Department

China has already emerged as a G2 country, standing shoulder to shoulder with the world's greatest power, the United States, and has expanded its political and economic influence in the international community. Although there are discrepancies in domestic and international perceptions and sentiments towards China, in reality, we cannot overlook close economic exchanges and diplomatic-security cooperation with China. Especially since China remains the world's largest consumer market and continues to expand its global influence, it remains a crucial country in addressing South Korea's economic prosperity and diplomatic-security issues. Therefore, studying, understanding, and preparing for China's rise, from the "China Threat" theory to the recent "Peak China" debate, has become not a choice but a necessity.

We must begin with language and invest substantial time to build expertise through diverse studies on China's politics, economy, society, culture, and markets. During the Joseon Dynasty, Yi Yi (Yulgok) advocated for the "10,000 soldiers theory" to prepare for Japan's rapid rise, but considering China's vast size and population today, we are in a situation where we need over a million China experts. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China in 1992, the two countries have maintained mutually beneficial cooperation. However, recently, their relationship has evolved into one marked by intense competition across all fields. The future of South Korea-China relations depends on how we understand and engage with China.

As a small but strong middle power, we must analyze and study China closely in order to maintain our position and avoid being helplessly drawn into the black hole that is China. Hanyang University ERICA's Department of Chinese Studies, unlike most "Chinese Language and Literature" programs in Korea that focus on language and literature, has restructured its curriculum to encompass all areas of Chinese studies, including language, history, politics, economy, trade, society, and culture. Through this specialized curriculum combining Humanities and Social Science, we aim to train practical China experts equipped with professional knowledge, and we have established a diverse and meticulous educational training system to achieve this goal.

In the future, Hanyang University ERICA's Department of Chinese Studies will continue to do its best to ensure that students acquire the necessary competencies for the global society and grow into professionals with global competitiveness who can contribute to Korea's economic prosperity and address foreign and security issues. We ask for your continued interest and support.

Educational Goal and Specialization Strategy

-Educational Goal : Relations between Korea and China have historically been up and down. Currently, exchanges between the two countries are experiencing some setbacks and therefore, there is a growing need for intermediaries to help improve the overall situation. Bearing this in mind, the ultimate educational goal of the Department of Chinese Studies is to nurture future-oriented Chinese regional experts who are well versed on regional studies and trade studies who can contribute favorable relations between the two nations. Students of the program gain knowledge and skills particularly in the areas of Chinese language, culture, society, and economy.

Department History

Student Societies

Careers after Graduation

After graduation, Department of Chinese Studies students are entering major fields such as shipping, trade, overseas sales, aviation, travel, hotels, education, etc., as well as various fields such as logistics, distribution, sales, marketing, public officials, and recently broadcasting, entertainment, gaming, and other professions (accountants, tax accountants, and legal professions). As the major encompasses all areas of Chinese studies, Department of Chinese Studies students are demonstrating their capabilities in most areas of our society.