Korea has played a vital role in the history and culture of the Asian region for more than 3,000 years. Today, Korea is a global leader in information and communication technologies and has shown global competitiveness in the production of automobiles, smart phones, semiconductors, chemicals, steel, and ships. Additionally, Korean popular culture (“K-pop”) is a cultural juggernaut, pulling in worldwide audiences in a variety of areas, including television programs, films, music, video games, e-sports, beauty, cuisine, and much more.
The Department of Asian Studies at Penn State is the first university in Pennsylvania to offer a B.A. in Korean. We offer a variety of courses that enable students to explore K-pop culture, history, literature and film, linguistics, and media and communication. We also offer all levels of the Korean language, from elementary to advanced. Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, is very easy to learn and use! Language courses place strong emphasis on enhancing the language proficiency in all four skills (i.e., listening, speaking, reading, and writing) as well as intercultural competence.
The strength of the Korean major at Penn State derives from its academic rigor and excellent teaching by faculty and language instructors, who offer cutting-edge instruction in a culturally diverse and academically vibrant environment. We also promote cultural activities and events and provide scholarship opportunities and resources to enrich the study of Korea across the Penn State commonwealth in order to strengthen students’ intercultural and global awareness.
Why should I major in Korean?
A major in Korean is a gateway for students to meaningfully engage with Korea’s position in contemporary economics, technology, pop culture, and international relations. For example, Korea is the United States’ 5th largest trading partner, and according to the 2021 Bloomberg Innovation Index, Korea is the most innovative country in advanced technology and economy in the world. Korean has been designated as a critical language by the U.S. Department of Defense because it is critical to U.S. diplomacy, national security, and trade. Therefore, there is a growing demand for professionals who possess fluency in Korean.
What careers can I have with a major in Korean?
The Korean major provides a strong working knowledge of both the Korean language and Korean culture. An increasing number of domestic and multinational companies and agencies are looking for employees who possess linguistic abilities and cultural knowledge of Korea. Upon graduation, students can work in many fields, including information technology, culture industries, diplomacy, and business. Students can also pursue graduate-level study in Korea-related fields to become qualified researchers and educators in many parts of the world. Many Korean majors/minors pursue opportunities to teach English in Korea (through the CIEE and English Program in Korea (EPIK) programs) and travel in the country after graduation.
Requirements for the Major
The Korean major requires 35 credits of study (this includes 0-9 credits of General Education GA, GH, or GS courses). 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. The program encourages students to pursue this Education Abroad experience at any time during their studies at Penn State, with a preference for after completing two years of language instruction for curricular sequencing. Students must earn a “C” or better in all courses applied to their major. You can keep track of your courses by downloading the Korean major checklist.
KOR and Beyond Coursework (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 120 – Introduction to Korean Culture
- KOR 121 – Korean Popular Culture
- KOR 296 – Independent Study
- KOR 299 – Foreign Study
- KOR 423 – Korean Media and Communication
- KOR 424 – Transnational Korean Literature
- KOR 425 – Global Korean Cinema
- KOR 496 – Independent Study
- KOR 497 – Special Topics: Immersive Korean: Language and Culture Spanning Generations and Lifestyles
- 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
- ASIA 120 – Asian Art and Architecture
- ASIA 174 – East Asia to 1800
- ASIA 175 – East Asia since 1800
- ASIA 182 – Asian Trade: Economy, Industrialization and Capitalism*
- ASIA 183 – Gender, Family, and Society in East Asia
- ASIA 197 – Special Topics
- ASIA 200 – What Are Asian Languages?
- ASIA 400 – International Culture in East Asia
- ASIA 401 – Technology & Society in Modern Asia*
- ASIA 402 – Language, Culture, and Cognition in East Asian Context
- ASIA 403 – Food Cultures of Asia*
- ASIA 405Y – Seminar in Asian Studies
- ASIA 406 – Issues and Practices in Teaching Asian Languages
- CMLIT 4 – Introduction to Asian Literatures
- PLSC 458 – Government and Politics of East Asia
- ASIA 465Y – Democratization in Asia*
*Focus varies semester to semester. Check with instructor or Director of Undergraduate Studies.
Requirements for the Minor
The Korean minor requires 18 credits of study. Students must earn a “C” or better in all courses applied to their minor.
Required Courses
KOR Coursework (10 credits)
4 Credits from:
6 Credits from:
- KOR 401 – Level Three Korean A
- KOR 402 – Level Three Korean B
- KOR 423 – Korean Media and Communication
- 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
For more information on the Korean minor, courses in Korean, and extracurriculars for Korean minors, please visit the Institute for Korean Studies undergraduate page.
Advising
Tom Spencer is the undergraduate adviser for the major and minor in Asian Studies, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. To make an appointment, visit Starfish and hit ‘Log Into Starfish.’ Select “Appointments” and click the “Advisers” link at the top of the page to view Tom Spencer’s hours for the week. Please make an appointment if you need help with:
- Your next semester schedule (language pre-majors and majors)
- Concurrent major planning (feasibility, courses needed)
- Academic difficulty
- Faculty Senate petitions (retroactive withdrawal or registration, etc.)
- Course selection
For other information on the Korean program, please contact Lan Kim.