The world is gradually becoming smaller in every aspect. Amid this process, Korea is undergoing an unprecedented experience. Korea has recently drawn global attention in various aspects, including economic growth, democratization, the Korean Wave (Hallyu), and inter-Korean relations. Furthermore, no other country in the history of the Korean Peninsula has engaged with so many nations worldwide as Korea does today. This reality underscores the urgent need for individuals who can view contemporary Korea from both historical and global perspectives, those who possess the insight to consider how Korea can coexist peacefully with other nations, and those who have the ability to put such ideas into practice.

To lead the production and education of knowledge about Korea in response to the growing global integration of the future, the Global Korean Studies major was established within the School of Knowledge Convergence & Media Studies. This major aims to cultivate individuals who study Korea’s past, present, and future directions and share this knowledge with the world. Global Korean Studies is not about studying Korea in isolation but rather about examining Korea as a society that has grown through close interactions with the world. Students in this major follow an internationally-oriented curriculum that allows them to explore "Korea as Shaped by the World," "Korea Shaping the World," and "Korea Understood by the World"—all through the medium of English. The goal of the Global Korean Studies major is to train students to become knowledge production experts on 21st-century Korea by providing opportunities for integrated learning about Korea from a global perspective.

The Global Korean Studies major offers a diverse academic curriculum designed to develop individuals who can contribute to a deeper understanding between Korea and the world. Universities worldwide are breaking down interdisciplinary barriers that hinder the pursuit of knowledge and are fostering talent capable of freely integrating and utilizing academic disciplines and technologies developed throughout human civilization. In terms of both content and methodology, Global Korean Studies is an interdisciplinary field. Students explore various aspects of Korea—art, society, culture, language, economy, history, technology, and development—by integrating methods from social sciences, humanities, and data science. As a result, students receive a well-rounded liberal arts education, including reading, writing, analysis, theorization, and critique, alongside cutting-edge training in big data analysis, information mining, and digital humanities. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of this major, courses in Global Korean Studies do not merely focus on delivering knowledge but rather emphasize developing students’ ability to identify and solve problems independently. Through self-directed learning and research, students are encouraged to freely express their ideas and grow into future-oriented, independent thinkers.

The Global Korean Studies major seeks to nurture individuals well-suited for public and private diplomacy, focusing on cultural exchange, official development assistance (ODA), and global coexistence, beyond just national interests. Graduates will be well-prepared for roles in media, government agencies, civil society organizations, corporations, and international organizations. Furthermore, as the global demand for Korean Studies education continues to rise, students who undergo rigorous academic training will have the opportunity to contribute significantly to education and research, either at international universities or at domestic universities engaging in global academic exchanges.