Deadline: 11-Sep-2026
The Korea Foundation supports universities outside Korea in establishing new professorships in Korean studies and Korean language, including tenure-track and endowed chair positions. The program provides partial salary support or endowment funding to strengthen long-term academic capacity and global Korean studies education. Eligible universities must demonstrate institutional readiness, infrastructure, and sustainability beyond the funding period.
Program Overview: Global Expansion of Korean Studies Faculty
The professorship initiative by the Korea Foundation aims to strengthen international academic programs in Korean studies and Korean language.
It supports the creation of:
- New tenure-track faculty positions
- Endowed chair professorships
- Long-term institutional Korean studies development
Key Objectives of the Program
- Expand Korean language and Korean studies globally
- Strengthen academic research capacity in Korean studies
- Build sustainable university-level programs
- Support long-term faculty development
- Enhance international academic collaboration
Eligible Institutions
Who Can Apply
Universities outside Korea that:
- Plan to establish new Korean studies or Korean language professorships
- Have infrastructure for teaching and research in Korean studies
- Demonstrate long-term sustainability after funding ends
- Follow fair academic hiring and tenure procedures
Institutional Requirements
Applicants must:
- Maintain standard recruitment and promotion systems
- Show academic and administrative capacity
- Ensure continuity of professorship beyond funding support
Types of Professorship Support
Tenure-Track Position (TTP)
Funding Support
- Up to 70% of total salary
- Employee benefits included
Purpose
- Support hiring of new tenure-track faculty
- Strengthen academic teaching and research programs
Endowed Chair Position
Funding Structure
- Annual endowment provided during grant period
- Requires 50% matching contribution (dollar-for-dollar) from university
Purpose
- Establish permanent professorship
- Ensure long-term academic sustainability
Funding and Sustainability Model
Key Principle
The program emphasizes institutional commitment and long-term sustainability.
Universities must:
- Continue funding the position after KF support ends
- Maintain professorship as part of core academic structure
- Integrate position into long-term strategic planning
How the Program Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Institutional Planning
University identifies need for Korean studies professorship.
Step 2: Program Selection
Choose between:
- Tenure-track position
- Endowed chair model
Step 3: Application Preparation
Include:
- Academic program plan
- Faculty hiring strategy
- Infrastructure details
- Sustainability plan
Step 4: Submission and Review
Applications are evaluated for:
- Institutional readiness
- Academic quality
- Long-term viability
- Korean studies development potential
Step 5: Funding Approval
Selected universities receive partial funding or endowment support.
Step 6: Faculty Appointment
Universities hire faculty through standard academic procedures.
Step 7: Long-Term Maintenance
Institutions must sustain professorship after funding period ends.
Importance of the Program (Why It Matters)
This initiative strengthens global Korean studies by:
- Expanding academic expertise in Korean language and culture
- Building permanent faculty positions worldwide
- Enhancing research output in Korean studies
- Supporting international education exchange
- Strengthening institutional academic capacity
- Ensuring long-term sustainability of Korean studies programs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak sustainability planning after funding ends
- Lack of Korean studies infrastructure
- Not following standard academic hiring procedures
- Missing matching fund requirement (for endowed chairs)
- Incomplete faculty development strategy
- Over-reliance on short-term funding
Tips for a Strong Application
- Demonstrate strong institutional commitment
- Provide clear long-term funding sustainability plan
- Highlight existing Korean studies infrastructure
- Show academic demand for professorship
- Align position with curriculum expansion goals
- Ensure compliance with tenure and hiring standards
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for this program?
Universities outside Korea with Korean studies or Korean language programs.
2. What types of positions are funded?
Tenure-track professorships and endowed chair positions.
3. How much funding is provided?
Up to 70% salary support for tenure-track positions or annual endowment support for chair positions.
4. Is matching funding required?
Yes, endowed chair positions require a 50% matching contribution.
5. What is the main requirement after funding ends?
Universities must maintain the professorship long-term.
6. Can universities without Korean studies programs apply?
They must have infrastructure or a clear plan to establish such programs.
7. Who manages hiring decisions?
Universities must follow their standard faculty recruitment and tenure procedures.
Conclusion
The Korea Foundation professorship program is a strategic initiative to expand Korean studies and Korean language education worldwide. By supporting tenure-track and endowed faculty positions, it strengthens long-term academic infrastructure, promotes global cultural exchange, and ensures sustainable growth of Korean studies programs at international universities.
For more information, visit The Korea Foundation.