Why study Korean?

Korea is a fascinating country located between China and Japan, and Koreans have developed a unique cultural tradition through exchanges of culture with the two neighbours. Today, Korea strives to play an important role as the hub of Northeast Asia. South Korea is the world's eleventh largest trading country and its economy and volume of trade are growing continuously. The trade between New Zealand and South Korea also has grown steadily, making the latter one of the major trade partners for New Zealand.

Each year several hundred New Zealanders work in South Korea as English teachers, and more than 30,000 Korean immigrants are residing in New Zealand.

What can you study in Korean?

The School of Asian Studies offers various courses on Korean language, culture, politics, history and literature. You can study Korean as a foreign language at Stages I, II and III. If you have a Korean language background, there is a course for heritage speakers (KOREAN 250).

You can also study Korean for the Diploma in Languages or the Certificate in Languages.  

Korean in your first year

In your first year you can study Korean language and an introductory course on Korean society and culture. Language courses are designed to train students with no previous knowledge to acquire communication skills and to read simple modern Korean texts. In subsequent years you are able to undertake more in depth study of Korean society, literature and culture.

To find out the appropriate level at which you will start your language studies, please complete the online language competency form. You will also need to follow the instructions for enrolling in wait-listed courses.

Korean and your career

Careers for Asian Studies graduates are as diverse as our students. Our graduates have developed their careers in international organisations, non governmental organisations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Prime Minister's Office and other government departments. There are also increasing opportunities to work for multinational companies and New Zealand companies in Asia, as well as in New Zealand's growing Asian communities. You may also wish to consider taking a conjoint degree such as a BA/BCom or BA/LLB, which could further enhance your career opportunities.