Welcome to the Korean Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison!
The Korean program offers students a range of courses and activities which impart an understanding of the culture and civilization of South Korea. With the completion of three basic years of the language, students will be prepared to handle various types of colloquial Korean. Most of our majors pursue advanced studies in Korean linguistics or literature, while others combine an interest in South Korea with a degree in business, education, engineering or journalism.
We are proud to tell you that our program is considered one of the most comprehensive Korean language programs in the US. That is because our introductory courses meet more frequently than comparable courses offered at other institutions and require more time for self-study. Although these courses may seem very challenging, if you keep up with the daily preview and review required for the courses, by the end of the semester, you will have attained considerable improvement in your Korean language proficiency. Please review our Frequently Asked Questions for more information about the courses and overall program.
Students are encouraged to explore opportunities to use the language outside of the classroom, especially in internships or study abroad programs. Credits earned while on an approved UW-Madison program may count towards the major requirements. It is important to meet in advance with the undergraduate advisor.
Background Questionnaire
If you are a student with prior experience in Korean (e.g., self-taught, learned in elementary, middle or high school, or learned from family, relatives or friends, etc.) please fill out this questionnaire in order to receive appropriate advising or guidance about placement into language classes at UW.
Placement Tests
The department requires that students who are new to our program take a placement test before enrolling in a language course beyond the first semester level. Our Korean language faculty conduct one-on-one Korean placement test throughout the year. To register for a virtual test, please submit the questionnaire form. For more information about the test read more on our FAQs page.
Korean Language & Culture Major — Fall 2025, est.
This major is currently being proposed and going through the curricular review process for new majors. We anticipate being able to declare students by fall 2025. Please refer to the degree requirements in Guide.
Korean Professional Communication Certificate — Fall 2027, est.
The process for this new undergraduate certificate is yet to commence. The department will begin the process once the new Korean major is approved. Please refer to certificate requirements in the Guide.
Korean Language Curriculum
Our courses are staggered, that is different courses are offered in the fall semester-only and spring semester-only, general course offerings are:
Fall
ASIALANG 105 First Semester Korean
ASIALANG 205 Third Semester Korean
ASIALANG 305 Fifth Semester Korean
ASIALANG 405 Seventh Semester Korean
Spring
ASIALANG 106 Second Semester Korean
ASIALANG 206 Fourth Semester Korean
ASIALANG 306 Sixth Semester Korean
ASIALANG 406 Eighth Semester Korean
ASIALANG 381 Business Korean (requisite course: ASIALANG 305)
ASIALANG 456 Advanced Korean Through Audio-Visual Media (requisite course: 305)
International Learning Community
사랑채 (K-Community): Korean Community
Kronshage Residence Hall
Faculty Director: Steven Gagnon
K-Community provides opportunities to enhance students’ cross-cultural understanding and Korean language proficiency. A language program coordinator works with students in K-Community and coordinates Korean-language social activities and provides language tutoring. Residents also enroll in a one-credit course on Korean culture taught by a faculty member in the Department of Asian Languages & Cultures and participate in ILC-wide events such as Roundtable Dinners, lectures, and other international programming.
Studying Abroad
Students are encouraged to explore opportunities to use the language outside of the classroom, especially in internships or study abroad programs. Credits earned while on an approved UW-Madison program may count towards the major requirements.
Declaring the Major
If you have questions about our programs and are exploring your options; or you are ready to declare a major or certificate please make an appointment to meet with Rachel Weiss, Undergraduate Advisor:
Rachel Weiss
E-mail: rweiss@wisc.edu
Office: 1244 Van Hise Hall
Schedule: advising appointment via Starfish
Phone: (608) 890-0138