Archaeology

The Department of Archaeology at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of human history and cultural development through the study of archaeological methods, theories, and materials. This program aims to equip students with the essential skills required for archaeological research, excavation techniques, artifact analysis, and cultural heritage management. Students will engage in a broad curriculum that includes courses in prehistoric archaeology, ancient civilizations, archaeological methodology, conservation and preservation, and digital archaeology. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, encouraging hands-on participation in fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and research projects. Through collaborations with museums, cultural institutions, and excavation sites, students gain real-world experience and develop a global perspective on cultural heritage issues. The Department also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from anthropology, history, geology, and other related fields to foster a well-rounded understanding of archaeological phenomena. Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in archaeology, cultural heritage management, museum curation, research, and academia. The program aims to nurture future leaders in the field, promoting the preservation and appreciation of human history and cultural diversity. With access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty members, students are supported throughout their academic journey, encouraged to pursue innovative research, and participate in seminars, workshops, and symposiums. The Department of Archaeology at Seoul National University is committed to fostering a vibrant academic community dedicated to advancing archaeological knowledge and promoting cultural understanding both locally and globally.

• Theories and Methods in Archaeology
• Archaeology of Southwest Asia
• Topics in Archaeological Methodology
• Seminar in Historical Archaeology
• Archaeology of Northeast Asia
• Lithic Archaeology
• Seminar in Prehistoric Archaeology
• Topics in Archaeology
• Fundamentals in Archaeology
• Archaeology of China
• Archaeology of Japan
• Archaeology of Europe
• Archaeology of Americas
• Pottery Analysis in Archaeology
• Archaeology of Burials
• Faunal Analysis in Archaeology
• Palaeoethnobotany
• Geoarchaeology
• Quantitative Methods in Archaeology
• Physical Anthropology for Archaeologists
• Prehistoric Technology
• Reading and Research

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 Archaeology program at Seoul National University is a comprehensive academic offering designed to provide students with a deep understanding of human history through the study of ancient and historical societies. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating methods and concepts from anthropology, history, art history, and natural sciences to analyze archaeological sites, artifacts, and cultural landscapes. Students enrolled in the program have access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, extensive collections of artifacts, and a variety of fieldwork opportunities to gain practical experience. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including prehistoric archaeology, classical archaeology, East Asian archaeology, and archaeological conservation techniques. The program aims to cultivate students' skills in archaeological excavation, artifact analysis, conservation, and interpretation, preparing graduates for careers in academia, cultural heritage management, museum curation, and archaeological consultancy. Faculty members are leading experts in their respective fields, engaging students in research projects, field excavations, and international collaborations. The program encourages active participation in archaeological fieldwork domestically and abroad, fostering a hands-on learning environment. Graduates of the program are equipped with the analytical, research, and communication skills necessary to contribute to the preservation and understanding of cultural heritage. Moreover, the university promotes a global perspective, offering opportunities for exchange programs and joint research with institutions worldwide. Students are also encouraged to participate in seminars, conferences, and publications to develop their academic and professional profiles. Ultimately, the program aims to produce well-rounded archaeologists who are capable of conducting rigorous research and making meaningful contributions to the understanding of human history through archaeological inquiry.