Where does the programme belong?

School of Humanities Faculty of Languages and Cultures

Korean Studies, Diploma

Language skills

required

Programme length

One year - 60 ECTS

Study mode

Face-to-face learning

Application status

International students:

Students with Icelandic or Nordic citizenship:

Are you interested in learning more about Korea?
Do you enjoy exploring new cultures?
Do you want a short diploma programme?
Do you want to learn Korean?
Do you want a programme that can be tailored to suit your interests?

A full-time student can complete this Diploma in Korean in one year, but it is also possible to study part-time and take two years.

Course topics include:

Korean
Language usage
Asian Philosophy
Individual projects

The programme coordinator supports all students in Korean studies.

Other

If you plan to graduate with a BA degree, you can take Korean studies as a 60 ECTS minor along with a 120 ECTS major in another subject.

Check the rules on majors and minors below under helpful content.

Icelandic matriculation examination (stúdentspróf) or equivalent qualification.

To complete the diploma in Korean Studies, students must complete 50 ECTS in mandatory Korean Studies courses, as specified in the programme structure. In addition, students must take 10 ECTS of elective course(s) during the fall semester. These electives may be chosen from any other programme within the School of Humanities.

Fall semester:
KOR101G Korean I 10 ECTS
KOR102G Conversational Korean I 10 ECTS
Free elective from within the School of Humanities 10 ECTS

Spring semester:
KOR201G Korean II 10 ECTS
KOR202G Conversational Korean II 10 ECTS
KOR204G Korean Society and Culture 10 ECTS

Programme structure

Check below to see how the programme is structured.

This programme does not offer specialisations.

First year

First year
Fall
Korean I
Conversational Korean I
Spring 1
Korean II
Conversational Korean II
Korean Society and Culture

First year | 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

Further information about the course

First year | 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

Further information about the course

First year | 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

Further information about the course

First year | 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

Further information about the course

First year | Spring 1

Korean Society and Culture (KOR204G)

A mandatory (required) course for the programme

10 ECTS, credits

Course Description

This course explores the dynamic interplay between Korea’s deep historical roots and its rapid emergence as a global technological and cultural influence. Guided by the theme “Rooted in History, Wired for the Future,” students will examine how Korea’s historical legacy, colonial and postwar experiences, and distinctive drive for transformation have shaped its present-day society and culture – including politics, gender and family relations, generational divides, the Korean Wave, and more – within an increasingly globalized world.

Language of instruction: English

Face-to-face learning

Further information about the course

Programme in Course Catalogue

First year

Fall
KOR101G
Korean I
Mandatory (required) course
10
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.
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Further information
KOR102G
Conversational Korean I
Mandatory (required) course
10
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.
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Further information
Spring 2
KOR201G
Korean II
Mandatory (required) course
10
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.
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Further information
KOR202G
Conversational Korean II
Mandatory (required) course
10
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.
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Further information
KOR204G
Korean Society and Culture
Mandatory (required) course
10
A mandatory (required) course for the programme
10 ECTS, credits
Course Description
This course explores the dynamic interplay between Korea’s deep historical roots and its rapid emergence as a global technological and cultural influence. Guided by the theme “Rooted in History, Wired for the Future,” students will examine how Korea’s historical legacy, colonial and postwar experiences, and distinctive drive for transformation have shaped its present-day society and culture – including politics, gender and family relations, generational divides, the Korean Wave, and more – within an increasingly globalized world.
Face-to-face learning
Prerequisites
Further information

Programme in Course Catalogue

The University of Iceland collaborates with over 400 universities worldwide. This provides a unique opportunity for UI students to pursue a part of their studies abroad, gain valuable international experience, and strengthen their position in the job market.

Opportunities

Study abroad is always subject to faculty approval.

Requirements

Students can only apply for study abroad if their study programme is at least:

90 ECTS credits for undergraduate programmes
60 ECTS credits for graduate programmes

See further requirements

Recognition

Students can get courses taken abroad recognised towards their degree at UI so the mobility does not have to prolong the studies at UI. Students must agree with their faculty on the recognition of courses before the start of the mobility by signing a learning agreement.