Korean

The UW Korean language program provides a vibrant, fun, and engaging learning experience. Students can major or minor in the language.

Program Overview

The Korean program offers elementary through advanced Korean. Students can also explore relevant content courses throughout the year focusing on Korean dramas, K-pop, and other topics.

Degree availability: Minor / B.A.

Years offered: 4 years

Contact: asianll@uw.edu

Course Information

Course Catalog

Language Courses

  • KOREAN 101, 102, 103 First-Year Korean
  • KOREAN 201, 202, 203 Second-Year Korean
  • KOREAN 301, 302, 303 Third-Year Korean
  • KOREAN 415, 416, 417 Readings in Korean Literature and Culture

Culture Classes

  • KOREAN 360 Topics in Korean Literature and Culture 
  • KOREAN 365 Korean Pop Culture 
  • KOREAN 435 Seminar in Modern Korean Literature and Culture 
  • KOREAN 442 Special Topics in Korean Language and Culture 
  • KOREAN 415-417 Readings in Korean Literature and Culture 

Faculty's Recent Research

Publications

Student Success Stories

  • 2021-2022 UW Undergraduate Critical Language Scholars: 
    • Name unlisted | Marine Biology major | Award to study Korean 
  • 2012-2013: 
    • Quyen Tran | Psychology, to study Korean. 
  • 2009-2010: 
    • Kris Robinson | East Asian Languages and Literature major, to study Korean. 
  • 2008-2009: 
    • Ryo Kato | International Studies major, to study Korean. 

 

More about Korean

 

Global

  • Spoken by 81 million people as a first language.

Learning

  • The Korean language is a unique, highly respectful language featuring a scientifically designed alphabet (Hangeul) created 1443, with 24 letters designed to mimic mouth shapes.

Culture & Diplomacy

  • Korea ranks 4th largest economy in Asia and the 13th largest in the world as of 2025.

Airplane IconTravel & Career

  • Opens doors to careers in technology, manufacturing, business, entertainment and education.
  • Gyeongbok palace with tourists walking,

    Gyeongbok palace with tourists walking

  • Downtown Korea,

    Downtown Korea

  • Bibimbap,

    Bibimbap

  • Woman in a Hanbok dress,

    Woman in a Hanbok dress