Language and Culture
Over 81 million people speak the Korean language all around the world. Though most are of Korean descent, the community of Korean language learners continues to grow, in part due to South Korea’s increasingly visible role in the world economy, technological innovation, and popular culture.
Its unique alphabet and grammar distinguish the Korean language from others around the world. Korean uses a phonetic, 24-letter alphabet called Hangeul, invented by King Sejong in the 15th century. The Korean language also has many other interesting linguistic and cultural features, such as multiple speech levels, honorific expressions, and particles indicating grammatical relations in a sentence.
The Korean program at Portland State University offers three years of language study. In the first year, you will gain basic proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, writing, and culture. The second year further develops your skills in these five areas. Finally, the third year prepares you to authentically communicate in the Korean language and culture beyond the basic exchange of information.
We also offer two Korean culture courses that explore a variety of socio-cultural topics presented in current and popular Korean content, including film, music, dramas, and more. Through these courses, students are encouraged to not only foster an understanding of Korean history, culture, and society but also to develop cross-cultural insights and interactions.
NEW: Korean Minor now offered!
The Korean minor provides the foundation for further study or work related to Korea through the holistic development of students’ linguistic abilities and cultural knowledge. It is an opportunity to turn your interests into skills that will help you succeed, no matter where your journey takes you.
Upcoming Korean Courses
Use the Schedule of Classes to help you plan your course schedule.
Take a Placement Test
If you have previously taken Korean and have questions about which course is appropriate for you, take a placement test.
Korean Tutoring Services
The Department of World Languages and Literatures offers drop-in tutoring services for 100- and 200-level language students. See the schedule here. Non-PSU students, please see our list of community tutors and translators here.
Second Language Requirement
Korean meets the Second Language Admission Requirement and the Second Language Bachelor of Arts (BA)/Master of Arts (MA) Requirement.
Study Abroad
PSU's Education Abroad offers study abroad programs in South Korea.
Resources