Korean Studies

Studying the Korean language alongside its contemporary history, culture, politics, economy, and society offers students a deeper insight into the key issues shaping the Korean Peninsula and its neighbouring regions.

Why Korean Studies?

With a rich and dynamic history, a thriving economy, and a far-reaching cultural impact, Korea’s influence on the global stage is growing rapidly. The Korean Peninsula remains one of the most geopolitically significant regions, shaped by its division since the end of World War II and the enduring complexities of inter-Korean relations.
South Korea has emerged as an economic powerhouse, with its GDP per capita surpassing US$30,000 in 2019, while North Korea remains one of the most isolated and economically challenged nations yet continues to command global attention due to its nuclear capabilities. Beyond politics and economics, Korea’s cultural soft power has left an undeniable mark—Hallyu (the Korean Wave) has spread across Asia and beyond, with K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cinema captivating audiences worldwide, including in Australia.
Yet Korea’s significance extends far beyond its popular culture. Studying the Korean language, history, politics, security, economy, and society gives students a deeper understanding of the critical issues shaping the Korean Peninsula and its neighbours.

Launched in July 2017, Korean Studies at the University of Melbourne has rapidly grown to offer a comprehensive programme, including Korean language courses from beginner to advanced levels, alongside four engaging Korean Studies subjects exploring Korea from historical and contemporary perspectives.
By studying Korean Studies, students gain invaluable insights into a nation that bridges tradition and innovation, economic success and cultural dynamism, internal challenges, regional conflicts, and global influence. This knowledge prepares them for diverse career paths, including diplomacy, business, media, academia, entertainment, and the performing arts. It equips them with the skills to navigate an increasingly interconnected, multicultural, and multilingual world.

Why Korean Studies at Melbourne?

Widely recognised as Australia’s No.1 research university, the University of Melbourne is committed to establishing the country’s leading Korean Studies programme. With a strong interdisciplinary approach and supported by a team of academic specialists, our programme offers students a comprehensive understanding of the Korean language, society, culture, international relations, politics, history, migration, and more. Our Korean studies specialists ensure a rich academic foundation and practical relevance for students’ future careers.

The Korean Studies programme at Melbourne features a comprehensive curriculum, offering six Korean language subjects (Korean 1, Korean 2, Korean 3, Korean 4, Korean 5, Korean 6) and a diverse range of Korean Studies subjects (Contemporary Korea, Korean Politics and Society, Two Koreas in the World, Korean Popular Culture). Designed to cultivate the next generation of Korean specialists, the Korean Studies programme fosters critical thinking and a multidisciplinary understanding of Korea’s evolving role. Graduates gain skills such as advanced language proficiency, cultural awareness, and social literacy, equipping them for private and public careers.

For those passionate about Korea, the programme provides the knowledge and skills to engage with Korea’s growing influence in the 21st century. Additionally, students interested in entertainment, digital media, fashion, design, and cultural industries will find abundant opportunities, as Korea’s dynamic cultural exports—such as K-pop, K-dramas, and K-fashion—have created new avenues for global creative and business careers.

How can I study Korean Studies?

Undergraduate students can study Korean Studies as:

Through the Bachelor of Arts Asian Studies major or minor in a Bachelor of Arts or combined Arts degree, or as a breadth option within your non-Arts degree (see Korean Studies subjects below)
In a fourth-year honours program (pure or combined) through the Bachelor of Arts Asian Studies major
As part of their Diploma in Languages.

Korean Studies can also be studied through the following:

The Asia Institute offers a range of subjects in Korean Studies. Some examples include:

Where can Korean Studies take me?

A specialisation in Korean Studies can lead to various exciting and rewarding career paths in both the private and public sectors, dealing with the Korean Peninsula and its global influence. South Korea is Australia’s third-largest global export market, making expertise in Korean affairs highly sought after. Government departments at the state level and industries in the energy sector seek professionals with specialised knowledge in Korean; therefore, graduates with in-depth and critical knowledge of Korea are well-positioned for roles in diplomacy, trade, and various international collaborations. Numerous opportunities for Korean Studies graduates are also presented by the media and communication, digital media, entertainment, and fashion industries.