Korean

Why Study Korean?

"Prepare to lead in a connected world - add Korean to your academic journey."
"Expand your global impact - start learning Korean today."

South Korea remains one of the United States’ most trusted allies and a vital partner in ensuring security and stability in Northeast Asia. As a member of the distinguished “50–30 club”, nations with a population exceeding 50 million and a per capita GDP above $30,000, South Korea occupies a pivotal position in global security frameworks, economic development, and technological advancement.

Studying Korean equips students with a significant advantage in the increasingly interconnected global economy. As a leader in high technology, green energy, shipbuilding, and automotive engineering, South Korea offers extensive opportunities for students pursuing careers in business, science, and engineering. For those interested in public policy, international relations, or national security - including ROTC cadets - Korean language proficiency fosters essential linguistic and cultural competencies highly sought after in military, diplomatic, and intelligence professions.

Equally notable is South Korea’s far-reaching cultural influence, known globally as the Korean Wave (Hallyu 한류), which continues to shape contemporary music, cinema, literature, fashion, and culinary arts. Engaging deeply with the Korean language and its rich cultural contexts cultivates critical perspectives and broadens intellectual horizons across the humanities, social sciences, and creative fields.

Regardless of discipline, students who study Korean develop intercultural communication skills and region-specific knowledge that prepare them to engage thoughtfully and lead effectively in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Programs

We offer a Korean minor. 

Since its establishment in Fall 2008, the Korean program has offered three levels of Korean language courses and content courses including Modern Korean Literature and Exploring Korean History and Culture.

Student Opportunities

In addition to the solid academic foundation provided in the classroom, the program hosts a number of extracurricular events for you to experience Korean culture, such as our annual Korean Alphabet Day in the fall semester and our Korean New Year celebration in the spring semester. You also have the opportunity to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea.