Korean

North and South Korea have a combined population of 68 million. Most of the people in Korean peninsula are ethnic Koreans, making Korea one of the most homogeneous countries in the world. The Korean language plays an important role in the identity of Korean people. Korean is spoken in both North and South Korea and written in Hangul, a phonetic alphabet created in 1446. South Korea has experienced rapid economic growth and development and is considered an Asian economic powerhouse.

The Korean curriculum provides a solid foundation for an understanding and appreciation of the rich culture of Korea. The language and culture courses offered are useful to students who aspire to an East Asia-related academic or professional career in education, government, communications, business, and other fields in the United States and abroad. 

Please visit the UB Undergraduate Catalog for further information about the Linguistics BA – Korean Language and Linguistics Concentration, including courses, acceptance criteria, requirements, study abroad, and career opportunities.

Upon successful completion of all requirements, students with this degree are expected to acquire intermediate-level proficiency in Korean in the four skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and cultural knowledge and understanding desired for the target level of proficiency.

Please visit the UB Undergraduate Catalog for further information about the Minor in Korean, including courses, acceptance criteria, requirements, study abroad, and career opportunities.

The Korean proficiency test is designed for students who need a waiver from the language requirement.

Students who request waivers based on their scores on SAT II or AP tests or on courses taken at other institutions, OR, international students with a diploma from a non-English high school in their home country should contact the CAS Student Advisement and Services Office.

Testing Dates

The test is administered the first two weeks of every semester.

Please contact Hyein Amber Kim to make an appointment. 

Government-related Resources

Korean Ministry of Education

Korean Ministry of Culture & Tourism

Korean Cultural and Arts Foundation

Information Portals

Korean.net

Daum

Korean Media

The Korea Herald, one of the major English newspapers in Korea

The Korea Times, one of the major English newspapers published by hankookilbo

The Korea Economic Daily (Hankyung), one of the leading economic newspapers in Korea

The University at Buffalo offers exchange programs for undergraduate and graduate students with the Korea University in Seoul, Korea:

• Undergraduate students may participate in the Korea University Student Exchange Program (KUSEP)
• Graduate students may enroll in the Graduate School of International Studies (GSIS)

Please contact Hyein Amber Kim for more information about these opportunities. For further information about study abroad opportunities and resources, please visit Study Abroad Programs or contact the Study Abroad Programs Office at (716) 645-3912.