Korean Language Program

The University of Kansas offers Korean through the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC).

Why Study Korean?

Korean is spoken not only by citizens of the Korean peninsula and members of the Korean diaspora, but recently also by a growing number of non-Koreans for various purposes. Korea is a relatively small country, only slightly larger than Kansas, but its population, South and North combined, is twenty-times that of Kansas. Korean is the eleventh most popular language on the globe. Spoken Korean has served the native population for all colloquial purposes for several thousand years. Although the Korean vernacular script known as han’gŭl (great writing) was invented in 1446, it has enjoyed wide-spread popularity for only about a century. Han’gŭl is easy to master, which contributes to the nearly 100% literacy among Korean citizens. While more than half of the Korean vocabulary came originally from Chinese, the structure and grammar of the language are similar to Japanese.

KU is the only institution in Kansas offering elementary to advanced Korean language courses.

Students can use Korean to fulfill a language requirement, or as part of numerous degree programs, including majors, minors and graduate degrees.

Knowledge of Korean language and culture is an asset in a wide range of careers. Students taking Korean can also apply for scholarships for language study, including FLAS Fellowships.

Available Courses

KU offers elementary through advanced coursework in Korean. See all courses taught at KU below, or check out our list of what's offered for the current semester. For placement information visit the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.

KU Korean Language Courses

Study Abroad

KU offers opportunities to study abroad in South Korea. Some of these programs have classes taught in English, while others are opportunities for advanced language study.

Degrees

Korean language courses can be a part of many degree programs, whether used to fulfill a language requirement, or completing a major, minor or graduate degree focused on East Asia. Here are a few degree programs students frequently combine with Korean language study, but talk to your academic advisor to explore all your options.

Many students who study Korean choose to complete a major, minor, or graduate degree with the Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures. The Center for East Asian Studies also offers an M.A. in Contemporary East Asian Studies.
Many other degree programs within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offer significant content on Korea, and also require foreign language study, which can be met with Korean. For more information, look at current degree requirements and course offerings in Anthropology, Art History, Geography, Global and International Studies, History, Political Science, Religious Studies and Sociology.
The KU School of Business offers a concentration in International Business which can include substantial content on East Asian language, culture and business.
For Law students, KU offers a joint degree in Law and East Asian Languages and Cultures.

Career Planning

The KU Career Center has online resources for exploring career paths for different majors. Check out the specifics for East Asian Languages and Cultures, or look at those for other majors (including those listed above.)
KU students can also sign up for a free account with My World Abroad, which has extensive resources on preparing for an international career, including career options, and job search tips.