The Korean Language and Culture Study Program at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FIB UGM), is an undergraduate program and one of the study programs focusing on education, research, and the development of knowledge in the fields of Korean language, literature, and culture. Established in 2007, this program was created to meet the demand for graduates who are competent and globally aware in bridging relations between Indonesia and South Korea, especially in an era of increasingly close international cooperation.
The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers the fields of Korean language, literature, and culture. With experienced instructors, both local and international (native speakers), students are supported in actively mastering the Korean language and gaining an in-depth understanding of Korean culture.
Graduates of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM are prepared for careers in various fields, such as translators, interpreters, Korean language instructors, academics, researchers, journalists, entrepreneurs, and more. The program also establishes extensive networks with international partners, including universities, associations, and institutions engaged in Korean education and culture, creating opportunities for academic collaboration, scholarships, and student exchange programs.
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Welcome to the official page of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada.
This study program was established in response to the growing global interest in Korea and the increasing need for skilled Korean-speaking professionals in various sectors. Since its inception, the program has been committed to producing graduates who are not only proficient in the Korean language but also have a deep understanding of Korean literature, culture, and society.
In an increasingly dynamic era of globalization, foreign language skills and cross-cultural understanding are key to contributing to various sectors. The Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM is designed to equip students with academic and professional skills, as well as international experience through various student exchange programs and collaborations with leading universities in South Korea. With the support of competent faculty and a conducive academic environment, we invite you to join us at the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM.
감사합니다.
Head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program
Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada
Achmad Rio Dessiar B.A., M.A., Ph.D
The foundation of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program began with the introduction of Korean language classes at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in the 1995/1996 academic year as an elective course. Starting with these Korean language classes, the Center for Korean Studies was established at UGM on October 24, 1996, by the former UGM Rector, Prof. Dr. Soekanto Reksohadiprodjo, M.Com., and the former Korean Ambassador to Indonesia, Mr. Hyung-ki Min. Initially, the Center for Korean Studies focused on research, seminars, and the development of knowledge about Korea. Subsequently, UGM recognized the importance of expanding these activities into formal education to not only focus on studies and research but also to produce skilled human resources in the Korean language. Additionally, the demand for Korean-speaking professionals in the job market was significant. Therefore, in 2003, pioneered by Mr. Tri Mastoyo Jati Kesuma, M.Hum., a D3 (diploma) program in Korean Language was launched.
As public interest in Korea, particularly in its language and culture, grew in Indonesia, and as Indonesia-Korea relations strengthened in the fields of economy, culture, and education, the need for graduates with higher competencies, at least at the bachelor’s (S1) level, also increased. Consequently, on December 1, 2006, UGM responded to this need by establishing the S1 Korean Language Program. This program was designed to produce graduates who are not only proficient in the Korean language but also have a deep understanding of Korean literature and culture. Initially, both the D3 and S1 Korean Language Programs were managed under the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM. However, starting in 2008, the D3 program was managed separately by the Vocational School.
Mr. Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., became the first head of the program, serving from 2007 to 2011. The leadership was then handed over to Mr. Tri Mastoyo Jati Kesuma, M.Hum., who served until 2018. Subsequently, in 2019, Mr. Suray Agung Nugroho, S.S., M.A., Ph.D., resumed leadership, and from 2025, Mr. Achmad Rio Dessiar, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., took over as head of the program. As of 2025, the S1 Korean Language Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada has eight lecturers and one visiting professor from the Korea Foundation (KF). The Korean Language and Culture Study Program at UGM has received an “Excellent” accreditation. This accreditation is valid from May 21, 2024, to August 16, 2028, as confirmed by the Decree of the Director of the Executive Board of BAN-PT No. 4269/SK/BAN-PT/Ak.KP/S/V/2024.
