Why study Korean?

Korean, 한국어 (Hangugeo), is the official language of Korea and is spoken by more than 77 million people worldwide. The number of Korean language learners has grown due to South Korea’s increasingly visible roles in the world economy, technological innovation, and global pop culture.

  • The Korean alphabet, 한글 (Hangeul), is one of the most scientific alphabets and is easy to learn.
  • Learning the Korean language can open job opportunities, earn scholarships, and allow students to study abroad. Students in the Korean program can gain a greater perspective into Korean art, music, literature and lifestyle through Korean pop culture, multimedia (K-POP music, K-Dramas) and so many more!
  • Korea is very enthusiastic about learning English; therefore, the recruitment of Korean-English speaking individuals is in crucial demand. Several ‘Teaching English in Korea’ programs are funded by the Korean government and provide helpful websites and aid for the application process. Teaching English in Korea immerses individuals into the Korean culture and develops their Korean speaking capability.
  • Korean, a rapidly emerging foreign language is also of global importance in the U.S., meaning there will be a high demand for Korean-English bilinguals.
  • Learning Korean provides new career opportunities with prominent international companies such as Samsung, Hyundai, and LG, as well as government work in the U.S. and Korea. In essence, the mastery of the Korean language will secure a competitive edge in any Korean-English related work field.

While learning Korean, students will be introduced to a broad range of Korean language and culture.If you are interested in UTSA's Korean programs visit the UTSA Korean Program website.

The Korean Culture Club is an active student group that participates in UTSA events and other cultural activities involving Korean language and culture.

The Korean Book Club is also an active student group that meets to better their Korean reading proficiency through Korean scripts.

Deuk Hee Gong

Contact

Deuk Hee Gong, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Practice

Modern Languages and Literatures

DeukHee.Gong@utsa.edu

Korean Courses Offered

(3-2) 4 Credit Hours. (TCCN = KORE 1411)

Fundamentals of Korean offering the opportunity to develop basic listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Introduction of Korean characters and Korean culture.

Prerequisite: KOR 1014, an equivalent, an appropriate placement test score, or consent of instructor. Fundamentals of Korean offering the opportunity to develop basic speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Further study of Korean characters and Korean culture. 

Prerequisite: KOR 1024, the equivalent, the appropriate placement test score, or consent of instructor. Continued opportunity to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through structural analysis of the Korean language. Further study of Korean culture. 

(3-1) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: KOR 2013, the equivalent, the appropriate placement test score, or consent of instructor. Continued opportunity to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through structural analysis of the Korean language. Further study of Korean culture. 

(3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: KOR 2023, the equivalent, the appropriate placement test score, or consent of instructor. Offers the opportunity to develop advanced-level oral and written communication skills in the Korean language, along with enhanced comprehension skills in listening and reading. May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

(3-0) 3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: KOR 2023, the equivalent, or consent of instructor. Selected topics in Korean culture, such as history, democracy, current social issues, pop culture, or contemporary cultural developments. May be repeated for credit when topics vary. 

  • Korean Pop Culture
  • Adv Topics in World Cultures: Korea
  • Korean Film & East Asian Film
Group of students at Choi Sunu House in Korea

Study Abroad

Learn more about your study abroad opportunities for Korean!

Highlights of Previous Study Abroad Trip: