Korean Studies

Degree: Master of Arts in Korean Studies
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Start date: September
Language of instruction: English
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The two-year MA in Korean Studies is unique in the Netherlands. It stems from a long line of Leiden-based Korean scholars, with the first centre for Korean Studies in Western Europe offering classes at Leiden in 1947. Since then the department has grown from strength-to-strength, capitalising on its strong connections with Korean universities and institutions and its international reputation for the quality of its research. Today, staff participate in research projects with colleagues from around the world and sit on a variety of editorial and advisory boards.

The information about this programme is available in the following languages:

The programme is led by staff internationally renowned for their research on cultural and societal issues in pre-modern and modern Korea. You will have access to teaching and research opportunities—including original source materials— within the fields of:

  • Religious practice and popular culture
  • Literature
  • The social history of religions
  • Modern nationalism and collaboration
  • Modern and contemporary history and Historiography

Through the Department of Korean Studies you will have access to an international network of academics who specialise in Korean Studies—throughout Korea, Europe, North America and Australasia—and will be able to take advantage of the department’s exchange agreements with such universities as:

  • Seoul National University
  • Sungkyunkwan University
  • Yonsei University
  • Korea University
  • The Hankuk University of Foreign Studies
  • Sookmyoung Women’s University

As this is a relatively small-scale programme, you will have the opportunity to interact with staff regularly and informally, with classes taught in groups small enough to allow you to focus on your specific areas of interest.

Prof. Walraven

“Korea warrants more attention than it has received so far.”

“Leiden University has a tradition in East Asian Studies that goes back to the 19th century. Leiden has the oldest chair in Japanese Language and Culture. In 1947, the Japanologist Frits Vos also started lecturing on the language and culture of Korea. I was one of his students and became fascinated by Korea.

The Leiden programme has healthy roots. Our staff have an excellent reputation internationally and they play a leading role in Korean Studies worldwide. They regularly serve as council members and presidents to the Association for Korean Studies in Europe. A characteristic of our programme is that we study modern Korea while at the same time paying a great deal of attention to historical developments. We encourage our students to question current notions, such as the prevalent distinction between modern and pre-modern, and to take a fresh look at the fascinating realities of Korea, past or present. My colleague Koen De Ceuster is a specialist in the area of modern and contemporary history, with a particular interest in North Korea, and my field is cultural history and the role of religion in everyday life.

South Korea is currently the thirteenth most powerful economy in the world. North Korea cannot be ignored in political terms. Add to this Korea’s cultural achievements during its long history, and you will appreciate that the country warrants more attention than it has received so far.”