Deadline: 11-Sep-2026
The Korea Foundation supports universities outside Korea in hiring new teaching staff for Korean language and Korean studies programs. The grant partially covers salary and employee benefits for newly recruited faculty, based on the university’s existing pay scale. The funding duration is 1–3 years, with a requirement that universities maintain the position after funding ends.
Program Overview: Korean Studies Faculty Support
The teaching staff support program by the Korea Foundation is designed to strengthen global Korean language education and Korean studies programs.
It helps universities:
- Establish new Korean studies programs
- Expand existing Korean language departments
- Hire qualified academic teaching staff
Key Objectives of the Program
- Promote Korean language education globally
- Strengthen Korean studies academic infrastructure
- Support long-term faculty development
- Expand international cultural and academic exchange
- Improve sustainability of Korean studies programs
Funding Structure and Financial Support
What the Grant Covers
The grant provides partial funding for:
- Salary of newly hired teaching staff
- Employee benefits aligned with university salary scales
What the Grant Does NOT Cover
The program excludes:
- Housing expenses
- Assistant or secretary salaries
- Recruitment costs
- Administrative expenses
- Indirect costs or overheads
- Existing faculty salaries
- Unrelated institutional expenses
Grant Duration and Sustainability Requirement
Funding Period
- Minimum: 1 year
- Maximum: 3 years
Post-Funding Requirement
After funding ends, universities must:
- Maintain the funded teaching position
- Continue employment for at least the same duration as the grant period
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Institutions
Applicants must be:
- Universities outside Korea
- Institutions operating or planning Korean language programs
- Universities with Korean studies or research programs
Eligible Fields
- Korean language education
- Korean studies (culture, history, politics, society)
Required Application Materials
Applicants must submit:
- Online application form
- Korean studies or language curriculum (if applicable)
- Curriculum vitae (CV) of project director
- CV of proposed teaching staff (if already identified)
- University salary scale documentation
How the Program Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Institutional Preparation
University identifies need for Korean studies faculty expansion.
Step 2: Program Design
Define:
- Course structure
- Academic objectives
- Teaching requirements
Step 3: Application Submission
Submit:
- Online application
- Required supporting documents
Step 4: Review and Evaluation
Applications are assessed based on:
- Program quality
- Institutional readiness
- Sustainability of Korean studies program
- Academic qualifications of proposed faculty
Step 5: Funding Approval
Selected universities receive partial salary support for teaching staff.
Step 6: Implementation
Universities:
- Hire or retain teaching staff
- Deliver Korean studies curriculum
- Maintain academic program continuity
Step 7: Post-Funding Commitment
Institutions must continue supporting the position after funding ends.
Importance of the Program (Why It Matters)
This initiative strengthens global Korean studies by:
- Expanding access to Korean language education
- Building sustainable academic programs abroad
- Supporting international cultural exchange
- Improving faculty capacity in Korean studies
- Ensuring long-term institutional commitment
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying as an individual instead of an institution
- Missing required CV or curriculum documents
- Requesting ineligible cost items (e.g., housing, overhead)
- Weak or unclear Korean studies program structure
- No long-term sustainability plan for faculty position
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly define Korean studies program goals
- Provide strong academic justification for new faculty
- Ensure curriculum alignment with Korean language/studies focus
- Demonstrate institutional commitment beyond funding period
- Include qualified teaching candidate profile (if available)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for this program?
Universities outside Korea that offer or plan Korean language or Korean studies programs.
2. What does the grant fund?
Partial salary and employee benefits for newly hired teaching staff.
3. What costs are not covered?
Housing, overhead, administrative costs, recruitment, and existing staff salaries.
4. How long is the funding period?
Between 1 and 3 years.
5. Is the position required after funding ends?
Yes, universities must maintain the position for at least the same duration as the grant period.
6. Can individuals apply?
No, only universities can apply.
7. What documents are required?
Application form, curriculum details, CVs, and salary scale documentation.
Conclusion
The Korea Foundation teaching staff support program plays a key role in expanding Korean language and Korean studies education globally. By supporting faculty hiring and long-term program stability, it ensures sustainable academic growth and stronger international engagement with Korean studies.
For more information, visit the Korea Foundation.
