Master in Korean Cultural Studies

The Graduate School of Korean Studies at The Academy of Korean Studies offers a master's program in Korean Cultural Studies, taught in English from its campus in Seongnam, South Korea. This discipline examines the history, literature, religion, language, art, and social practices that have shaped Korean society from earlier periods through the present day. Students typically study classical and modern Korean literature, traditional and contemporary religious practices such as Buddhism and Confucianism, folk customs, historiography, and the ways Korean culture has interacted with neighboring East Asian traditions and, more recently, global popular culture. Coursework often draws on primary sources, archival material, and fieldwork, alongside theoretical approaches from anthropology, history, and cultural studies. A master's degree in this field usually combines seminar-based study with a thesis that investigates a specific cultural, historical, or literary question, training students to conduct independent research using both English- and Korean-language sources. Graduates from Korean cultural studies programs pursue careers in academia, museum and archival work, cultural heritage management, publishing, translation, journalism, and diplomatic or cultural liaison roles connected to Korea. Others move into international education, media production covering Korean culture, or continue toward doctoral research. Because global interest in Korean film, literature, and popular culture has grown substantially, professionals with formal training in Korean cultural studies are positioned to work in cultural exchange programs, government cultural agencies, and organizations promoting Korean studies abroad. The program admits students in both March and September and runs for two years. Instruction in English allows international students without Korean-language fluency to begin graduate study in this field, developing the language and research skills needed for deeper specialization over the course of the degree.