The Department of Korean Language and Literature aims at the creative inheritance and development of Korean culture though the study of Korean language and literature. To achieve this aim, the department studies the structure and history of the Korean language, attempts to understand and evaluate the past and its literary products. As Korean life is intertwined with its language, and the spirit of that life is contained within Korean literary works, the study of Korean language and literature lies at the core of Korean humanities. The Department of Korean Language and Literature offers advanced training in Korean language and literature. The curriculum is divided into Korean linguistics, classical Korean literature, and modern Korean literature. Undergraduates are required to take courses in all three areas so as to get sound training in the basic features of Korean language and literature. Such knowledge serves well not only those destined to go on to graduate studies in the field, but also aids those working in various careers after graduation.