Master in Korea&East Asia Studies

Korea & East Asia Studies at Sogang University's Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) examines the history, politics, economy, and society of Korea and its neighboring countries in East Asia. Students typically study Korean politics and foreign policy, regional security, East Asian economic development, and the cultural and historical forces that shape relations among Korea, China, Japan, and other regional actors. This area-studies training builds skills relevant to careers in diplomacy, international organizations, journalism, research institutes, and businesses operating in the East Asian market, where understanding local political and cultural context is important for effective decision-making. The program is offered at Sogang University in Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea, as a master's degree over a two-year period within GSIS, with new cohorts beginning in March and September of every year. Instruction is conducted in English, allowing students from outside Korea to study the region in depth without needing prior fluency in Korean, while still gaining firsthand exposure to Korean society by living and studying in Seoul. Because the program sits within a wider international studies school, students often combine area-studies coursework with training in international relations, economics, or security studies, producing graduates equipped to analyze East Asian affairs from multiple angles. Career paths include foreign service and diplomacy, policy research, international journalism, corporate roles focused on the East Asian market, and further academic study of the region. The Seoul location gives students direct access to Korean government institutions, media, and civil society as part of their learning experience.