Geography

The Department of Geography at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to cultivate skilled geographers equipped with a deep understanding of spatial phenomena and environmental processes. The curriculum integrates foundational theories in physical, human, and regional geography with advanced training in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, cartography, and spatial analysis. Students engage in rigorous coursework that emphasizes the development of analytical skills, critical thinking, and research competencies vital for addressing complex geographical issues. The program encourages interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to explore topics such as urban planning, environmental management, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable development. Practical fieldwork and research projects form an integral part of the education, providing hands-on experience in data collection, spatial modeling, and problem-solving in real-world contexts. The faculty comprises distinguished scholars with expertise spanning various geographical subfields, fostering an enriching academic environment that promotes innovation and scholarly excellence. Graduates of the Geography program are well-prepared for diverse careers in government agencies, research institutions, urban and environmental planning firms, and international development organizations. They possess the critical skills needed to analyze spatial data, formulate sustainable policies, and contribute meaningful insights for societal and environmental advancement. The program also offers opportunities for postgraduate study and research collaborations, supporting students who aspire to pursue academic careers or specialized expertise in geography. With a focus on global perspectives and local relevance, the Bachelor’s Degree in Geography at Seoul National University aims to nurture future leaders who will contribute to sustainable development and the better understanding of our complex world.

• Fundamentals of Geography
• Economic Geography
• Urban Geography
• Geomorphology and Laboratory
• Social Geography
• Geography of Asia. Methods in Global Regional Studies
• Population Change and the Geographyof Mobility
• Computer Cartography
• Geography of Korea
• Biogeography and Labaratory
• Understanding Business Geography
• Analytical Methods for Spatial Information
• Climatology and Laboratory
• Legsl Geography, Urban and Regional Policy
• Geography of America
• Politics of Space and Geo-politics
• Geographies of Transportation and Information and Communication Technology
• Geography of Europe
• Geography of Metropolitan Seoul
• Geographical Information System
• Cultural Geography
• Geography of Resourses
• Soil Environment and Laboratory
• Understanding of Satellite Imaginery Information and Applications
• Essentials of land and housing
• Field Study in Geography
• Environmental Hazard and Society
• Studies in Developing Country
• History of Geographical Space and Thoughts
• Conservation Ecology
• Industrial Location and Policy

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

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

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)

Geography at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop a deep understanding of both physical and human aspects of the Earth's surface. The program emphasizes the integration of theories and methods from various disciplines including environmental science, urban planning, cultural studies, and geographic information systems (GIS). Students are equipped with analytical skills necessary to examine spatial phenomena and address complex global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, resource management, and sustainable development. The department promotes active research and fieldwork components, encouraging students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. Courses cover topics such as physical geography, human geography, GIS and remote sensing, urban and regional planning, environmental management, and transportation geography. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and innovative approaches to geographic issues. Students also benefit from partnerships with government agencies, environmental organizations, and industry leaders, providing opportunities for internships and collaborative projects. The faculty members are renowned experts in their fields, contributing to cutting-edge research that often informs policy and practice. Upon graduation, students are well-prepared for careers in academia, public administration, environmental consulting, urban development, and international organizations. The university's strong emphasis on research, combined with state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant academic community, makes the Geography program at Seoul National University highly regarded both domestically and internationally.