Astronomy

The Department of Astronomy at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to equip students with a solid foundation in astrophysics, observational astronomy, and cosmology. The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills, preparing students for careers in research, education, and industry related to space sciences. Students have access to state-of-the-art observatories and laboratories, enabling hands-on experience with astronomical instrumentation, data analysis, and research methodologies. The program covers fundamental topics such as celestial mechanics, stellar evolution, extragalactic astronomy, and astrophysical phenomena, while also providing opportunities to specialize in areas like planetary science, astrophysical instrumentation, and computational astronomy. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to participate in research projects, internships, and international collaborations, fostering a global perspective and innovative thinking. The faculty members are renowned researchers and educators dedicated to mentoring students and advancing the frontiers of astronomical science. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue advanced studies or enter careers in space agencies, observatories, research institutes, and academia. The Department of Astronomy at Seoul National University is committed to fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific excellence among its students, contributing to the advancement of our understanding of the universe.

• Calculus 1
• Astronomy
• Astronomy Lab.
• Physics 1 (or
• Honor Physics 1 or
• Foundation of Physics 1)
• Physics Lab.1
• Calculus 2
• Astronomy
• Astronomy Lab.
• Physics 2 (or
• Honor Physics 2 or
• Foundation of Physics 2)
• Physics Lab.2
• Stars and Stellar System
• Galaxies and Universe
• Astronomical Observations & Lab 1
• Solar System Astronimy and Lab
• Astronomical Observations & Lab 2
• Introduction to Astrophysics 1
• Supervised Reading & Research
• Introduction to Astrophysics 2
• Computational Astronomy
• Space Environment
• ntroduction to Stellar Atmosphere
• Introduction to Modern Cosmology
• Introduction to Astronomical Instrumentation

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

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 Science in Astronomy at Seoul National University is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the fundamental principles of astronomy and astrophysics. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including celestial mechanics, stellar astrophysics, galactic and extragalactic astronomy, cosmology, and observational techniques. Students are encouraged to develop strong analytical and mathematical skills essential for data analysis and research in the field. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical experience, providing opportunities for students to participate in telescopic observations, laboratory experiments, and research projects under the guidance of experienced faculty members. Seoul National University’s Department of Astronomy benefits from its robust research environment, equipped with state-of-the-art telescopes and astronomical instruments. This allows students to engage in original research, contributing to ongoing advancements in our understanding of the universe. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in research institutions, observatories, space agencies, or to pursue advanced degrees in astronomy or related fields. It also emphasizes the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills. Students have access to seminars, workshops, and conferences where they can present their research findings and collaborate with international researchers. The university maintains active partnerships and exchanges with top institutions worldwide, providing opportunities for students to broaden their academic and cultural perspectives. Graduates of this program are expected to have a well-rounded understanding of astronomical phenomena, the ability to interpret astronomical data, and a readiness to contribute to scientific discoveries in astrophysics and related disciplines. Overall, the Astronomy program at Seoul National University aims to cultivate the next generation of scientists, researchers, and educators dedicated to exploring the cosmos.