FAQ of students

Q: I am a freshman in Korean Studies. Is it mandatory to take General Introduction to Korea?

A: No. It is basically optional. You can decide three courses from General Introduction to Korea, Introduction to Economics, World History, Introduction to International Politics, and Introduction to International Business. However, the Department of Korean Studies strongly recommends its students to take General Introduction to Korea, because it is a foundational core course of our major.

Q: Do I have to master TOPIK level 4 before I graduate?

A: No. It is not mandatory to all students. However, if you receive EGPP scholarship, you have to improve your Korean language skill up to level 4 before graduation. In addition, you may have advantages to secure inside and outside fellowships if you have TOPIK level 4. Also, the department believes that its students should be able to speak, write, and read Korean language in sufficient levels when they are about to finish the undergraduate program.

Q: What is Freshmen Seminar? Do I have to take it in the first year?

A: Unfortunately, Freshmen Seminar is offered only in spring semester every year. So, those who enter Ewha in fall semester have no ways to participate in Freshmen Seminar. The department is trying to open one Freshmen Seminar in fall semester in near future. The credit of Freshmen Seminar is not counted towards your 129 credits for graduation. Nevertheless, it can give our freshmen students a chance to meet DIS faculty regularly once every two weeks. Usually, Freshmen Seminar meets late afternoon.

Q: I am not a Christian. But, do I have to sit in Chapel?

A: Chapel well represents Ewha’s heritage, identity and culture. It is not at all purposed to change the faith of our students. The university tries to include various programs and lectures of non-religious contents in Chapel. Since the university is now consisted of diverse religious groups such as Protestants, Catholics, Buddhists, and Muslims, Chapel is a channel to show the spirit of Ewha’s mission and to foster the sense of community among faculty, students, and staffs.

Q: I heard that the department has its own language class for international students. Is it mandatory to join the class?

A: No. The Korean language class of the department is non-credit and voluntary program. Depending on the demands of its students, the department organizes one or two classes in beginners’ and intermediate levels. The class schedule will be decided by participants and teachers. Students can decide whether they want to use the department program or not. 

Q: I will declare double majors. Can I use my credits from my double major to fill the 39 credits of Korean Studies?

A: Yes. If you take courses of other majors which our department recognize as Korean Studies major, you can include them to the 39 credits of Korean Studies. The department will accept 12 credits at maximum from the courses offered by other majors in the list. Please note, however, that this does not decrease the total 129 credits for graduation. That is, the 12 credits from your double major only reduce the 39 credits from Korean Studies major to 27 credits. For example, you declare double major in sociology. You may take four courses in the list and claim these 12 credits for both sociology and Korean Studies. Then, you need to take 27 credits from the both majors. But, your total credits from double majors will be 27 + 27 + 12 = 66, not 39 + 39 = 78. So, you still need to take additional 12 credits from either majors or general education courses to meet the 129 credits. If you have any questions about double majors, please ask to the departments.