Programs

Bachelor's and Master's Programs in Korea Studies

The University of Washington maintains one of the oldest programs in the United States providing undergraduate and graduate training in Korea studies in a variety of disciplines. Courses are offered in Korean language, literature, history, social organization, and politics. The history courses cover the full range of the Korean experience, from the origins of the Korean people in the archaeological record to contemporary times. Undergraduate and graduate courses on Korean history and society cover the period under Japanese colonial rule in the first half of the twentieth century, the liberation of Korea after 1945, the Korean War, and the political, economic, social, and cultural development of both South Korea and North Korea. Graduate seminars provide opportunities for research in Korean and other non-Western languages on a variety of topics in the political, social, economic, and intellectual history. The program emphasizes the study of Korea in the context of East Asian civilization and the modern world economy. Students are thus encouraged to take related courses on China, Japan, and international studies. Graduates from the master's degree program have gone on to successful careers in business, banking, government, law, social work, and education. For others, the MA degree is a first step toward a doctorate in history, political science, sociology, anthropology, Korean literature, or comparative literature.

Korea Studies Program

Visiting Scholar Program

The Center for Korea Studies accepts ten to twelve scholars annually to conduct research at the University of Washington. Visiting Scholars are encouraged to use the extensive collections of the University of Washington library system and other university research facilities, and to meet and work with the faculty of the Jackson School for International Studies and the university in general. The Visiting Scholar Program provides an excellent opportunity to join in the academic life of the university community as well as to experience life in the diverse communities of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

Visiting Scholars are those who have been granted leave and financial support to pursue research while they continue full-time employment at their home institution. Such scholars may visit the University of Washington for a period of six months to one year, for the purpose of research and interaction with students and scholars on campus. The Center for Korea Studies has no office space to offer, but can sponsor a limited number of visas and provide for access to University of Washington research and recreational facilities. Visiting Scholars are strongly encouraged to both attend and present their research at Center of Korea Studies colloquia offered throughout the academic year.

Application Process

In recent years applicants have exceeded our capacity and we have had to limit the number we accept. We now evaluate applications only four times a year on the tenth of December, March, June and September. Scholars who wish to apply to the Visiting Scholar Program should submit a cover letter, research proposal, CV, and an affidavit of support from the candidate’s home institution. Application materials should be sent to: 

Visiting Scholar Program
Center for Korea Studies
Jackson School of International Studies
Box 353650
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195

Applications must be received by December 10, March 10, June 10 or September 10 for the relevant competition. Scholars should apply a minimum of three months before they plan to arrive.

Fees

Visiting Scholars from Academic Institutions: The Center for Korea Studies will assess a fee of $2,000 per year to Visiting Scholars who possess a PhD and hold a teaching or research position at an academic institution within two weeks of arrival at the university.

Visiting Scholars from Non-academic institutions: The Center for Korea Studies will assess a fee of $8,000 per year to Visiting Scholars from non-academic institutions within two weeks of arrival at the university.

Visiting Scholars from financial institutions: The Center for Korea Studies will assess a fee of $10,000 per year to Visiting Scholars from financial institutions.

Brain Korea Program: The Center for Korea Studies will assess a fee of $1,000 per year to Visiting Scholars participating in the Brain Korea Program.

Fees may not be prorated for periods of less than one year.

University of Washington Center for Korea Studies Colloquia Series

The Center for Korea Studies sponsors an annual colloquia series in which invited scholars in the field of Korea Studies present their current research projects. Speakers typically include faculty of the University of Washington, scholars invited from other universities, and Visiting Scholars.

Teacher's Conference on Korean Studies

The Center for Korea Studies organizes and host and annual Teachers’ Workshop in Korea Studies for K-12 educators in Washington State who wish to integrate Korea-relate topics into their curricula. Workshop participants attend lectures on Korean culture, history, and society as well as grade-specific teaching materials. The first workshop was held in April 2007 and was attended by more than 100 teachers from school districts throughout the state.

Registration Form