Political Science Major

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at Seoul National University offers students a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of political systems, theories, and processes both domestically and internationally. This program is designed to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced perspective on the complex dynamics that shape political landscapes around the world. Students will engage with a diverse curriculum that covers core areas such as comparative politics, international relations, political theory, policy analysis, and Korean politics, enabling them to grasp the multifaceted nature of political institutions and behaviors. The program emphasizes empirical research methods, encouraging students to conduct independent inquiries and participate in projects that enhance their practical skills and scholarly abilities. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and experiential learning opportunities including internships and fieldwork, students gain real-world insights into governance, public policy, and diplomatic affairs. The department also fosters interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from sociology, economics, law, and history to provide a holistic view of political phenomena. Students are encouraged to develop a global perspective, considering the implications of policy decisions in various cultural and geopolitical contexts. International exchange programs and collaboration with global academic institutions further enrich the educational experience, preparing graduates for careers in government, international organizations, research institutes, journalism, and academia. With a faculty composed of renowned scholars and practitioners, the program ensures high-quality education and mentorship. Graduates will be equipped with the analytical, communicative, and leadership skills essential for addressing complex political issues and contributing effectively to society. The Seoul National University Political Science program aims to cultivate well-informed, socially responsible individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to political discourse and policy development on both national and international stages.

Courses for General Education:

• Introduction of Contemporary Political World

• Politics and Political Ideology

• Understanding and Analyzing Korean Politics

• Introduction to Political Science

1st year courses:

• Principles of Political Science

2nd year courses:

• Comparative Politics

• Western Political Thoughts 1

• Government and Politics of Japan

• Topics of Contemporary Democracy

• Introduction to Public Administration

• The Politics of Globalization

• Political and Social Theories

• Civil Society and New Politics

• Western Political Thoughts 2

• Governments and Politics of Western Europe

• Public Personnel Administration

• Introduction to the History of Korean Politics

• Politics and Society of North Korea

• Political Economy

• Historical and Contemporary Political Events that Changed the World

3rd year courses:

• Research Methods in Political Science

• Political Party

• Government and Politics of China

• Modern Political Thoughts

• Administration Organization

• Public Choice Theories

• Gender and Politics

• Politics and Foreign Policies in Latin America

• Political Economy of East Asia

• Governments and Politics of Korea

• Introduction to Korean Political Thoughts

• Public Financial Administration

• Governments and Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe

• Theory of Parliamentary Politics

• Governments and Politics of America

• Understanding Governance

• Law and Democracy

4th year courses:

• Korean Political Thoughts
• Political Philosophy
• Game Theory and Politics
• Exercise in Political Science
• Topics in Political Science
• Theory of State
• Contemporary Political Thoughts

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 Political Science Major at Seoul National University is one of the most prestigious undergraduate programs designed to cultivate students' understanding of political systems, governmental functions, international relations, and public policies. The curriculum is tailored to provide a comprehensive overview of political theories, comparative politics, international politics, and policy analysis, aiming to develop analytical skills, critical thinking, and a nuanced understanding of political phenomena both domestically and globally. Students are encouraged to engage in rigorous coursework that combines theoretical underpinnings with practical applications, often including case studies, research methodology, and current political issues. The program emphasizes the importance of international awareness and intercultural competence, preparing graduates for careers in government, international organizations, academia, media, and the private sector.

Seoul National University’s Political Science program also offers opportunities for research activities, internships, and participation in seminars and conferences, fostering an interactive academic environment. The faculty comprises distinguished scholars and practitioners who guide students through complex political landscapes and promote scholarly inquiry. Furthermore, the program collaborates with various research institutes and international partners to facilitate exchange programs and joint research projects, broadening students' academic and professional horizons.

Graduates of the Political Science Major often pursue advanced degrees or enter competitive fields such as diplomatic service, policy analysis, international development, and political consultancy. The program's emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach and critical debate ensures that students are well-equipped to address contemporary political challenges with informed and ethical perspectives. The curriculum is periodically updated to reflect current global issues and advancements in political science theories, ensuring students receive an education that is relevant, rigorous, and globally oriented. With its strong academic foundation and extensive networking opportunities, the Seoul National University Political Science Major aims to produce leadership-ready graduates capable of making meaningful contributions to society and understanding the complex political dynamics shaping the world today.