Study In Korea With Full Funding: The Academy Of Korean Studies (AKS) Hanmun Fellowship 2025 For International Students

About the Academy of Korean Studies Hanmun Fellowship

The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) is offering an extraordinary, fully funded academic experience through the Hanmun (Classical Chinese) Fellowship – Advanced Course, designed specifically for global scholars in the field of Korean Studies. Are you an international student deeply interested in the intersection of Korean history, philosophy, language, and literature? Do you have a passion for Classical Chinese and its role in shaping Korean thought and scholarship over the centuries?

This immersive fellowship presents a unique opportunity to explore the classical intellectual foundations of Korea by engaging deeply with Hanmun (Hanja) texts and studying under renowned scholars in the heart of Korea’s academic landscape. From intensive coursework to hands-on recitation and analysis, participants will delve into a broad spectrum of classical writings, expanding both linguistic expertise and scholarly insight.

The Hanmun Fellowship is an intensive academic program hosted by the Academy of Korean Studies, a premier institution committed to the advancement and globalization of Korean Studies. The fellowship focuses on Hanmun (Classical Chinese)—the literary language historically used across East Asia and foundational to Korea’s pre-modern texts, historical documents, and scholarly traditions.

Participants will engage in advanced reading and interpretation of major works such as:

Mencius (Mengzi)

Selected Readings from the Hundred Schools of Thought
Classical Chinese Poetry
Korean commentaries and writings in Hanmun

All activities take place at the AKS campus in Seongnam, South Korea, where fellows will have access to expert instructors, extensive archives, and a supportive academic community dedicated to the global study of Korea’s intellectual heritage.

Eligibility Criteria

This prestigious program is open to non-Korean nationals who meet the following criteria:

Academic Background: You must be an undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral student currently enrolled in a program related to Korean Studies at a university outside of Korea. Candidates who have completed their degrees but maintain academic interest in Korean Studies are also eligible.

Language Requirement: A strong command of the Korean language is essential, as the entire program, including instruction, discussions, and readings, will be conducted in Korean.
Hanmun Experience: Applicants must have completed at least one introductory-level course in Hanmun (Classical Chinese / Hanja). Proof of completion through academic transcripts or prior fellowship certificates is required.
Nationality: This fellowship is not open to Korean nationals or graduates of Korean universities. It is intended to support the internationalization of Korean Studies by focusing on foreign scholars.

Documents Required

To complete your application successfully, you’ll need to prepare the following:

A completed application form (available for download on the official AKS website)
A certificate of current registration or degree completion (undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral level)

A letter of recommendation from an academic advisor, outlining your academic interest in Korean Studies and the importance of Hanmun for your scholarly goals
Proof of completion of a basic Hanmun (Hanja) course, such as:
- A transcript or certificate from your university, or
- A certificate of completion from a previous AKS Hanmun Fellowship
A TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) score report, if available (not mandatory but strongly encouraged)
All documents must be in Korean or English, or must be accompanied by an official notarized translation.

Eligible Countries

Applicants from all countries outside of South Korea are welcome to apply. The program is designed to foster international academic exchange and build a strong global network of Korean Studies scholars with foundational knowledge of Hanmun.

Benefits of the Academy of Korean Studies Hanmun Fellowship

Participation in the AKS Hanmun Fellowship offers far more than classroom instruction. It provides a holistic academic and cultural experience, fully supported by the Academy:

Financial and Logistical Benefits:

Round-trip airfare (economy class) from your home country to South Korea

Monthly living stipend of 750,000 KRW to cover daily expenses
Free accommodation at the AKS guesthouse, located within a tranquil and academic environment
Accident insurance provided for the entire duration of your stay

Academic Enrichment:

Intensive classes taught by experts in Classical Chinese and Korean intellectual history
Exposure to rare Korean historical texts written in Hanmun
One-on-one guidance from AKS faculty

Access to AKS’s extensive library and digital resources
Study-focused environment with fellow international researchers and scholars

Cultural and Professional Development:

Educational tours to historical sites and institutions significant to Korean Studies

Engagement in academic exchanges and dialogues with other international scholars
An ideal opportunity to strengthen your academic profile, particularly if planning for graduate study, doctoral research, or a career in academia related to East Asian or Korean Studies

How to Apply

For further questions, clarifications, or updates about the program, you may contact the organizing team directly:

Center for International Affairs
Academy of Korean Studies (AKS)
📧 Email: akshanmun@aks.ac.kr

The AKS Hanmun Fellowship is not just a funding opportunity — it is a gateway into the world of traditional Korean scholarship, designed for students and researchers committed to rigorous study and academic excellence. If you are eager to expand your research in Korean Studies and explore the Classical Chinese roots of Korean intellectual history, this fellowship offers everything you need to take that next bold step in your academic journey.

Let this be the year you step into Korea’s scholarly heartland and uncover the depth of its historical and cultural wisdom — one Hanmun character at a time.