Asian History

The Department of Asian History at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the historical developments, cultural advancements, and socio-political dynamics of various Asian regions. This program encompasses a wide range of topics including ancient civilizations, medieval eras, modern transformations, and contemporary issues across East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Students will explore the rich heritage of Asian countries through rigorous coursework, research projects, and field studies, gaining critical analytical skills and a nuanced perspective on the diverse histories that have shaped the continent. The curriculum is structured to include core courses in Asian history, specialized seminars on regional topics, language studies, and research methods, allowing students to tailor their academic journey according to their interests and career goals. Faculty members are renowned scholars with expertise spanning various Asian regions, providing students with mentorship and opportunities for academic collaboration. The program also emphasizes the development of historical methodology, critical thinking, and intercultural competence, preparing graduates for careers in academia, research, cultural preservation, international relations, and public policy. Seoul National University’s vibrant academic environment, state-of-the-art research facilities, and active engagement with Asian communities contribute to an enriching educational experience. Upon completion of the program, students will possess a comprehensive understanding of Asian history, along with the analytical skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to discussions on Asian development and global interconnectedness. The program aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are knowledgeable about Asia’s historical significance and capable of addressing contemporary challenges faced by the region.

• Studies in Qin－Han Dynasties
• Studies in History of Nan －Bei－Chao Period in China
• Studies in Ming China
• Studies in Qing China
• Studies in Socio－Economic History of Asia
• Studies in Cultural History of China
• Studies in Chinese Historiography
• Studies in Political Institutions of China
• Studies in Chinese Gentry
• Studies in the Evolution of Land－Ownership in China
• Studies in History of East Asian International Relation
• Studies in East－West Relations in Pre－Modern Era
• Studies in Conquest Dynasties
• Studies in Vietnamese History
• Studies in Meiji Restoration
• Studies in Intellectual History of Japan
• Studies in Japanese Feudal Society
• Studies in Yuan China
• Studies in History of Pre－Qin China
• Seminar in Ancient History of East Asia
• Seminar in Medieval History of East Asia
• Seminar in Early Modern History of East Asia
• Seminar in Contemporary History of East Asia
• Seminar in Central Asian History
• Seminar in South－East Asian History
• Seminar in Islamic Civilization
• Seminar in Contemporary History of Japan
• Seminar in Japanese Social History
• Studies in Social History of the Middle East
• Studies in Ottoman History
• Studies on the Oracle Bone and Bronze Inscription
• Studies in Republican China
• Studies in History of Chinese Communist Movement
• Studies in State and Society in Sui and Tang Period
• Studies in Reform and Revolution in Modern Chinese History
• Seminar in Intellectual History of Asia
• Reading and Research

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)

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 Department of Asian History at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the historical developments across Asia. The curriculum emphasizes a broad geographical and chronological scope, enabling students to explore the diverse civilizations and cultures that have shaped the Asian continent from ancient times to the modern era. The program includes core courses in Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, and Southeast Asian history, as well as specialized seminars that allow students to investigate specific themes, regions, or periods in greater detail. Students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and research capabilities through various assignments, research projects, and thesis work. The department collaborates with other faculties and institutes to offer interdisciplinary insights, integrating political, social, economic, and cultural perspectives. Faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, providing mentorship and guidance to foster academic growth and intellectual curiosity. Opportunities for study abroad programs and internships are available, promoting a global outlook and practical experience. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, research, cultural institutions, government agencies, and international organizations, equipping them with a nuanced understanding of Asian history's complexities and dynamics.