International Relations

The Bachelor of International Relations program at Seoul National University offers students a comprehensive education in understanding the complex dynamics of global politics, diplomacy, and international cooperation. Designed to equip graduates with critical analytical skills, cultural awareness, and a robust understanding of international institutions, this program prepares students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, government agencies, and the private sector. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including international political theory, global economic systems, foreign policy analysis, security studies, international law, and regional studies. Emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical application, students engage in case studies, simulations, and internships to develop real-world skills. The program encourages critical thinking about contemporary issues such as international conflict, human rights, environmental challenges, and globalization. Faculty members are distinguished scholars and practitioners committed to academic excellence and fostering an innovative learning environment. Students also benefit from Seoul National University’s extensive network of international partnerships, enabling study abroad programs, collaborative research, and exposure to diverse perspectives. The program's interdisciplinary approach aims to develop informed citizens who are capable of explaining and solving complex global problems. Graduates of the International Relations program at Seoul National University are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or enter competitive careers in diplomacy, international development, global policy analysis, and beyond. With its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on practical skills, the program aims to produce leaders capable of making meaningful contributions to international peace, security, and cooperation.

• Introduction to International Politics
• Introduction to the History of International Relations
• Chinese Foreign Policy
• Japan in World Politics
• Korean Peninsula and International Politics
• Introduction to World Area Studies
• Diplomacy
• Diplomatic History of Korea
• International Political Thought
• Theory of International Politics
• America in World Politics
• International Political Economy
• The Global Politics of Information
• Understanding Decision－Making Process in US Politics
• Studies in Korean International Political Thought
• Russia and Eurasia in World Politics
• Comparative International Society
• Seminar in International Politics
• Europe in World Politics
• International Organization
• International Relations and Social Changes
• World Diplomatic History
• Korean Foreign Policy
• Eurasia in World Politics
• Culture and Ideology in International Relations
• Security Studies
• Postmodern World Politics
• International Relations in East Asia

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)

The International Relations program at Seoul National University is a comprehensive undergraduate and graduate course designed to prepare students for careers in diplomacy, international organizations, policy analysis, and global governance. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, combining political science, history, economics, and sociology to provide a well-rounded understanding of international affairs. Students are encouraged to engage in rigorous coursework that explores key areas such as international security, foreign policy analysis, international political economy, global governance, human rights, and regional studies. The curriculum often involves both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, including case studies, simulations, and internships, to equip students with analytical and practical skills necessary for addressing complex global issues.

Seoul National University’s Department of International Relations collaborates with various international institutions, governments, and think tanks to offer exchange programs, internships, and research opportunities. The faculty members are distinguished scholars and practitioners who bring a wealth of experience from academia, diplomatic service, and international organizations. The program also promotes multilingual proficiency and cultural awareness, recognizing the importance of effective communication in international contexts. Students are encouraged to participate in seminars, workshops, and international conferences to develop a global perspective.

The graduate program typically aims to produce graduates capable of conducting policy research, analysis, and advisory functions, often leading roles in governmental agencies, NGOs, or international corporations. The university also fosters an active student community engaged in various clubs, research projects, and conferences related to international relations, fostering a rich academic and professional environment. Overall, Seoul National University's International Relations program prepares students for dynamic careers in the interconnected world, emphasizing critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical considerations.