Western History

The Department of Western History at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive undergraduate and graduate program dedicated to the in-depth study of Western historical developments, cultures, and societies. This program is designed to cultivate students’ critical thinking, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of historical processes that have shaped the Western world from ancient times to the modern era. Students will engage with a broad range of topics, including classical civilizations, medieval history, early modern Europe, modern Western history, and contemporary global developments.

The undergraduate curriculum provides a solid foundation in historical methodology, primary source analysis, and thematic studies such as politics, society, economics, culture, and intellectual history. Through coursework, seminars, and research projects, students develop the ability to analyze complex historical phenomena, interpret diverse sources, and articulate well-supported historical arguments. The program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, encouraging students to pursue internships, research assistance roles, and participation in academic conferences.

Graduate studies in Western History at Seoul National University aim to produce leading scholars and researchers equipped to contribute to academic, cultural, and educational fields. Graduate students engage in specialized coursework, independent research, and thesis work under the mentorship of esteemed faculty members. The program promotes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from archaeology, art history, philosophy, and literature to enhance the understanding of Western historical contexts.

The university provides access to extensive archives, libraries, and research facilities to support pioneering research and scholarly activities. Students have opportunities to participate in international conferences, collaborative projects, and publication endeavors, fostering a global perspective and academic excellence. The Department of Western History also actively collaborates with other departments and institutions, facilitating multidisciplinary research and exchange programs.

Graduates of this program pursue careers in academia, education, museums, cultural organizations, government agencies, and international institutions, contributing to preserving and disseminating Western history and culture. The program’s rigorous academic environment and diverse research opportunities make it an ideal choice for students passionate about exploring the rich and complex history of Western civilizations, preparing them for leadership roles in their respective fields.

• Seminar in British History
• Seminar in American History
• Seminar in German History
• Seminar in French History
• Seminar in Russian History
• Seminar in History of Eastern Europe
• Studies in Women's History
• Studies in Medieval European History
• Seminar in Modern European History
• Studies in Modern European History
• Studies in English History
• Studies in American History
• Seminar in Contemporary European History
• Studies in Contemporary European History
• Seminar in Medieval European History
• Reading and Research

1. Online
   application
2. 
   proof
   of
   Korean
   
   proficiency
   is
   required;
   
   
   
   
   1)
   Korean
   Proficiency:
   TOPIK
   level
   3
   or
   higher
   
   
   
   
   2)
   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 Western History program at Seoul National University offers a comprehensive exploration of the history, culture, and societal developments of Western civilizations from ancient times to the modern era. This program is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of the major historical events, intellectual movements, political changes, and cultural shifts that have shaped Western societies over the centuries. It emphasizes critical analysis and scholarly research, encouraging students to engage with primary sources and contemporary academic debates.

Students enrolled in this program have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including the Greco-Roman world, Medieval Europe, the Renaissance, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, and modern history such as the World Wars, Cold War, and contemporary issues. The curriculum combines lecture-based learning with seminars, research projects, and field studies, fostering a dynamic educational environment that promotes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Faculty members are distinguished scholars with expertise in various fields of Western History, providing mentorship and guidance tailored to individual student interests. The program also encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating perspectives from politics, philosophy, art, and literature to offer a holistic understanding of Western historical developments.

Graduates of the Western History program at Seoul National University are well-equipped for careers in academia, research institutions, education, cultural heritage management, journalism, and international organizations. The program aims to cultivate critical thinking, effective communication, and a deep appreciation of Western history's relevance to contemporary global issues. With a strong focus on academic excellence and research proficiency, students gain the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to the understanding of Western civilizations and their ongoing influence worldwide.