Korean (BA)

Korean is the language spoken by one of the world's most literate societies, with a dynamic culture and enviable economy. The Korean major at Ohio State is offered by the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures (DEALL), which is one of the largest programs of its kind in the United States.

Through innovative approaches to language teaching, Korean majors acquire a strong and well-rounded foundation in Korean language, culture, literature and linguistics. Students become conversant in many facets of Korean humanities, both past and present. Besides language, strengths include a special program for studying various styles of traditional storytelling, drama and musical performances, as well as traditional and modern Korean literature, culture and linguistics.

In addition, the Korean program has a robust set of exchange programs with top-ranked universities in South Korea.

Academic Advisors

Kirk Denton (major advising)

denton.2@osu.edu
(614) 292-5548
398 Hagerty Hall

Tommy Beyl

beyl.1@osu.edu
(614) 292-8485
355 Hagerty Hall

Affiliated Departments & Centers

Associated Facilities

Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

Currently, Korean is the fastest growing Language major at Ohio State. Alumni of the undergraduate Korean program serve in a wide range of industry, including education, translation, intelligence service and international commerce. Many go on to graduate programs to pursue such areas of study as international relations, political science, history, literature, linguistics and language pedagogy. A number of alumni also pursue careers in federal agencies.

Paper lanterns

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

In the Korean Individualized Instruction channel, students opt to first familiarize with basic patterns of pronunciation and language structure by use of Romanization, then swiftly transition to the Korean writing system. The rich body of Korean literature and performance tradition is first studied in English translation; as students progress in the major and develop their language skills, they perform readings and workshops in Korean.

Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures Website More Korean Courses

Korean is applicable to a variety of settings in the United States and abroad. Mastery of Korean allows students to consider careers in such fields as education, translation and interpretation, government, international trade, banking, print or electronic media, social work, diplomatic services, tourism, or art. Korean majors may also continue into graduate/professional school in Korean, East Asian, Asian-American studies and related fields. Many employers are eager to hire graduates who are fluent in Korean because their businesses interact with Korean speakers.

courses you might take:

KOREAN 2231: Elements of Korean Culture

A survey of the religion, history, customs, performing arts, fine arts, literature, and social institutions of the Korean people from the earliest era to the present. Taught in English.

KOREAN 2451: Korean Literature in Translation

A close examination of masterpieces in Korean literature across genres for students with no previous academic training in Korean literature. All readings and discussions in English; college-level English reading and writing required.

KOREAN 5256: Interdisciplinary Topics in Korean Politics and Society

Interdisciplinary Korean studies course in the areas of social science, bridging Korean history, politics, gender, religion, philosophy, education, intercultural communication and international relations, etc. Taught in English.

EALL 2284: Tea Culture in East Asia

Approaches tea from multiple perspectives, including, but not limited to, history, geography, agriculture, commerce, health, nutrition, arts and crafts, folklore, and transmission of everyday cultural practices.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Korean Student Association

It is the purpose and goal of the Korean Student Association to promote the education and enrichment of its members and the university community with aspects of Korean culture through involvement and participation in various social, cultural, and political activities.

KSA

Korean Language and Involvement Club

Korean Language and Involvement Club (KLIC) is an organization at The Ohio State University designed to discuss Korean language and culture. Conversation tables and discussions about Korean-relate topics are a focus of this organization. KLIC also focuses on spreading awareness about Korean language and culture through various social events.

KLIC

Study Abroad: Yonsei University

Yonsei University's International Undergraduate Program offers sixty courses taught in English in Korean and East Asian society, culture, art, philosophy, history, politics, international relations, economics, business and Korean language. Special student activities include a Korean film series (with subtitles), Taekwondo sessions and classes in ceramics, bamboo flute, folk music, calligraphy and painting. There is an optional five-day field trip.

Yonsei

Study Abroad: Sogang University

Sogang University is one of the leading liberal arts institutions in South Korea and was founded in 1960 to follow the Jesuit model of education. International students participating in the exchange program may register for courses offered in Korean or English to take a maximum of 21 credits per semester. Although the main language of instruction is Korean, many courses are offered in English, a list of which can be found on the Office of International Affairs website. Exchange students are fully integrated into the regular programs with Korean students. This allows exchange students to experience Korean culture to the fullest extent.

Sogang

Study Abroad: Soonchunhyang University

Soonchunhyang University offers opportunities to university students for study and cultural internships in Korea. Students intern as a "Cultural and Language Ambassador," in which they participate in individual and group meetings with Korean students for up to 15 hours per week and live with Korean students in specially designated dormitories. Exchange students can select classes on various topics in International Studies such as language, culture and history, politics and diplomacy, business and economics, Taekwondo and calligraphy.

Soonchunhyang

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