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About the Department
The Department of Korean Language and Literature at Yonsei University has been an integral part of the university’s 120-year history, inheriting the legacy of Yonhi College. Notably, in 2015, the College of Liberal Arts commemorated its centennial anniversary, marking a century since its establishment. Throughout its extensive history, the Department of Korean Language and Literature has shared the intellectual air with contemporaries such as Choi Hyeon-bae, Kim Yoon-kyeong, Jang Ji-young, Jang Deok-soon, Yang Ju-dong, Lee Ga-won, and Park Du-jin. The department has also nurtured significant writers such as Kim Yu-jeong, Park Young-joon, and Yoon Dong-ju.
Following the teachings of esteemed scholars, many successors continue to dedicate themselves to research activities in the Department of Korean Language and Literature. They explore the traditional domains of literature criticism, creative writing, classical literature, classical Chinese literature, and Korean grammar and pioneer new areas such as Korean language education for foreigners, film literature, writing, sociolinguistics, and more. Graduates from the Department of Korean Language and Literature actively contribute to various sectors, including academia, education, media, and the arts, playing a vital role in our society through their passion and dedication.
Especially at Yonsei University, numerous ‘historical traces’ are closely tied to the Department of Korean Language and Literature. Noteworthy among these are the stone steps where the word gyeo-re (nation) was first coined in our history, the monument and memorial hall dedicated to the poet Yoon Dong-ju, the Korean language tower, and the facial sculptures of Choi Hyeon-bae and Kim Yoon-kyeong. Additionally, the buildings used by the College of Liberal Arts are named ‘Oesol Hall’ and ‘Widang Hall,’ following the titles of the late teachers Choi Hyeon-bae and Jeong In-bo.
Building on the unwavering spirit of constant challenge and innovation from our seniors, the Department of Korean Language and Literature at Yonsei University strives to realize its educational objectives. To cultivate national identity and promote the globalization of the Korean language and literature, the department endeavors to achieve its educational goals.
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Aims and Mission
Firstly, through in-depth education in our language and literature, we aim to foster an understanding of our national culture and cultivate a sense of national identity.
Secondly, we seek distinctive educational methods for classical, modern, and Korean linguistics to develop skills in analyzing characteristics, developmental processes, and more.
Thirdly, by engaging in comparative studies with foreign languages and literature, we aim to illuminate the characteristics of Korean literature, contributing to its globalization and solidifying its prominence on the world stage.
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① Vision
The Korean Language and Literature Department aligns with Yonsei University’s educational goal of “Cultivating Creative Global Leaders with a Spirit of Service.” Our educational vision is to foster international communication and cultivate creative talents in Korean language, literature, and culture.
② Who We Want
To faithfully implement Yonsei University’s goals of enhancing the quality of higher education, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and integration, and leading internationalization, the Department of Korean Language and Literature aspires to nurture creative talents. These individuals, grounded in specialized knowledge of Korean literature, will communicate effectively and collaborate with experts from various regions and fields. The ultimate aim is to create new cultural values through their creativity.
③ Educational purpose
In pursuit of Yonsei University’s core competency goals of fostering creativity, critical thinking, integration, communication, service, and civic consciousness, the Department of Korean Language and Literature establishes the following four educational objectives.
Cultivating a specialized understanding of the Korean language and literature and developing the ability to convey it effectively.
Fostering creative abilities to generate new cultural values based on the Korean language and literature.
Developing interdisciplinary and integrated competencies to transcend and integrate various fields based on Korean language and literature knowledge.
Nurturing international communication skills for the global dissemination of Korean language and literature.