Department of Korean Language and Literature
Major in Korean Language Education & Korean Culture

1. Program Overview & Educational Goals

1.1. Introduction

This major has been newly designed for international students in response to the global spread of K-culture and the growing demand for specialists in Korean language education. It aims to cultivate global experts in Korean language education who can lead the AI era, through a carefully structured curriculum and strategically designed learning experiences.

1.2. Official Program Description & Educational Goals

The Major in Korean Language Education & Korean Culture aims to nurture students who possess a balanced combination of theoretical knowledge in teaching Korean as a foreign language and a broad understanding of both traditional and contemporary Korean culture. In the first year, students build foundational skills through academic Korean speaking, reading, writing, and presentation courses, while also learning to use generative AI as a study tool. In the second year, they systematically build academic foundations by taking courses such as Introduction to Korean Linguistics, Korean Orthography and Norms, Literature, Contrastive Linguistics, and Korean Grammar. In the third year, they deepen their expertise in language education through courses on second language acquisition, pronunciation teaching, grammar teaching, comprehension and production, assessment, and textbook development. Finally, in the fourth year, students enhance their practical skills through teaching practicum and courses on contemporary popular culture and narrative analysis, completing their portfolio for future careers.

Educational Goals

• To train educational professionals who, based on Korean linguistics, Korean language education, and Korean studies, are capable of operating Korean language classes and designing curricula, assessments, and teaching materials.
• To foster the ability to critically understand Korean culture from tradition to contemporary popular culture, and to develop skills in content analysis and storytelling.
• To establish the capacity to appropriately use digital tools, including generative AI, as supportive means for more efficient teaching–learning practices and for improving academic-purpose communication skills.
• To strengthen intercultural communication skills and practical field competence in multilingual and multicultural environments, thereby supporting students’ entry into educational institutions and cultural content sectors in and outside Korea.

1.3. Four-Year Roadmap: Training Korean Language Education Experts for the AI Era

The curriculum is systematically structured so that students can gradually develop from basic competence to advanced practical expertise.

1.4. Recommended Student Profile

This major is recommended for students who:

• Are interested in communicating with foreigners and in teaching Korean.
• Wish to introduce K-dramas, K-pop, and other aspects of K-culture to the world.
• Have curiosity about Korean culture in general, from tradition to contemporary popular culture.
• Want to develop intercultural communication skills in a multicultural society.
• Are interested in using cutting-edge digital tools, including generative AI, in education.
• Wish to demonstrate real teaching skills in domestic and international education settings.
• Are drawn to linguistic analysis and systematic lesson planning.
• Want to build abilities in storytelling, content analysis, and content planning.
• Hope to work as Korean language teachers abroad and gain global experience.
• Would like to take on challenges in educational content development, such as textbooks and assessments.

1.5. Career Paths after Graduation

• Korean Language Education Institutions: Korean language institutes at universities in and outside Korea, King Sejong Institutes, multicultural family support centers, foreign schools, and positions as dispatched teachers through cultural and exchange foundations.
• Cultural Content Industry: K-culture content agencies, writers for webtoons and dramas, cultural and tourism interpreters, and specialists in translation and interpreting.
• Educational Research Institutions: Research institutes specializing in Korean language education, curriculum and textbook development centers, language test organizations, and graduate schools.
• Public Sector: Government ministries and affiliated agencies related to education and culture, local governments’ international and multicultural service units, international exchange centers, and public libraries providing multicultural services.
• Professional Certification: Obtaining qualifications such as Level 2 Korean Language Teacher, cultural tour guide, and tourist interpreter, and working as a freelance professional.

Through its systematic curriculum and clearly structured career paths, this major aims to cultivate global leaders who will play a key role in the era of Hallyu (the Korean Wave).

2. Admission (For March 2026 Entry – International Students Track)

2.1. Overview

This section provides a summary of the admission process for international students based on the “2026 Spring Undergraduate Admission Guidelines for International Students.” The Major in Korean Language Education & Korean Culture is a newly established program designed exclusively for international students, so applicants are strongly advised to carefully check their eligibility.

2.2. Eligibility

(1) Academic Background & Nationality

• Freshman Admission: International students whose both parents are non-Korean nationals, and who have graduated (or are expected to graduate) from a regular high school in Korea or abroad, or have equivalent academic credentials.
• Transfer to 2nd Year: International students whose both parents are non-Korean nationals, and who have completed (or are expected to complete) at least 2 semesters (1 year) at a regular 4-year university, or who have graduated (or are expected to graduate) from a regular junior college (community college) in Korea or abroad.
• Transfer to 3rd Year: International students whose both parents are non-Korean nationals, and who have completed (or are expected to complete) at least 4 semesters (2 years) at a regular 4-year university, or who have graduated (or are expected to graduate) from a regular junior college in Korea or abroad.

(2) Language Requirements

• At the time of application, there is no mandatory Korean proficiency requirement for submitting the application.
• However, to begin undergraduate studies, students must meet the Korean proficiency criteria set by the university. Those who do not yet meet the criteria will be required to take an additional Korean language training course. (For detailed information, please refer to the official admission guidelines.)
• To graduate from this major, students must obtain at least Level 4 on the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK), in accordance with the graduation assessment criteria.

2.3. Screening Method & Schedule

Screening Method

• Evaluation: 100% document screening (holistic review)
• Multiple Applications: Applicants may apply to up to two undergraduate programs.

Main Dates for the 2nd Screening – Spring 2026 (March Entry)

2.4. International Office – Admission Information

The most accurate and up-to-date information on admission is provided on the website of the Office of International Affairs (OIA). Detailed curriculum information for successful applicants is introduced in the next section.

Go to Chung-Ang University OIA – Admission Information

3. Curriculum

3.1. Overview

The curriculum of the Major in Korean Language Education & Korean Culture is designed to connect introductory courses in the lower years with advanced practical and specialized courses in the upper years. Students who complete the required courses can satisfy the academic requirements for obtaining the Korean Language Teacher Certificate (Level 2), thus taking the first step toward becoming professional Korean language educators.

3.2. Basic & Required Major Courses

Basic Major Courses (15 Credits)

Required Major Courses (Choose 12 Credits from the 6 Courses Below)

3.3. Full Curriculum by Year & Semester

3.4. Korean Language Teacher Certificate (Level 2)

Students in this major can obtain the Korean Language Teacher Certificate (Level 2) by completing the required courses. To be eligible, students must earn at least 45 credits across five designated subject areas. Detailed regulations regarding the certificate are available on the official website of the National Institute of Korean Language.

Go to the Official Website of the Korean Language Teacher Certificate

4. Graduation Requirements

4.1. Overview

The systematically structured curriculum provides students with all the academic and practical foundations necessary to grow into professionals. The specific graduation requirements that must be met for successful degree completion are as follows.

4.2. Required Major Credits

※ Students must maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 or higher.

4.3. Mandatory Courses & Thesis Requirement

• CAU Seminar: This is a mandatory 1-credit course offered in the first semester.
• Thesis Requirement Substitute: Students must complete the "Korean Studies Field Practice (59329)" (3 credits) course, offered in the 4th year, 1st semester, to substitute for the graduation thesis.
• Minimum Language Requirement: Students must obtain TOPIK Level 4 or higher before graduation.

5. Faculty

5.1. Introduction

The faculty of the Department of Korean Language and Literature possesses deep expertise in diverse fields, including Korean Linguistics, Korean Language Education, Classical and Modern Literature, and Humanities-based Content Studies. Their broad academic capabilities will serve as a strong foundation for achieving the educational goals of the newly established Major in Korean Language Education & Korean Culture and for fostering students' growth into global talents.

5.2. Current Faculty

Korean Linguistics & Korean Language Education

• Lee Chankyu (이찬규)
  Final Degree: Ph.D. in Korean Language and Literature, Chung-Ang University
  Main Courses: Introduction to Korean Linguistics, Language and Communication in the Posthuman Era, Korean Semantics and Pragmatics
  Office: Building 309, Room 313 | Tel: +82-2-820-5094 | E-mail: leeck@cau.ac.kr
• Yang Myunghee (양명희)
  Final Degree: Ph.D. in Korean Language and Literature, Seoul National University
  Main Courses: Korean Grammar, Sociolinguistics
  Office: Building 305, Room 514 | Tel: +82-2-820-5088 | E-mail: yangmh@cau.ac.kr
• Park Hwanyoung (박환영)
  Final Degree: Ph.D. in Social Anthropology (Linguistic Anthropology), University of Cambridge
  Main Courses: History of Korean, Hunminjeongeum and Hangeul Culture
  Office: Building 305, Room 910 | Tel: +82-2-820-5232 | E-mail: hyp1000@cau.ac.kr
• Im Hyun-yeol (임현열)
  Final Degree: Ph.D. in Korean Language and Literature, Chung-Ang University
  Main Courses: Korean Phonology, AI Linguistics, Studies in Language Information
  Office: Building 305, Room 516 | Tel: +82-2-820-5085 | E-mail: imhy@cau.ac.kr

Classical Literature & Humanities-based Content

• Lee Myeoung-hyun (이명현)
  Final Degree: Ph.D. in Korean Language and Literature (Classical Literature), Chung-Ang University
  Main Courses: Introduction to Korean Literature, Classical Novel, Understanding Classical Narrative
  Office: Building 305, Room 503 | Tel: +82-2-820-5815 | E-mail: jef91@cau.ac.kr
• Kim, Seong-moon (김성문)
  Final Degree: Ph.D. in Korean Language and Literature (Classical Literature), Chung-Ang University
  Main Courses: History of Classical Literature, Classical Literature and Content Studies
  Office: Building 303, Room 1414 | Tel: +82-2-820-6781 | E-mail: toughsm@cau.ac.kr
• Shin Seong-hwan (신성환)
  Final Degree: Ph.D. in Korean Language and Literature (Classical Literature), Korea University
  Main Courses: Understanding Classical Literature, Classical Poetry, Classical Authors
  Office: Building 305, Room 908 | Tel: +82-2-820-5061 | E-mail: dkssanga@cau.ac.kr

Modern Literature

• Lee Kyung-soo (이경수)
  Final Degree: Ph.D. in Korean Language and Literature (Modern Literature), Korea University
  Main Courses: Theory of Modern Poetry, Studies in Modern Poets
  Office: Building 305, Room 410 | Tel: +82-2-820-5087 | E-mail: philosoo@cau.ac.kr
• Seo Se-rim (서세림)
  Final Degree: Ph.D. in Korean Language and Literature (Modern Literature), Seoul National University
  Main Courses: Modern Novel, Authors and the Times
  Office: Building 305, Room 521 | Tel: +82-2-820-5104 | E-mail: serim@cau.ac.kr

The faculty is committed to supporting every student so that they may achieve their academic goals and successfully advance into society as professionals.

6. Notice

Information: This section is reserved for official notices related to the Major in Korean Language Education & Korean Culture.

Once the official website is fully launched, important information such as curriculum updates, scholarship announcements, and major academic events will be promptly posted here.

We kindly ask for your continued interest and attention, both from current students and prospective applicants.