Master in Korea&East Asia Studies

The Korea & East Asia Studies program at Sogang University's Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS) trains students to understand the region's politics, economics, and society through an interdisciplinary lens. Students typically examine Korean government and foreign policy, the economic rise of East Asian economies, regional security concerns, and the cultural and historical roots of contemporary events in the region, developing the analytical skills needed to interpret fast-changing developments in Korea, China, Japan, and neighboring countries. This background supports careers in diplomatic service, international organizations, area-focused consulting, journalism, and academic research on East Asia. Based at Sogang University in Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea, the program runs as a two-year master's degree within GSIS, with new students admitted in March and September of every year. All instruction is delivered in English, so students can pursue advanced regional studies without needing to already speak Korean, while gaining direct exposure to Korean institutions and daily life through their time in Seoul. The GSIS structure also lets students pair area-studies coursework with classes in international relations, trade, or security studies, producing graduates who can analyze East Asian affairs from political, economic, and cultural perspectives at once. Typical career destinations include foreign ministries and embassies, international organizations, think tanks, media outlets covering Asia, and companies seeking staff with regional knowledge of Korea and its neighbors, as well as continued academic study for those interested in research careers focused on the region.