Korean Language and Culture at George Mason University
Discover the rich heritage and contemporary vibrancy of Korea through our comprehensive language and cultural programs. Embark on a transformative educational journey.
Explore CoursesAbout Korean Studies at GMU
Our Korean Language and Culture program offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the world's most dynamic economies and culturally rich nations from an interdisciplinary perspective.
A Gateway to East Asia
Established in 2010, George Mason University's Korean Studies program has grown into one of the most comprehensive in the region. We offer a multidimensional approach to understanding Korea, combining rigorous language instruction with rich cultural coursework.
Our program provides students with the linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding necessary to engage with Korea's global influence in business, technology, entertainment, and international relations.
Whether you're interested in K-pop, traditional arts, contemporary politics, or Korea's remarkable economic development, our program offers pathways to deepen your knowledge and expand your academic and career horizons.
Language Courses
Our language courses follow a structured progression from beginner to advanced levels, emphasizing proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
KOREAN 101: Elementary Korean I
An introduction to modern Korean with emphasis on pronunciation, basic grammar, and essential vocabulary. Students learn Hangul, the Korean writing system, and develop fundamental conversational skills.
KOREAN 102: Elementary Korean II
Continuation of KOREAN 101, focusing on expanding vocabulary, developing more complex sentence structures, and improving reading and writing skills through culturally relevant materials.
KOREAN 201: Intermediate Korean I
Builds upon elementary Korean, with emphasis on communicative competence, extending from everyday conversations to more abstract topics like social issues, traditions, and future plans.
KOREAN 202: Intermediate Korean II
Continuation of KOREAN 201, focusing on enhancing reading and writing skills through authentic materials, developing formal speech patterns, and exploring contemporary Korean society.
KOREAN 301: Advanced Korean I
Designed for students with intermediate proficiency, this course focuses on academic and professional language skills, complex grammar, and reading authentic texts from various fields.
KOREAN 302: Advanced Korean II
Advanced study of Korean with emphasis on discourse structure, stylistic variations, and critical reading. Students engage in in-depth discussions on social, political, and cultural issues.
Culture Courses
Our culture courses explore the multifaceted aspects of Korean society, from historical traditions to contemporary phenomena.
KOREAN 250: Introduction to Korean Culture
A comprehensive survey of Korean culture, covering history, philosophy, customs, arts, and contemporary society. This course provides essential context for understanding modern Korea.
KOREAN 330: Korean Popular Culture
Explore the global phenomenon of K-pop, Korean cinema, webtoons, and other forms of popular culture. Analyze how cultural products are produced, consumed, and circulated globally.
KOREAN 340: Korean Literature in Translation
A survey of Korean literature from classical to contemporary periods. Readings include poetry, fiction, and dramatic works that reflect Korea's evolving cultural landscape.
KOREAN 360: Contemporary Korean Society
Examine Korea's rapid modernization, democratization, economic development, and current social issues. Topics include family dynamics, urbanization, education, and globalization.
KOREAN 380: Korean Visual Culture
An overview of Korean visual arts from traditional paintings and ceramics to contemporary photography, design, and architecture. Explore how visual expression reflects cultural identity.
KOREAN 395: Korean Cinema
Survey of Korean film history from the colonial period to the present. Analyze major films, directors, genres, and the social contexts that shaped cinematic production.
Our Faculty
Our world-class faculty brings together expertise in language pedagogy, Korean studies, and comparative literature.
Dr. Ji-Young Park
Program Director
Specializes in Korean language pedagogy and second language acquisition. Published several Korean language textbooks and conducts research on effective teaching methodologies.
Dr. Min-jun Kim
Korean Literature Specialist
Expert in classical and modern Korean literature. Teaches courses on literary translation, narrative traditions, and the intersection of literature and social transformation.
Dr. So-yeon Lee
Korean Culture & Society
Scholar of contemporary Korean popular culture and digital media. Researches the global spread of K-culture and its implications for transnational identity formation.
Dr. Jin-suk Choi
Korean History & Politics
Historian specializing in modern Korea, with particular focus on the Korean War, democratization, and inter-Korean relations. Teaches courses on Korean history and politics.
Student Opportunities
Beyond the classroom, our program offers numerous ways to engage with Korean language and culture.
Study Abroad
Summer and semester-long programs at partner universities in Seoul, Busan, and other cities provide immersive language and cultural experiences.
Korean Language Club
Student-run organization hosting language exchange sessions, cultural activities, film screenings, and celebrations of Korean holidays.
Internship Programs
Placement opportunities with Korean companies, cultural organizations, and government agencies that value Korean language proficiency.
Academic Awards
Annual scholarships and awards recognize outstanding achievement in Korean language studies and research on Korean culture.
Cultural Events
Regular workshops, performances, and exhibitions featuring Korean traditional arts, contemporary music, cuisine, and fashion.
Undergraduate Research
Opportunities to conduct independent research on Korean topics with faculty mentorship, potentially leading to conference presentations or publications.
Get In Touch
We're here to help you begin your Korean studies journey at George Mason University.
Visit Us
Department of Modern and Classical Languages
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Email Us
koreanstudies@gmu.edu
program-director@gmu.edu
Call Us
(703) 993-1220
Main Office: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
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