Korean Studies
안녕하세요! (Annyeonghaseyo!)
Studying the Korean language as well as its history, politics, security, economy, culture and society provides students with a deeper understanding of the issues pertaining to the Korean peninsula and its neighboring countries.
Learn about Korean culture and society
Language is an essential part of Korean culture and society. With a good grip of the Korean language, you’ll be able to engage critically with many aspects of cultural and social phenomena in Korea. If you want to experience more of Korean culture and society, join our overseas subjects where students are selected to conduct fieldwork in Korea for two weeks, supervised by the program leader, and visiting field sites including the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) and historic landmarks..
Where can Korean studies take you?
A specialisation in Korean Studies can lead to careers in government, business, media and civil society, and relations with the Korean peninsula. In the Australian context, South Korea (with its 50-million strong population) is the fourth largest trading partner and third largest global export market. With growing people-to-people exchanges between Korea and Australia, there are various aspects of international collaboration in areas such as technology, science and engineering, urban design, arts, culture and the environment.
Where do I start?
Before you begin studying a language, there are a couple of steps you will need to take:
1. Pick how you’ll study your chosen language
There is a range of options available to students interested in studying Korean
Bachelor of Arts students
Bachelor of Arts students can study Korean as part of the Korean Studies major or minor, Asian Studies major or minor, or as Arts electives. You can master the Korean language alongside your degree with a concurrent Diploma in Languages.
Major or Minor in Korean Studies
Undergraduate students
Not a Bachelor of Arts Student? Get a taste of Korean Studies through breadth subjects, immerse yourself in a Korean studies breadth track, or master the Korean language with a Diploma in Languages alongside your undergraduate degree.
Graduate coursework
Master the Korean language alongside your current graduate degree with a Diploma in Languages, or build on your knowledge with one of our graduate courses.
Master of International Relations
Graduate research
Develop advanced skills and knowledge in carrying out independent and sustained research in Korean Studies with one of our research higher degrees.
2. Apply/Enrol
You’ll need to create an account and apply for your chosen course before taking the language questionnaire and placement test.
Visit your chosen course page and begin the application process.
3. Proficiency placement
If you have previously studied Korean and your ability and background is greater than a beginner level, please get in contact with the course coordinator for Korean and they will provide you with more information on what level may be appropriate for your level of proficiency. You may be required to sit a short placement test or fill out a questionnaire to assess what level will be most appropriate for you.
Korean language course coordinator: Dr Sunyoung Oh
Enhance your study of Korean
Overseas Korean Studies subjects
Overseas intensive subjects offer you the opportunity to complete an entire Korean Studies subject overseas in a condensed amount of time. Subjects typically run from one to four weeks
Work Integrated Learning
Integrate your Korean studies with authentic work experience.
Korean language exchange experience
Gain an international perspective and experience Korean first-hand by studying overseas in a Korean speaking country for one or two semesters.