Why study at KU DGKS?
Established in 2022, Korea University's Division of Global Korean Studies (DGKS) offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Global Korean Studies.
Korea University (KU) is an exciting place to study about Korea then and Korea now. First, our Global Korean Studies (GKS) program is situated in a highly multicultural environment. KU students come from all over the world (more than 100 countries), creating a dynamic environment in which a diverse group of students from different cultural, linguistic, and philosophical backgrounds share their ideas and study together.
Second, the students have many opportunities to explore Korea in its regional and global contexts. Our program is special in that we emphasize global as well as regional perspectives and multidisciplinary approaches that combine insights from political science, sociology, culture, history, economics, and legal studies. Our program is also tailored to meet the needs of diverse students. Specifically, our curriculum is designed to provide education in both Korean and English so that students can build proficiency in both languages.
Third, GKS students can expect ample exposure to both theoretical and practical knowledge. GKS’s courses are taught by an international faculty educated at some of the world’s finest universities. Students also benefit from our mentoring program, in which they are introduced to a faculty member as their personal mentor. Many of our faculty members are active shapers of Korean and international policy through their roles as consultants to and officials in the Korean government, international organizations, firms, and NGOs. This offers our students a wealth of concrete experiences, insights, and access into the inner workings of such organizations. Students can further benefit from professors’ active research agendas, many of which are closely related to Korean society, economy, history, and Korea’s international relations. They can apply for a double-major with many other KU departments (e.g., the business school, the media school) to customize and creatively strengthen their unique academic profile.
To gain practical knowledge to navigate Korea in the world, students are encouraged to gain on-the-job experience by engaging in internships in Korean and international organizations, government institutes, cultural entities, as well as Korean and international companies. Moreover, students have opportunities to participate in the activities of several directly attached policy and research centers like the EU Centre, the International Human Rights Center, the Center for Global Climate and Marine Governance, the East Asia Research Center, and the UNDP Seoul Policy Center.
Fourth, as members of one of Korea’s oldest and highest-ranking universities, GKS students gain access to an immense range of university resources. This includes the university’s vast global network of 744 partner universities in 78 countries, including University 21, a network of 18 leading universities in 9 countries that promotes international student exchange. Finally, Korea University’s GKS program is further enriched through its location in the capital city of one of the world’s most economically and socially dynamic countries. Situated at the geographical heart of East Asia, Korea constitutes a prime example of late 20th century rapid economic development and socio-cultural transformation and is now increasingly sharing its development experience and knowledge with countries throughout the rapidly globalizing world.
In short, GKS offers an exceptional curriculum and opportunities for experiential learning. Join us, experience Korea beyond K-pop, and build a foundation for your future.
For further information about the program, please contact gkss@korea.ac.kr.