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The Institute for Korean Studies

The Institute for Korean Studies

The Institute for Korean Studies

Undergraduate

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What is Korean?

Studying Korean provides students with an opportunity to grow skills in the modern Korean language and its culture. The program will strengthen your overall knowledge in internationalism and provide a focus on one of the world’s most important nations.

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What are my career options when I study Korean?

Because the Korean program provides you with a strong working knowledge of both the language and culture in Korea, this program can help prepare you for:

  • Graduate-level study in Korea-related fields
  • Life in Korea (Students are often equipped with intercultural and language skills)
  • Work where knowledge of Korean language and culture is important

Employment after studying Korean is typically in import and export trade, international banking, and sectors of U.S. companies stationed in Korea. An increasing number of domestic and multinational companies are looking for employees with the language and cultural background the Korean program provides. Additionally, many students who study Korean go on to teach English in Korea. 

Requirements for the Korean Major

Study Abroad

Though not required, we strongly encourage all Korean majors and minors to study abroad. To do this, Penn State has partnered with Sogang University and Yonsei University (this program is arranged through CIEE). Study abroad programs are offered in the spring, summer, and fall semesters at both schools. Additionally, Penn State’s goal is to make studying abroad the same price as a semester of studying at University Park.

For more information on scholarships and education abroad programs, visit Global Penn State.

Course Requirements

The Korean major requires 35 credits of study. At least 22 credits must be at the 400 level. Students are strongly encouraged to take at least 12 of their credits as part of a study abroad program in a Korean-speaking location. For curricular sequencing, the program encourages students to pursue this Education Abroad experience following the completion of KOR 401. Students must earn a C or better in all courses applied to their major.

Prescribed Courses: 20 Credits
Additional Courses: 9 Credits

3 Credits from (Semesters 1-6):

  • KOR 120: Introduction to Korean Culture
  • KOR 121: Korean Popular Culture

3 Credits from:

  • KOR 422: Introduction to Korean Linguistics
  • KOR 423: Korean Media and Communication
  • KOR 424: Transnational Korean Literature
  • KOR 425: Global Korean Cinema
  • KOR 498: Special Topics 

3 Credits from (Semesters 7-8):

  • KOR 450: Korean Cultures in a Global Context 
  • KOR 451: Food and Foodways in Korea 
  • KOR 452: Korean Language and Culture
Supporting Courses: 6 Credits

Select 6 credits pertaining to Korea, such as courses in Korean, Asian Studies, Art History, Comparative Literature, Economics, Geography, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, Theatre Arts, or other fields. (Sem: 1-8)

Courses in related fields not on this list may count with the approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies and Korean adviser. This approval process is not complex and can be done via e-mail.

  • KOR 110: Level Two Korean B
  • KOR 120: Introduction to Korean Culture
  • KOR 121: Korean Popular Culture
  • KOR 296: Independent Study
  • KOR 299: Foreign Study 
  • KOR 401: Level Three Korean A 
  • KOR 402: Level Three Korean B
  • KOR 424: Transnational Korean Literature
  • KOR 425: Global Korean Cinema
  • KOR 496: Independent Study 
  • KOR 498: Special Topics 
  • KOR 499: Foreign Study 
  • KOR 450: Korean Cultures in a Global Context 
  • KOR 451: Food and Foodways in Korea 
  • KOR 452: Korean Language and Culture
  • KOR 422: Introduction to Korean Linguistics

Requirements for the Korean Minor

Course Requirements

The Korean minor requires 18 credits of study. Students must earn a C or better in all courses applied to their minor. You can download the Korean minor checklist to keep track of your progress.

Prescribed Courses: 8 Credits
  • KOR 002: Level One Korean B (4)
  • KOR 003: Level Two Korean A (4)
Additional Courses: 10 Credit Minimum

4 Credits from:

  • KOR 110: Level Two Korean B IL (4)
  • KOR 296: Independent Study (1-18)
  • KOR 299: Foreign Study (1-12)

6 Credits from:

  • KOR 401: Level Three Korean A IL (4)
  • KOR 402: Level Three Korean B IL (4)
  • KOR 424: Transnational Korean Literature IL (3)
  • KOR 425: Global Korean Cinema IL (3)
  • KOR 496: Independent Study (1-18)
  • KOR 498: Special Topics (1-9)
  • KOR 499: Foreign Study IL (1-12)
  • KOR 450: Korean Cultures in a Global Context IL (3) *
  • KOR 451: Food and Foodways in Korea IL (3) *
  • KOR 452: Korean Language and Culture IL (3) *
  • KOR 422: Introduction to Korean Linguistics IL (3) *

Courses marked with a * are only allowed to be taken during the 5th through 8th semesters.

All Korean-Focused Courses
  • KOR 001: Level One Korean A (4)
  • KOR 002: Level One Korean B (4)
  • KOR 003: Level Two Korean A (4)
  • KOR 110: Level Two Korean B (4)
  • KOR 296: Independent Studies (1-18)
  • KOR 299: Foreign Studies (1-12)
  • KOR 401: Level Three Korean A (4)
  • KOR 402: Level Three Korean B (4)
  • KOR 422: Introduction to Korean Linguistics (3)
  • KOR 424: Transnational Korean Literature (3)
  • KOR 425: Global Korean Cinema (3)
  • KOR 450: Korean Cultures in Global Contexts (3)
  • KOR 451: Food and Foodways in Korea (3)
  • KOR 452: Korean Language and Culture (3)
  • KOR 496: Independent Studies (1-18)
  • KOR 498: Special Topics (1-9)
  • KOR 499: Foreign Studies (1-12)