The Department of Korean Literature in Chinese Characters was established in 1989 with the aim of conducting research on traditional cultures and supporting the development of the next generation of Korea’s cultural creators. Despite its short history, the department has developed a great deal through its active approach to academic activities.

The admission quota of the department is 30, and it currently has over 120 undergraduate students. The Major of Chinese Characters Education was established at the Graduate School of Education in 1994, the Master’s degree course was established in November of 1998, and the Doctorate degree program was established in November of 1999, with a focus on the education of Chinese characters teachers and research on Korean literature in Chinese characters.

The department covers oriental and Korean literature. Students improve their reading skills through the analysis of classical literature, and complete a diverse range of courses, including literature, history, and philosophy. Courses of the department include Introduction to Korean Literature in Chinese Characters, Grammar of Chinese Characters, Reading of the Analects of Confucius and Mencius, History of Korean Literature in Chinese Characters, Critique of Korean Literature in Chinese Characters, Writings of All Classes of Philosophers, Reading and Theory of Korean Poetry in Chinese Characters, Reading and Theory of Korean Novels in Chinese Characters, Reading and Theory of Korean Prose in Chinese Characters, Reading and Theory of Korean Epics in Chinese Characters, and Reading of Korean Anthologies.

After graduation, students from the Department can continue to study Korean literature in Chinese characters at graduate school, or study Korean literature, Japanese literature, Chinese literature, and history, based on their knowledge of Chinese characters. A great number of graduates go on to careers as Chinese character teachers at middle and high schools, while some serve as experts in diverse areas, including public officers, scenario writers, soldiers, and employees in the private sector. Some students get jobs at trading firms by studying Japanese language or Chinese language during college. A knowledge of Chinese characters is an asset in many sectors of society, and graduates of the Department will have many employment opportunities as the East Asian cultural zone fortifies its status in the 21st century.