1. Why the Academy of Korean Studies?

As I began planning my journey to study in Korea, I knew I needed a program that would challenge me academically and allow me to engage fully with Korea's cultural and historical depth. The Graduate School of the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) stood out to me because of its unique focus on Korean studies and its reputation as a leading institution for research and education in this field.

As someone passionate about Korean Studies, I was drawn to AKS’s interdisciplinary approach, which allows students to explore Korea from multiple perspectives. The Korean Cultural Studies program, part of the Faculty of Global Korean Studies, is particularly appealing as it is the only major taught entirely in English. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of Korean culture from a cross-cultural perspective, encouraging interdisciplinary approaches among history, linguistics, literature, economics, philosophy, psychology, and more in pre-modern and modern contexts.

What truly sealed the deal for me was participating in a Conference organized by AKS. The conference showcased traditional Korean music, dance, and art, and I was amazed by the depth of cultural knowledge shared by the students and faculty. It was then that I realized AKS wasn’t just an academic institution It was a community dedicated to preserving and promoting Korean culture.

2. Admission Requirements & Application Process

Research and Preparation

My journey to AKS began with thorough research. I started by visiting the official AKS website (intl.aks.ac.kr) to understand the program requirements, deadlines, and required documents. The website was incredibly detailed, but I also reached out to current students and alumni through different platforms to gain personal insights into their experiences.

One of the most helpful pieces of advice I received was from a professor who had studied at AKS. He guided me through the application process, shared tips on writing a strong research proposal, and even connected me with a current student in the program. This mentorship was invaluable and made me feel more confident about my application.

Required Documents

Applying to AKS is competitive, so careful preparation is key. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements and how I approached them:

Application Form: The form is available on the Study in Korea website (www.studyinkorea.go.kr) during the admission period. Applications open twice a year, in March and September. I made sure to mark these dates on my calendar and set reminders to avoid missing deadlines.

Statement of Purpose (SOP): This was one of the most challenging yet rewarding parts of the application. I spent weeks drafting and revising my SOP, focusing on my research interests, why I chose AKS, and how my academic background aligned with Korean Studies. I also highlighted my long-term goals, such as contributing to the global understanding of Korean culture through research and teaching.