Language skills
Programme length
Full time study for one academic year
Study mode
Face-to-face learning
Application status
International students:
Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:
- Do you want to learn Korean?
- Are you interested in learning more about Korea?
- Do you want a programme made up of a major and a minor?
- Do you enjoy exploring new cultures?
- Do you want a programme that can be tailored to suit your interests?
- Are you planning on completing a BA degree?
Korean Studies as a minor is taken alongside or after a 120 ECTS major in another subject, a total of 180 ECTS for a BA degree.
Course topics include:
- Korean
- Language usage
- Asian Philosophy
- Individual projects
The programme coordinator supports all students in Korean studies.
Minor and major
Many schools allow students to take a major in one subject and a minor in another subject at a different school. However, students must always seek permission from the faculty if the minor is taught at a different faculty or school.
Check the rules on majors and minors below under Helpful Content below.
Other
- Korean studies as a 60 ECTS Diploma is also offered
Icelandic matriculation examination (stúdentspróf: school leaving examination from secondary school) or equivalent qualification.
To complete the minor in Korean Studies the student must complete all the courses specified in the programme structure.
Programme structure
Check below to see how the programme is structured.
This programme does not offer specialisations.
- Year unspecified
- Fall
- Korean I
- Conversational Korean I
- Korean Society and Culture
- Spring 1
- Korean II
- Conversational Korean II
- Not taught this semesterHistory of Modern East Asia
- Individual Project
Year unspecified | Fall
Korean I (KOR101G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course is an elementary Korean language course designed for those who have no prior knowledge of Korean. The goal of the course is to enable students to develop comprehensive language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Korean and to master the writing system. This course will focus on both written and spoken languages and cover various topics in Korean culture for a better understanding of the language. Teaching will be conducted in English and Korean.
Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Fall
Conversational Korean I (KOR102G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course is an elementary conversational course in Korean language. The goal of the course is to enable students to understand spoken language and to engage in real-life conversations in Korean. The course is based on interactive exercises and tasks, and active participation is key for the best learning outcomes.
While intended for beginners, it is highly recommended that the course be taken along with Korean I, as prior knowledge of the writing system is required. Teaching will be conducted in Korean.
Language of instruction: Korean
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Fall
Korean Society and Culture (KOR103G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The course is intended as an introduction to Korean society and culture. Its aim is to provide students with basic knowledge of Korean history, religion, and philosophy, and to offer insights into modern Korean society by exploring topics such as the state, family, gender, and migration, and by discussing them with guest speakers or other relevant individuals.
Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Korean II (KOR201G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course is an elementary Korean language course intended for those who have completed Korean I. The goal of the course is to enable students to develop comprehensive language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing and to build a solid foundation for further studies in Korean language. This course will focus on both written and spoken languages and cover various topics in Korean culture for a better understanding of the language. Teaching will be conducted in English and Korean.
Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Conversational Korean II (KOR202G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course is an elementary conversational course in Korean language intended for those who completed Conversational Korean I. The goal of the course is to enable students to understand spoken language and to engage in real-life conversations in Korean. The course is based on interactive exercises and tasks, and active participation is key for the best learning outcomes. Teaching will be conducted in Korean.
Language of instruction: Korean
Face-to-face learning
Not taught this semester
Year unspecified | Spring 1
History of Modern East Asia (JAP413G)
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
Asia is largest of the continents and is home to almost 60% of the world´s population. It has also become established as an economic powerhouse with China, Japan and India firmly placed on top-five list over the largest economies in the world. At the same time, Asia is also a region of growing tension with three acknowledged nuclear states, unsolved territorial disputes, nationalistic undercurrents, large income disparities, as well as serious environmental and climate threats. The course aims to give students a broad introduction to the history of international relations in East Asia from the mid-nineteenth century to the present, with an emphasis on the key trends and developments that have shaped the region. The focus will be on China, Japan, and South Korea.
The course will cover such topics as: the countries and cultures of Asia, colonialization and decolonialization, the world wars and the Cold War in East Asia, the role of the United States, international and regional collaboration (ASEAN, APEC, ADB), and the rise of China and India. The course will also cover current issues, ranging from soft power strategies to Arctic policies of East Asian states.
Language of instruction: English
Face-to-face learning
Year unspecified | Spring 1
Individual Project (KOR203G)
Free elective course within the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
The individual project for 10 credits involves a self-directed project defined in consultation with a supervisor.
Language of instruction: English
Self-study
Year unspecified
- Fall
- KOR101GKorean IMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse Description
This course is an elementary Korean language course designed for those who have no prior knowledge of Korean. The goal of the course is to enable students to develop comprehensive language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in Korean and to master the writing system. This course will focus on both written and spoken languages and cover various topics in Korean culture for a better understanding of the language. Teaching will be conducted in English and Korean.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesKOR102GConversational Korean IMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is an elementary conversational course in Korean language. The goal of the course is to enable students to understand spoken language and to engage in real-life conversations in Korean. The course is based on interactive exercises and tasks, and active participation is key for the best learning outcomes.
While intended for beginners, it is highly recommended that the course be taken along with Korean I, as prior knowledge of the writing system is required. Teaching will be conducted in Korean.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesKOR103GKorean Society and CultureMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThe course is intended as an introduction to Korean society and culture. Its aim is to provide students with basic knowledge of Korean history, religion, and philosophy, and to offer insights into modern Korean society by exploring topics such as the state, family, gender, and migration, and by discussing them with guest speakers or other relevant individuals.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisites- Spring 2
KOR201GKorean IIMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is an elementary Korean language course intended for those who have completed Korean I. The goal of the course is to enable students to develop comprehensive language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing and to build a solid foundation for further studies in Korean language. This course will focus on both written and spoken languages and cover various topics in Korean culture for a better understanding of the language. Teaching will be conducted in English and Korean.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesKOR202GConversational Korean IIMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionThis course is an elementary conversational course in Korean language intended for those who completed Conversational Korean I. The goal of the course is to enable students to understand spoken language and to engage in real-life conversations in Korean. The course is based on interactive exercises and tasks, and active participation is key for the best learning outcomes. Teaching will be conducted in Korean.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesNot taught this semesterJAP413GHistory of Modern East AsiaMandatory (required) course10A mandatory (required) course for the programme10 ECTS, creditsCourse DescriptionAsia is largest of the continents and is home to almost 60% of the world´s population. It has also become established as an economic powerhouse with China, Japan and India firmly placed on top-five list over the largest economies in the world. At the same time, Asia is also a region of growing tension with three acknowledged nuclear states, unsolved territorial disputes, nationalistic undercurrents, large income disparities, as well as serious environmental and climate threats. The course aims to give students a broad introduction to the history of international relations in East Asia from the mid-nineteenth century to the present, with an emphasis on the key trends and developments that have shaped the region. The focus will be on China, Japan, and South Korea.
The course will cover such topics as: the countries and cultures of Asia, colonialization and decolonialization, the world wars and the Cold War in East Asia, the role of the United States, international and regional collaboration (ASEAN, APEC, ADB), and the rise of China and India. The course will also cover current issues, ranging from soft power strategies to Arctic policies of East Asian states.
Face-to-face learningPrerequisitesCourse DescriptionThe individual project for 10 credits involves a self-directed project defined in consultation with a supervisor.
Self-studyPrerequisites
The University of Iceland collaborates with over 400 universities worldwide. This provides a unique opportunity to pursue part of your studies at an international university thus gaining added experience and fresh insight into your field of study.
Students generally have the opportunity to join an exchange programme, internship, or summer courses. However, exchanges are always subject to faculty approval.
Students have the opportunity to have courses evaluated as part of their studies at the University of Iceland, so their stay does not have to affect the duration of their studies.
Knowledge of the Korean language and culture is useful for working in business, international affairs and tourism, to name a few examples.
An education in this area can open up opportunities in:
- Tourism
- International affairs
- Tour guiding
- Translation
- Interpretation
- Business
- Imports and exports
This list is not exhaustive.
- Linguae is the organisation for language students at the University of Iceland
- Linguae organises social events for students at the Faculty of Languages and Cultures
- Members currently include students of Italian, French, German, Spanish, Danish, Chinese and Russian
- Linguae runs a Facebook group and a Facebook page
I found Korean Studies extremely interesting, as I connected well with the subject, and it was fun to learn a new language so different yet so similar to mine. The programme focused on grammar and connecting with the language through building a good vocabulary and listening to and reading texts. I took Korean as a minor in my master's programme because I had decided to study abroad in Korea the last year. The studies prepared me for everyday conversations which was very rewarding.
Study wheel
What interests you?
How to apply
Follow the path
If you still have questions, feel free to contact us.
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