Academy of Korean Studies AKS Hanmun Fellowship 2025: Are you passionate about Korean Studies, fascinated by Classical Chinese (Hanmun), and ready to dive into an immersive academic experience in South Korea? The Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) is now accepting applications for the AKS Hanmun Fellowship 2025, offering a rare and valuable opportunity for international students to deepen their knowledge and skillset through a fully funded, prestigious academic program.
This program is an exceptional chance for aspiring Koreanists, graduate researchers, and students of East Asian studies to build a meaningful foundation in Classical Chinese while experiencing Korea’s academic and cultural landscape firsthand. Whether you’re a university student working toward your degree, a researcher preparing a dissertation, or someone with a strong interest in Korean civilization, this fellowship can be the gateway to a transformative academic journey.
Academy of Korean Studies AKS Hanmun Fellowship 2025
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | AKS Hanmun Fellowship 2025 |
| Institution | Academy of Korean Studies (AKS) |
| Application Period | March 28 – April 21, 2025 |
| Program Duration | September 1 – December 19, 2025 |
| Who Can Apply | Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral students in Korean Studies |
| Eligibility | Non-Korean nationals with advanced Korean skills and basic Hanmun training |
| Language of Instruction | Korean |
| Support Provided | Round-trip airfare, KRW 750,000 monthly stipend, housing at AKS guesthouse |
| Official Info & Application | AKS Fellowship Info Page |
The AKS Hanmun Fellowship 2025 is a rare and prestigious opportunity for scholars interested in Korean history, literature, and philosophy. Through the mastery of Classical Chinese and exposure to Korea’s rich academic traditions, participants gain a deep, firsthand understanding of Korea’s pre-modern intellectual heritage.
With generous financial support, top-notch instruction, and a strong scholarly network, the AKS Hanmun Fellowship represents a transformative chapter in any academic career. Apply today and take your place in a long tradition of dedicated Korean Studies scholars.
What is the AKS Hanmun Fellowship?
The AKS Hanmun Fellowship is a well-respected academic initiative hosted by the Academy of Korean Studies, designed specifically for foreign scholars seeking advanced training in Classical Chinese, or Hanmun. This is a vital area of study for anyone looking to delve deeply into Korea’s intellectual, literary, and governmental traditions, which relied heavily on Chinese characters.
The program provides two levels of study:
- Basic Course (not available in 2025)
- Advanced Course (currently open for 2025 applicants)
In 2025, only the Advanced Course will be offered. This 16-week program runs from September 1 to December 19, 2025, and includes intensive lectures, rigorous text recitation, individual research development, and academic field trips. All instruction and interaction are conducted in Korean, which makes fluency in the language essential for participation and success.
Why Hanmun Matters in Korean Studies
Hanmun, or Classical Chinese, was the backbone of official communication and scholarly writing in Korea from the Three Kingdoms period through the late Joseon Dynasty. Even after the invention of Hangul in the 15th century, Hanmun remained the dominant form of academic, religious, and bureaucratic writing for centuries.
A deep understanding of Hanmun opens doors to rich primary sources—royal edicts, historical chronicles, philosophical treatises, and Confucian commentaries. These are the original documents that shaped Korean civilization.
For scholars, the ability to read Hanmun isn’t just an academic advantage—it’s a necessity. Whether your focus is pre-modern governance, religious studies, literary analysis, or historiography, Hanmun proficiency enables you to interpret Korea’s intellectual legacy without relying solely on modern translations.
“Without Hanmun, you’re only seeing half the picture in Korean history.” – Dr. Min-Jae Lee, Professor of East Asian Studies
Who is Eligible to Apply?
The AKS sets forth well-defined eligibility standards to ensure applicants are prepared for the program’s rigorous academic content:
Academic Requirements:
- Must be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a degree program (Undergraduate, Master’s, or PhD) focusing on Korean Studies or closely related disciplines.
- Independent researchers or thesis-phase graduate students are welcome, as long as their research aligns with Korean historical, linguistic, or cultural topics.
Language Proficiency:
- High-level fluency in Korean is critical. All materials, lectures, and communications are in Korean.
- While not mandatory, a TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) score is highly recommended. A Level 4 or above is ideal.
Hanmun Proficiency:
- Applicants must have completed a basic Hanmun course. Evidence can include transcripts, certificates, or a prior AKS Hanmun Fellowship participation certificate.
Nationality:
- Only individuals who do not hold Korean citizenship are eligible to apply. Dual citizens are considered Korean nationals and thus not eligible.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
The AKS Hanmun Fellowship is a rare opportunity where academic rigor meets financial accessibility. In addition to world-class instruction, fellows receive robust material and logistical support to make their stay in Korea as productive and comfortable as possible.
Financial Support:
- Round-trip airfare to and from South Korea (economy class)
- Monthly stipend of KRW 750,000 (~USD 550) for personal expenses
- Complimentary accommodation at the AKS Guesthouse in Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do
- Access to AKS resources, including its library, archives, and research network
Combined, these benefits significantly reduce the financial burden of overseas study and allow students to focus entirely on academic and cultural enrichment.
How to Apply for Academy of Korean Studies AKS Hanmun Fellowship 2025
The application process is straightforward but selective. To maximize your chances, make sure every component of your submission reflects your academic potential and commitment.
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Prepare the following materials before you begin your application:
- A Completed Application Form (downloadable from the AKS website)
- A valid Certificate of Enrollment or Graduation
- One Letter of Recommendation from a professor or academic mentor familiar with your work
- Proof of Hanmun Study (transcripts, certificates, course completion records)
- Optional: TOPIK score report or other evidence of Korean language proficiency
Step 2: Translate Supporting Materials
If any documents are not in Korean or English, provide a notarized translation.
Step 3: Submit Application Online
Apply directly through the AKS Fellowship Portal. Upload all your documents between March 28 and April 21, 2025.
Step 4: Prepare for Interview
Selected candidates will be contacted to schedule a video interview held between April 29 and May 8, 2025. Prepare to discuss your academic background, language skills, and research goals.
Step 5: Wait for Final Results
Final decisions will be sent via email on May 13, 2025. If accepted, you’ll receive a formal invitation and further instructions for travel and arrival.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Plan ahead: Start early to secure documents and recommendations.
- Be specific: In your personal statement, clearly explain how Hanmun study enhances your research and academic objectives.
- Demonstrate commitment: Highlight prior Korean language or Hanmun coursework, research experience, or publications.
- Proofread: Ensure your application is error-free and well-organized.
Career and Academic Benefits of the AKS Hanmun Fellowship
This fellowship is more than an academic enrichment program—it’s a credential that sets you apart in the competitive world of Korean Studies and East Asian scholarship. Alumni of the Hanmun Fellowship have gone on to:
- Enroll in top-tier PhD programs in East Asian Studies, History, and Comparative Literature
- Secure research positions in museums, archives, and universities
- Publish in peer-reviewed journals with translations and analyses of Hanmun texts
- Collaborate on international academic projects and conferences
Your participation demonstrates a high level of dedication, linguistic capability, and intellectual curiosity. These traits are sought after not only in academia but also in cultural diplomacy, publishing, and heritage preservation.
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FAQs about Academy of Korean Studies AKS Hanmun Fellowship 2025
Q1: Can I apply if I haven’t completed a Hanmun course?
No. For 2025, only the Advanced Course is being offered, which requires basic Hanmun proficiency.
Q2: I hold dual citizenship with Korea. Can I apply?
No. Applicants must not hold Korean nationality. Dual citizens are ineligible.
Q3: Will there be extracurricular or cultural activities?
Yes. The program includes academic field trips and opportunities to engage with Korean heritage sites, scholars, and communities.
Q4: What kind of texts will we study?
Texts may include Confucian classics, Buddhist scriptures, official records, and historical narratives from pre-modern Korea.
Q5: Do I need health insurance?
Yes. Fellows are expected to have valid health insurance for the duration of the program.
