techniques and data analysis, which are essential skills in scientific investigation. The curriculum also encourages the development of critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills, equipping graduates to tackle complex scientific challenges and contribute to technological advancements. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, enabling them to participate in cutting-edge projects alongside faculty members who are active researchers in various fields of physics, such as condensed matter physics, astrophysics, nanotechnology, and particle physics. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical application, fostering an environment where students can explore their interests through electives and specialized courses. Furthermore, Seoul National University promotes an international academic environment, offering exchange programs and collaborative research opportunities with leading universities worldwide. Graduates of the Physics program at Seoul National University often pursue careers in academia, industry, government research institutes, or continue their studies in graduate programs. The program aims to cultivate not only expert physicists but also innovative thinkers who can contribute to scientific progress and societal development through their knowledge and skills. With a dedicated faculty committed to academic excellence and student success, the Physics program at Seoul National University ensures an enriching educational experience that prepares students to excel in a rapidly advancing world of science and technology.

• Introduction to Departmental Research Activities
• Quantum Mechanics
• Electrodynamics 1
• Classical Mechanics
• Advanced Laboratory
• Condensed Matter Physics 1
• Basic Nuclear and Particle Physics
• Laser Physics
• Phase Transitions and Critical Phenomena
• Quantum Field Theory 1
• Advanced Topics in Applied Physics 1
• Advanced Topics in Condensed Matter Physics 1
• Statistical Mechanics
• Quantum Mechanics 2
• Nuclear Physics
• Electrodynamics 2
• Applied Computational Physics
• Particle Physics
• Quantum Field Theory 2
• Selected Topics in Physics
• Advanced Topics in Nuclei and Particles 2
• General Relativity
• Mathematical Physics
• Physics of Complex Systems
• Condensed Matter Physics 2
• Atomic Physics
• Advanced Topics in Condensed Matter Physics 2
• Advanced Topics in Applied Physics 2
• Biological Physics
• String Theory

1. Online
   application
2. 
   proof
   of
   Korean
   
   proficiency
   is
   required;
   
   
   
   
   1)
   Korean
   Proficiency:
   TOPIK
   level
   3
   or
   higher
   
   
   
   
   2)
   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

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)

International Student Scholarship

• GPA requirement: 3.0 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)

Lecture/Research Scholarship

• GPA requirement: 3.3 GPA or higher (average of the previous semester; excluding new students)
• Eligibility: Graduate student recommended by the advising professor; an annual income of less than KRW 12 million
• Working condition: 10 or more hours a week (40 hours/month)
• Responsibility: Assist the lectures by the professor, general electives and research; help students with their course; manage assignments; manage laboratory; fulfill administrative duties for the undergraduate course, etc.
• Funding: Current student: Fully funded tuition and fees and monthly scholarship;

  Research student: Monthly scholarship

• Termination: If on leave of absence, disciplinary action or determined to be unqualified for other reasons

Core TA Scholarship

• Eligibility: Returning graduate student and research student
• Funding: Type A – Tuition (partially funded) and monthly research aid / Type B  – Half of the monthly research aid
• Duration: 1st semester : March – August (6 months) /

  2nd semester: September – February of the following year (6 months)

• Responsibility: Attend the assigned lecture; supervise discussion; check assignments; focus on Laboratory

  sessions/Experiment/Practice courses; assist practice, etc.

SNU Foundation Scholarship

• GPA requirement: 3.3 GPA or higher (average of the previous semester)
• Funding: Tuition and fees (partially or fully funded)
• Feature: Scholarship funded by some 200 funds created by Seoul National University Foundation

The following is the scholarship programs offered for graduate applicants. Students may apply for the programs before or during the admission application period. The annual announcement will be posted on this websitehttp://en.snu.ac.kr/apply/info.

Graduate Scholarship for Excellent Foreign Students (GSFS)

Eligibility

• Asian students, excluding Japanese and Chinese nationals, who wish to study one of the designated graduate programs
  * The programs eligible for this scholarship are subject to change, and different by applicants’ nationalities. The eligible programs list is announced every semester.

Number of Recipients

• Approximately 20

Subsidies

• Tuition fee: full tuition exemption for a maximum of 4 semesters
• Living expenses: 500,000 KRW per month (different according to recipients’ majors)

Application Period

• During admission period for international students every semester

Selection Procedure

• Applicants who submit admission application to SNU’s Office of Admissions ⇒ applicants submit scholarship application to SNU’s Office of International Affairs ⇒ Selection made by respective Colleges/Schools based on the admission documents ⇒ decision noticed

Contact

• SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-2519, intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr

Silk-Road Scholarship

Eligibility

• Applicants from the countries in the ‘Silk-Road’ area who want to study humanities or social sciences, including Korean language, history, culture, politics, and economics

Number of Recipients

• About 5 new graduate students

Subsidies

• Tuition fee: full tuition fee exemption for a maximum of 4 semesters
• Living expenses: maximum of 600,000 KRW per month for 4 semesters
• Airfare: maximum of 1 million KRW for one economy round trip
• Korean language training fee: fee exemption at the Language Education Institute

Application Period

• During admission period for international students every Fall semester

Selection Procedure

• Applicants who submit admission application to SNU’s Office of Admissions ⇒ applicants submit scholarship application to SNU’s Office of International Affairs ⇒ Selection made by respective Colleges/Schools based on the admission documents ⇒ decision noticed

Contact

• SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-2519, intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr

Overseas Koreans Scholarship

Eligibility

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

Subsidies

• Full tuition exemption
• Living expenses: 800,000 KRW per month for 4 semesters
• Insurance fees: approximately 30,000 per month
• Settlement expenses aid upon initial arrival: 500,000 KRW (one-time payment)
• Airfare for one economy round trip
• Language training expenses: for 2 semesters

Application Period

• March and September

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

Contact

• SNU staff in charge: 82-2-880-2519, intlscholarship@snu.ac.kr

Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)

Eligibility

• International students applying for SNU’s graduate programs

Number of Recipients

• 325

Subsidies

• Full tuition fee: tuition exemption for 4 semesters for master’s program and 6 semesters for Ph. D program
• Living expenses: 900,000 KRW per month
• Airfare: one economy round trip
• Korean language training fee: for 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, research fund, thesis printing fees, settlement and returning expenses

Application Period

• February

Selection Procedure

※ Applicants choose one of the following application methods.

• University Recommendation Program: applicants submit applications to SNU’s Office of Admission ⇒ the National Institute for International Education make the selection
• Embassy Recommendation Program: applications submit applications to Korean Embassies in their countries ⇒ the National Institute for International Education make the selection

Contact

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

The Physics undergraduate program at Seoul National University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundation in both theoretical and experimental physics. The curriculum encompasses core physics disciplines such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermodynamics, quantum mechanics, and statistical physics, ensuring that graduates have a robust understanding of fundamental physical principles. In addition to foundational courses, students have opportunities to explore specialized fields including condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, astrophysics, and particle physics. The program emphasizes both classroom learning and laboratory research, encouraging students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and research competencies essential for careers in academia, industry, or further graduate study.

Seoul National University maintains state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities, providing students with hands-on experience using advanced instrumentation and computational tools. The department promotes active participation in research projects, often in collaboration with national research institutes and international partners, enabling students to engage with current scientific challenges and innovations. The curriculum is periodically updated to reflect the latest developments in physics, ensuring that students are well-equipped for future scientific or technological careers.

The department also offers various programs and activities aimed at enriching the student experience, such as seminars, workshops, and guest lectures by eminent physicists from around the world. Students are encouraged to partake in national and international conferences, publish research findings, and participate in internships to enhance their professional development. For those pursuing graduate studies, Seoul National University provides a seamless transition through integrated master's and doctoral programs, supported by faculty mentors with expertise in diverse physics disciplines.

Graduates of the Physics program at Seoul National University are well-prepared for careers in scientific research, academia, industry sectors such as electronics, aerospace, and energy, or for further advanced studies. The program's comprehensive approach, combining rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and international perspectives, aims to cultivate the next generation of innovative physicists contributing to technological advancement and scientific understanding.