UC Berkeley Graduates First Korean Studies Majors After 83 Years

In a landmark moment for Korean Studies in the United States, UC Berkeley is set to confer bachelor's degrees in Korean Studies upon three students this spring. This historic occasion marks the culmination of an 83-year journey that began in 1943 when Berkeley became the first American university to offer a Korean language course. The establishment of a dedicated Korean Studies major, albeit relatively recent, is a testament to the enduring interest and academic commitment to Korean culture and history within the US higher education system.

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It is a bit late, but it is a very meaningful event that a Korean Studies major has been established at Berkeley.

The roots of Korean language education at Berkeley trace back to the pioneering efforts of activist Choi Bong-yun during the Japanese colonial period. He not only initiated the Korean language class within the Department of Oriental Languages (now East Asian Studies) but also authored the first Korean language textbook in the US. The story of his wife, Choi Yong-ja, meticulously handwriting the Korean text due to the lack of available typefaces in America, adds a poignant layer to this academic endeavor.

From its humble beginnings with 18 students in 1943, the Korean language program at UC Berkeley has blossomed into a highly popular course, now attracting 400-500 students annually. The department boasts seven dedicated Korean language instructors and actively fosters a vibrant Korean cultural environment through events like the annual "Korean Day." This year's 13th iteration of the event featured student performances, academic presentations, and an essay contest, showcasing the dynamism of the Korean Studies community on campus.

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For 83 years since Korean language classes began in 1943, Korean language classes have continued steadily, but Korean Studies has remained a minor.

The inaugural graduates express immense pride in the comprehensive curriculum, which delves into diverse aspects of Korean history and culture, from modern and contemporary periods to ancient linguistic systems like hyangchal and primary source materials in classical literature. For students like Joan Moon, the study of Korean Studies has been instrumental in understanding her own identity, connecting her to the legacies of figures like Yun Dong-ju and the complex histories of Japanese occupation, the Korean War, and national division. Her plans to pursue graduate studies focusing on Korean women who immigrated to the US during the Japanese colonial era and the experiences of "comfort women" post-liberation highlight the program's role in fostering critical and nuanced scholarship.

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I feel proud of the UC Berkeley Korean Studies curriculum, which allows for in-depth access to Korean history and culture by researching everything from modern and contemporary history to ancient notation methods like hyangchal and primary sources of classical literature.

While UC Berkeley currently lacks a graduate program in Korean Studies, Professor Ahn Jin-soo, who has been instrumental in the development of the undergraduate major, is actively working towards establishing a master's program. The recent addition of faculty specializing in modern and contemporary literature, and the upcoming arrival of scholars in classical Korean literature, signal a robust expansion of the department's academic offerings. This growth is crucial for nurturing the next generation of scholars who will continue to deepen the understanding and appreciation of Korea's rich heritage.

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Studying the poetry of Yun Dong-ju, the Japanese colonial period, and the history of the Korean War and division helped me understand my roots.