2027 Korea Foundation Support Program for Establishing Professorships in Korean Studies and Korean Language

The Korea Foundation (KF) has announced its 2027 Support for Establishment of Professorship program, designed to strengthen Korean Studies and Korean Language education at universities around the world. This initiative provides substantial financial assistance to institutions seeking to create new professorships, ensuring long-term academic growth and global engagement with Korea-related scholarship.

Position (TTP)** The KF covers up to 70% of the total salary and employee benefits for a newly hired professor in Korean Studies or Korean Language.

• Salary: Based on the university’s existing salary scale.
• Employee benefits: Includes legally required non-wage payments such as social welfare contributions and fringe benefits.

2. Endowed Chair Position

The KF provides annual endowment funding during the grant period to establish a permanent professorship. The university must contribute a 50% matching fund, dollar-for-dollar.

Grant Duration

• Three to five years

Eligible Applicants

• Universities outside Korea planning to establish new professorships in Korean Studies or Korean Language.

Prerequisites for KF Support

Universities must demonstrate the ability to sustain the professorship after KF support ends, either through internal funding or a jointly created endowment. Additionally, the appointed professor must undergo fair and rigorous evaluation according to the university’s standard procedures for appointment, promotion, and tenure.

Program Timeline

1. Application Period: July 1, 2026 – September 11, 2026 Deadline: September 11, 2026 at 18:00 KST
2. Notification of Results: December 2026
3. Grant Start: 2027–28 or 2028–29 academic year

Required Documents

1. Online Application Form

Must include detailed information on the university’s current Korean Studies status (faculty, courses, library holdings, academic activities).

2. Supplementary Materials

The following documents must be uploaded:

1. Curriculum for B.A./M.A. programs in Korean Studies or Korean Language (if applicable)
2. University’s salary scale for professors
3. CV of the proposed professor (if a candidate is already identified)
4. CV of the project director
5. Letter from the Dean supporting the establishment of the professorship

Evaluation Criteria

1. Program Planning & Commitment
   • Clarity and organization of the proposal
   • Long-term plans for Korean Studies development
2. Institutional Capacity
   • University reputation and prior achievements in Korean Studies
3. Budget Soundness
   • Specificity and feasibility of the financial plan
   • Matching fund efforts
4. Expected Outcomes
   • Contribution to regional diversification of Korean Studies
   • Practicality and impact of proposed goals

Important Reminders

1. Cancellation of Support KF may cancel support if an agreement cannot be finalized with the university.
2. Eligibility Requirements for Appointed Professors
   • At least 50% of teaching and research must focus on Korea
   • Research must use Korean-language primary sources
   • Publications must be in English, and preferably also in Korean
   • Korean language proficiency is required
3. Notification of Changes Universities must promptly inform KF of any project changes.
4. Revision Requests KF may request modifications or additions to the project plan.
5. Grant Disbursement Funds are released after the grant agreement is signed and a qualified professor is hired.
6. Annual Reporting Universities must submit yearly project reports with signed financial statements.