Korean Studies at VNU-USSH: Interdisciplinary, Integrated, Connecting Vietnam and Korea

National studies views language as a tool for learners to access, analyze, and gain a deep understanding of a nation within its broader cultural, social, economic, and political context.

In the context of increasingly deep international integration, Korean Studies is no longer a field of study only for those who love the Korean language or Korean popular culture. It is an interdisciplinary field of science that comprehensively studies the country, its people, culture, society, politics, economy, history, and international relations.

At the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU-USSH), the Korean Studies program has a history of over 30 years. Established in 1993, the Department of Korean Studies is one of the pioneering institutions in providing formal training in Korean Studies in Vietnam. The program's creation stemmed from practical needs following the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Korea in 1992, ushering in a period of comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

For over three decades, Korean Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities has contributed to training high-quality human resources for state agencies, businesses in Vietnam and Korea, international organizations, diplomatic agencies, education, media, and many other fields. The program not only provides language proficiency but also equips students with in-depth knowledge of Korean culture, history, economics, politics, society, and international relations, enabling them to work in a multicultural and integrated environment.

In 2026, the Korean Studies program will have 60 enrollment slots, with admission code QHX08 and program code 7310614. Admission combinations include D01, D09, D10, D11, D14, D15, and DD2; admission methods include 301, 401, and 100. This is a suitable choice for candidates who love Korea, have strong foreign language skills, are interested in Korean culture, economics, media, international relations, and wish to develop their careers in an environment with a Korean influence.

One of the highlights of the Korean Studies program at VNU-USSH is its interdisciplinary approach, balancing language skills with in-depth knowledge. While many current programs tend to equate Korean Studies with the Korean language, the program at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities focuses on training students to become graduates with a solid academic foundation, capable of analyzing, researching, and applying knowledge to practice. This is a crucial difference, helping students not only excel in Korean but also understand Korea from multiple perspectives.

To meet the practical needs of the global labor market, the field of Korean Studies has undergone significant transformation with many attractive new developments:

Approaching "Global Korean Studies"(Global Korean Studies): The training program goes beyond traditional values ​​and extends to modern fields such as economics, technology, and innovation.

A new focus for the cultural industry:You will receive in-depth training on the Hallyu phenomenon, soft power, and how South Korea builds its national brand through its arts, culture, popular culture, and more.

In-depth training in politics and law.The new trend integrates knowledge of politics, law, and regional security issues to serve the needs of policy consulting and corporate governance.

In addition to its academic programs, the Korean Studies program boasts a vibrant academic and cultural environment. Students participate in numerous annual activities such as the Korean Culture Day, Hangeul Day, academic competitions, thematic seminars, and exchanges with experts, scholars, and diplomats. These activities help students broaden their knowledge, hone their communication, presentation, and event organizing skills, and enhance their integration capabilities.

Korean students studying abroad participate in a wide range of vibrant cultural, artistic, and academic activities.

Students have the opportunity to participate in exchange programs, internships, and scientific research, as well as access numerous scholarships from Korean organizations and businesses. The Department of Korean Studies maintains relationships with many prestigious universities in Korea such as Seoul National University, Inha University, Ewha University, Busan University of Foreign Studies, Dankuk University, Gyungguk University, and organizations such as the Korea Foundation, AKS, KOICA, and Korean businesses.

In particular, students majoring in Korean Studies are supported by many practical resources such as the Samsung KF scholarship, the Oesol SJ Tech scholarship, the Korean Government scholarship, postgraduate study abroad programs, career workshops, internship opportunities, and field trips to large corporations such as LG and Samsung. These are important conditions that help students visualize the professional environment early on, accumulate experience, and build networks while still in university.

With Vietnam-Korea relations upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, the demand for personnel with expertise in Korean culture is growing. Korea is currently one of Vietnam's most important partners in economics, investment, education, culture, and technology. This opens up many opportunities for Korean students to study in Korean businesses in Vietnam, diplomatic agencies, international organizations, media, tourism, education, research, culture, and the creative industries.

With its pioneering tradition, high-quality faculty, extensive international cooperation network, and interdisciplinary training program, Korean Studies is not just a place to learn Korean, but also an environment that helps students gain a deep understanding of a dynamic country, thereby confidently becoming a bridge of knowledge, culture, and cooperation between Vietnam and Korea in the new era.

University admissions information for 2026Korean Studies major:

Admission code: QHX08

Industry code: 7310614

Combination: D01, D09, D10, D11, D14, D15, DD2

Target: 60 | Methods: 301, 401, 100

Follow the activities of Korean students at VNU-USSH at:https://www.facebook.com/HanQuochoc1995