French Language and Literature

Study mode:On campus Study type:Full-time Languages: French Korean
Foreign:$ 1.91 k / Semester(s) Deadline: Feb 1, 2026
60 place StudyQA ranking:7905 Duration:8 semestrs

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The Department of French Language and Literature at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to cultivate a deep understanding of the French language, its rich literary traditions, and cultural contexts. This program aims to develop students' linguistic proficiency, critical thinking, and analytical skills through a diverse curriculum that includes language courses, classical and modern literature, linguistics, and cultural studies. Students will explore French vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills, progressing from foundational levels to advanced proficiency. The curriculum encompasses studies of significant French literary figures, historical periods, and genres, enabling students to appreciate the evolution of French literature and its influence on global culture. Additionally, the program integrates interdisciplinary approaches by examining French cinema, philosophy, and socio-cultural issues, fostering a well-rounded understanding of Francophone societies. Students are encouraged to participate in exchange programs with partner universities in France, which enhances experiential learning and language immersion. The department emphasizes research, critical analysis, and academic writing, preparing students for careers in translation, international business, diplomacy, education, publishing, and cultural management. Faculty members, distinguished scholars in the field, provide personalized mentorship and promote a vibrant academic environment that stimulates intellectual curiosity and cultural appreciation. Graduates of the program will emerge with advanced linguistic skills, broad cultural awareness, and the ability to engage critically with French texts and media. With a strong foundation in language and literature, students are equipped to contribute meaningfully to global intercultural dialogue and pursue further specialization or advanced degrees in related fields. The Department of French Language and Literature at Seoul National University is committed to fostering talented scholars and professionals capable of making significant contributions to French and Francophone studies both domestically and internationally.

Courses:

  • Laboratory Practice in French
  • Readings in French Culture
  • French Drama
  • French Grammar and Composition
  • Introduction to French Linguistics 1
  • Introduction to French Linguistics 2
  • 18th Century French Literature
  • Introduction to French Literature
  • 19th Century French Novel
  • 20th Century French Novel
  • French Grammar and Text
  • 19th Century French Literature
  • Analysis of Contemporary French Culture
  • French Literary Criticism and Cultural Theory
  • Advanced French Conversation
  • French Literature and Film
  • French Art Criticism
  • 20th Century French Poetry
  • Contemporary French Linguistics
  • Topics in French Linguistics
  • Topics in French Literature
  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)
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