Dartmouth College has introduced its first Korean language program in Fall 2025, making it the final Ivy League institution to offer formal Korean instruction.
The program begins with KOR 1, an introductory course under the Department of Asian Societies, Cultures and Languages (ASCL). The class is open to all students, regardless of prior study, and is taught by Professor Eun Ha Hwang, who joined the faculty this year. Hwang said the course emphasizes both language learning and “community building,” with the goal of raising students’ interest in Korean culture.
Professor Soyoung Suh, who has taught Korean history since 2011, noted that requests for Korean classes had been consistent for years. She explained that limited resources led the department to prioritize history, literature, and art courses before adding language instruction.
ASCL professor Sunglim Kim, who specializes in Korean art and culture, called the launch a “celebratory moment” that strengthens Dartmouth’s foundation for Korean studies.
Students welcomed the addition. Emma Hwang ’28 said she was “disappointed” as a freshman to learn Dartmouth lacked Korean courses, even though it had strong programs in Chinese and Japanese. She described the new class as challenging but rewarding. Korean Students Association president Jenna Jeon ’27 said the course now provides two ways for Korean students to maintain their heritage — socially through KSA and academically through KOR 1–3.
The college plans to add intermediate and advanced Korean courses as early as next year, according to Hwang. Suh added that Dartmouth intends to launch a language study abroad program in Seoul within two to three years. At present, the school operates an exchange with Yonsei University, sending six to nine Dartmouth students annually to Korea while hosting one to two Yonsei students on campus.
Suh emphasized the importance of Korea in global affairs. “Whether it’s trade, or security, or more involvement in Asia, South Korea and North Korea are there,” she said. “I hope Dartmouth students are equipped to discuss those critical topics with other people confidently.”
