The Korean program at Washington University offers students the opportunity to discover and explore Korea's rich and unique cultural and literary traditions, beginning from earliest times up to the twenty-first century. The language program enables undergraduate students to attain a high level of proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, and to acquire the cultural knowledge and competency needed to communicate effectively in a Korean environment. Looking beyond language, students will become familiar with the major landmarks of Korean culture and civilization-- its history, literature, philosophy, religion and arts-- and they will acquire a greater appreciation of the rapid changes taking place in Korea today. As a supplement to the on-campus sequence of courses, students are strongly encouraged to participate in summer, semester, or academic year programs at Yonsei University or Seoul National University, thereby enhancing their first-hand cultural knowledge and understanding. At the present time, only a Korean minor is offered through the program, although it is anticipated that a Korean major will be offered in the near future.

The Placement Exam and Back Credit

Placement tests are required for all students entering our language programs, with the exception of those students who have had no previous knowledge of the language and are planning to enroll in the first semester of the first year of instruction. Students who test into second-year Korean and satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B– or better) at least one semester of language study may petition for 3 units of retroactive credit; students who test into third year or above and satisfactorily complete (with a grade of B– or better) at least one semester of language study may petition for 6 units of retroactive credit. Credit is limited to 3 units for testing into second year and 6 units for testing into third year or above. Please note that students with native language proficiency as determined by the individual language section, as well as students who enroll in a course below their placement level, are ineligible for retroactive credit units. Students who misrepresent the extent of their background so as to gain entrance to a course at the elementary or intermediate level will be dropped from that course.

To arrange the placement exam or for more information, contact korean@wustl.edu.