KS Hanmun Fellowship 2025 for Korean Studies Scholars

Overview of The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) KS Hanmun Fellowship

The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) KS Hanmun (Classical Chinese) Fellowship is a prestigious, fully funded program designed to deepen international scholars’ understanding of premodern Korean texts through immersive training in Hanmun. Hosted at the state‑of‑the‑art AKS campus near Seoul, the fellowship combines rigorous lectures, hands‑on recitations, guided research, and cultural field trips to situate Classical Chinese sources within the broader tapestry of Korean history and society.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) KS Hanmun Fellowship?

• Student Status: Open to undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students who are currently enrolled in Korean Studies programs at universities outside of the Republic of Korea.
• Nationality: Applicants of all nationalities are welcome, except Korean nationals and graduates of Korean universities.
• Language Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in the Korean language is required to follow instruction and participate fully in discussions and seminars.
• Prior Coursework: For the Advanced Course, candidates must have completed a foundational Hanmun (Hanja) course—either through their home institution or via a prior AKS Hanmun Fellowship certificate.

Fields of Study Covered

• Classical Chinese Texts: Close reading and interpretation of Hanmun sources spanning historical chronicles, philosophical treatises, and official documents.
• Korean Historical Context: Integration of textual study with seminars on the socio‑political and cultural contexts in which these works were produced.
• Research Methodologies: Training in paleography, codicology, and critical approaches to primary source analysis.
• Cultural Immersion: Field visits to heritage sites, museums, and archives to connect textual study with tangible cultural artifacts.

Universities Included in the Program

While AKS does not maintain a fixed list of partner institutions, the fellowship is explicitly targeted at all non‑Korean universities offering degree programs in Korean Studies. Examples include (but are not limited to):

• SOAS University of London
• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• Seoul National University Asia Center (as a program partner for certain exchanges)
• National University of Singapore

If your institution offers a Korean Studies major or minor—and you meet the language and enrollment criteria—you are eligible to apply.

Selection Process for Applicants

• A document review will be conducted, after which selected applicants will be invited for a video interview.
• Interviews will take place between April 29 and May 8, 2025, with individual sessions arranged based on the applicant’s country and time zone.
• The final acceptance results will be announced via email on May 13, 2025.

Documents Needed for Application

• Application Form (downloadable from the AKS website)
• Certificate of Enrollment or Degree Completion
• Academic Transcripts
• Letter of Reference: One academic recommendation attesting to the candidate’s scholarly aptitude and need for in‑depth Hanmun training.
• Korean Language Proficiency Proof: TOPIK score report (if available) or institutional certification of language ability.
• Advanced Course Candidates Only: Official transcript or certificate confirming completion of a foundational Hanmun (Hanja) course.

All documents must be in Korean or English, or accompanied by an official notarized translation.

Eligibility by Country

• Open To: Scholars from every country worldwide, provided they are enrolled in a Korean Studies program outside South Korea.
• Not Eligible: Korean nationals and alumni of Korean universities, as the fellowship is exclusively aimed at global promotion of Korean studies.

Benefits of The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) KS Hanmun Fellowship

• Round‑Trip Economy Airfare: Covered in full between your home country and South Korea.
• Monthly Stipend: 750,000 KRW to cover living expenses (approximately USD 560 at current exchange rates).
• On‑Campus Accommodation: Shared dormitory facilities with utilities included.
• Accident and Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for the duration of the fellowship period.

Duration of the Scholarship

• Basic Course (11th Session): March 4 – June 20, 2025 (15 weeks)
• Advanced Course (12th Session): September 1 – December 19, 2025 (16 weeks)

Applicants may elect to apply for either session based on their prior coursework and research goals.

Application Procedure

• Prepare Documents: Assemble all required materials and translations.
• Online Submission: Access the AKS CEFiA web portal and upload your application package.
• Interview Scheduling: If shortlisted, you will be invited to a video interview.
• Final Notification: Await email confirmation of your selection.

How to Apply for The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) KS Hanmun Fellowship

Visit the AKS Center for International Affairs announcement page.

Click on the Hanmun Fellowship application link and create an account.

Follow the on‑screen instructions to upload your documents and submit your application.

Direct any inquiries to akshanmun@aks.ac.kr.