Art history

The Art History program at Seoul National University offers an extensive and in-depth exploration of the visual arts from ancient to contemporary periods across various cultures and regions. This undergraduate program is designed to cultivate students' critical understanding of artworks, artistic movements, and historical contexts, enabling them to analyze and interpret visual phenomena with scholarly rigor. Students will engage with a diverse curriculum that covers topics such as classical art, medieval and renaissance paintings, modern and contemporary art, Asian art traditions, and the development of art theories. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, encouraging students to develop a comprehensive understanding of art history through lectures, seminars, and hands-on research projects.

In addition to classroom instruction, students will have opportunities to participate in exhibitions, internships, and visits to museums and cultural sites both within South Korea and internationally. The program fosters an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from history, philosophy, anthropology, and cultural studies to deepen analysis and appreciation of visual culture. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and experts who guide students in academic research and critical thinking. Graduates of the Art History program are equipped to pursue careers in museums, galleries, cultural preservation institutions, academic research, and related fields. They are also prepared for graduate studies and further academic pursuits in art history and arts management. With its comprehensive curriculum, strong research facilities, and vibrant academic community, Seoul National University’s Art History program aims to produce well-rounded and culturally aware professionals who can contribute significantly to the understanding and preservation of global and Korean cultural heritage.

• Chinese Art
• History of Japanese Art
• Indian Art
• Western Art : Ancient and Medieval
• Western Art : Renaissance and Baroque
• Introduction to Museology
• Ceramic Art of China
• Ceramic Art of Korea
• Training in Art Handling and Management
• Korean Painting
• Chinese Painting
• Undergraduate Seminar in Art History
• Buddhist Art in Korea
• Buddhist Art: Concept and Regional Development
• Theories and Methods of Art History
• Modern and Contemporary Art of Korea
• Nineteenth Century European Art
• Contemporary Art and Visual Culture

1. Online
   application
2. Either
   proof
   of
   Korean
   or
   English
   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)

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 Art History program at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to deepen students' understanding of the development, influence, and diversity of visual arts across different cultures and historical periods. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness through coursework that covers various periods, regions, and artistic movements. Students have access to extensive resources, including the university's renowned museums and research centers, which provide valuable opportunities for hands-on learning and research. The faculty comprises leading scholars in the field, offering expertise in areas such as East Asian art, modern and contemporary art, and global art history. The curriculum typically includes core courses in art analysis, historical periods, and theoretical perspectives, along with specialized electives that allow students to focus on specific interests. The program encourages cross-disciplinary approaches, integrating insights from history, anthropology, and cultural studies. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in academia, curatorial work, art criticism, education, and cultural management. The program emphasizes research skills, critical interpretation, and the ability to engage with art objects in both traditional and contemporary contexts. Partnerships with museums, galleries, and cultural institutions provide students practical experience and industry connections. Upon completion, students receive a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, depending on their level of study, recognized for their depth of knowledge and analytical competence in art history. The vibrant academic environment at Seoul National University promotes active participation in seminars, exhibitions, and conferences, fostering a dynamic academic community dedicated to advancing the understanding of art history.