Introduction

Overview: The Department of Korean Language and Literature aims to nurture capable individuals who can engage with and contribute to Korean culture through rigorous training in both linguistics and literary studies. The department seeks to cultivate students who not only appreciate the historical depth and cultural significance of Korean language and literature but also actively participate in the creation and interpretation of Korean culture in contemporary society. At the same time, the program prepares students to pursue Korean studies from a global perspective and to contribute to the internationalization of Korean language and literature in the 21st century.; Students explore the scientific structure and historical development of the Korean language, while examining the aesthetic, cultural, and intellectual traditions of Korean literature from the premodern period to the present. Courses introduce major linguistic and literary theories and offer survey classes on premodern and modern Korean literature, as well as specialized seminars that examine significant themes, authors, and texts within the Korean linguistic and literary tradition. The curriculum emphasizes the systematic analysis of language phenomena and literary texts through theoretical and critical approaches. The department also offers interdisciplinary courses that connect Korean language and literature with areas such as data science, cultural content, and visual media, enabling students to explore new ways of producing linguistic and cultural ideas within changing cultural environments.; By combining a strong humanistic foundation with innovative and interdisciplinary perspectives, the Department of Korean Language and Literature strives to cultivate creative scholars, educators, writers, and cultural professionals who will contribute to both the local community and the global advancement of Korean studies.

History: The Department of Korean Language and Literature was established in 1964 and has since developed into a distinguished academic program with more than 2,500 alumni. From its inception, the program has been dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of the history and theoretical foundations of the Korean language, as well as the formal and cultural characteristics of Korean literary texts. Through this academic training, the program aims to equip students with a strong foundation in Korea’s linguistic and literary traditions and to prepare them to apply this knowledge in a rapidly changing cultural and social environment.; Following the establishment of its undergraduate curriculum in 1968, many graduates have pursued careers as Korean language teachers in middle and high schools, contributing significantly to secondary education. The graduate program was launched with the introduction of the M.A. degree in 1972, and it was further expanded with the establishment of the doctoral program in 1974. Today, more than 180 alumni holding master’s and doctoral degrees are affiliated with major universities and research institutes throughout Korea, continuing to advance scholarship in Korean language and literature.