Minor in Korean
Build language skills and explore a global cultural force
한국어 능력을 키우고 세계적인 문화 현상으로 자리 잡은 한국 문화를 탐구해 보세요.
Korean is spoken by more than 77 million people worldwide and is one of the fastest-growing languages to study. The Korean minor at the University at Buffalo helps you build language proficiency while exploring culture, communication and the global influence of Korea.
Learn through culture and communication
From K-pop and film to business and global media, Korean language skills help you engage with one of the most dynamic cultural forces in the world.
This minor is a strong fit if you want to build language skills while understanding Korea’s growing global impact.
With this minor, you will:
- Build proficiency in speaking, listening, reading and writing in Korean
- Explore Korean culture, history and contemporary society
- Strengthen cross-cultural communication skills
- Develop skills that complement a wide range of majors
Korean pairs well with majors in:
- Business and economics
- Engineering and technology
- International studies
- Communication and media
- Political science
- Arts and humanities
What makes this program different
The Korean minor combines structured language learning with cultural and interdisciplinary study.
At UB, you will:
- Progress through a sequence of language courses from introductory to advanced levels
- Explore topics such as Korean history, culture and global influence
- Study how language connects to identity, media and society
- Learn alongside students with diverse academic interests
This approach helps you build both practical language skills and cultural understanding.
The Korean minor includes a sequence of language courses along with options to explore culture and related topics.
You will:
- Complete introductory, intermediate and advanced Korean language courses
- Take at least one additional course in language, culture or history
- Build your course plan based on your experience and interests
A flexible starting point
Your starting level depends on your prior experience with Korean.
- Students with no experience begin with introductory courses
- Students with prior experience may place into higher levels
- Placement is based on coursework or demonstrated proficiency
Interested in how language works?
You can pair your Korean studies with a deeper focus on language through the Linguistics concentration.
You will develop intermediate-level proficiency along with cultural and communication skills.
You will:
- Communicate in Korean across speaking, listening, reading and writing
- Understand key features of Korean language structure
- Interpret cultural and social contexts
- Apply language skills in academic and real-world settings
- Build intercultural communication skills
Students in the Korean minor may have opportunities to study abroad in South Korea through exchange programs.
Studying abroad allows you to:
- Practice language skills in real-world settings
- Experience Korean culture firsthand
- Build global perspective and independence
Students may be able to apply study abroad coursework toward the minor, including credit for “Contemporary Korean Popular Culture and the Korean Wave” (KOR 345) through select programs.
A Korean minor can support a wide range of careers that require communication, cultural awareness and global perspective.
Students may pursue work in:
- International business and global markets
- Technology and engineering fields
- Government, policy or diplomacy
- Media, entertainment and cultural industries
- Education and international programs
Language skills combined with your major can help you work across cultures and global systems.
If you want to build language skills and engage with one of the fastest-growing global cultures, the Korean minor offers a flexible and valuable addition to your degree.
