Korean

The Duke Korean program emphasizes communication and content-based learning as effective means to language acquisition. The curriculum has been developed in-house using innovative content-based materials based on history, literature, contemporary society, popular culture, and mass media. A 4-year Korean language program in a small-group learning environment guides students on a rigorous learning trajectory which progresses systematically from basic communication to spoken and written communication on diverse topics to academic discourse.

Placement in a Korean language class follows the AMES department placement policy.

These guidelines are intended to acquaint you with levels of Korean classes and to help you pick out the right course for you prior to finalization by the official placement. A self-placement has to be confirmed or corrected by a formal placement assessment. Contact the coordinator (Hae-Young Kim haeyoung@duke.edu) or the instructor (Eunyoung Kim, eunyoung.kim@duke.edu)

Self-Assessment Guidelines

Find the statement that best describes your experience in Korean, and follow the instructions. 

I have never studied or been exposed to Korean. 
  • Enroll in KOREAN 101 (Elementary Korean)
My parents speak Korean to me: Sometimes they do, but I hardly understand them.
  • Enroll in KOREAN 101 (Elementary Korean)
My parents speak Korean to me: I understand them, but cannot speak well. I know Hangŭl but do not understand what I read.
  • Enroll in KOREAN 102 (Elementary Korean)
I speak Korean with my parents: I can communicate about basic things in Korean with some effort, and can read and understand sentences slowly.
  • Enroll in KOREAN 203 (Intermediate Korean)
I speak Korean with my parents: I can speak everyday Korean fairly fluently, and am able to read and write simple passages.
  • Enroll in KOREAN 204 (Intermediate Korean) or higher
I was born in Korea and left the country after the age of 6: I attended Korean elementary school for less than 2 years.
  • Enroll in KOREAN 305 (Advanced Korean) or higher
I was born in Korea and left the country after the age of 6: I attended Korean elementary school for more than 3 years and less than 6 years.
  • Enroll in KOREAN 306 (Advanced Korean) or higher
I was born in Korea and left the country after the age of 6: I attended international school, and never had schooling in Korean.
  • Enroll in KOREAN 306 (Advanced Korean) or higher
I attended secondary school in Korea: I completed elementary school and attended middle school for less than 2 years.
  • Enroll in KOREAN 407 or 408 (Issues in Korean Language and Society I or II)
I attended secondary school in Korea: I completed middle school in Korea, but went to elementary school outside of Korea.
  • Enroll in KOREAN 407 or 408 (Issues in Korean Language and Society I or II)
I attended secondary school in Korea: I completed most of elementary and secondary schooling in Korea.
  • Enroll in KOREAN 455 (Korean Politics and Society: Academic Reading and Writing)—Offered in the spring

Korean Conversation Partner Program

Students have the opportunities to interact with a Korean community on campus. Students who are enrolled in Korean classes can join the Korean conversation partner program throughout the academic year to practice the target language and enhance understanding of the culture.

Korean Language Table

Weekly language table is held on Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Great Hall. All Korean speakers are welcome.

Korean Language Coordinator

Hae-Young Kim

Korean Program Faculty

Video by AMES Student