About the opportunity
The Korea Foundation (KF) provides financial support for the creation of new professorships in Korean studies and Korean language at universities abroad. The program supports two types of positions: tenure-track positions, which the recipient university must maintain using its own resources after the KF’s initial support, and endowed chair positions, which are financed through an endowment fund jointly created by the KF and the recipient university. This initiative aims to support institutions with the necessary infrastructure and growth potential to maintain a high level of Korean studies research and education.
Funding and benefits
- Tenure-Track Position (TTP): KF provides up to 70% of the total salary and employee benefits (including fringe benefits and social welfare expenses) for the professor to be hired.
- Endowed Chair Position: KF provides an annual endowment during the grant period, provided the recipient university contributes a matching fund of 50% on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
Who can apply?
- Universities abroad that plan to create new professorships in Korean studies or Korean language.
- Universities must be able to fund and continuously maintain the professorship from their own resources after the KF's support ends, or through a joint endowment fund.
- Universities must ensure the appointee is appointed and promoted through a fair review of qualifications and accomplishments according to university procedures.
Required documents
- Online application including information on the current status of Korean studies at the applicant institution (faculty, courses, library collections, and academic activities).
- Curriculum for B.A./M.A. in Korean studies and/or Korean language degree programs (if applicable).
- Information about the university's salary scale for professors.
- Curriculum vitae of the professor to be hired (if a concrete candidate is already identified).
- Curriculum vitae of the project director.
- Letter from the Dean of the faculty planning to establish the professorship.
When to apply
- Application Period: July 1 to September 11, 2026.
- Deadline: September 11, 2026, 18:00 KST.
- Notification of Results: December 2026.
- Grant period commencement: 2027-28 or 2028-29 academic year.
How to apply
- Submit all required documents in Korean or English via the KF Online Application System (http://apply.kf.or.kr).
- Click the "Apply" button at the bottom of the program announcement and complete the online application form.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Universities abroad looking to expand their academic offerings in Korean studies or language.
- Institutions with the infrastructure to maintain long-term research and education programs.
- Departments seeking financial support to establish tenure-track or endowed chair positions.
What should you think carefully about?
- This is an institutional application; individual professors cannot apply directly.
- The university must be prepared to provide matching funds or commit to long-term maintenance of the position.
- The application requires detailed documentation regarding existing faculty and curriculum, necessitating internal coordination.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This program provides a vital funding mechanism for universities aiming to institutionalize Korean studies. It is a strategic opportunity for departments to secure external support for faculty growth and curriculum development in a specialized field.
Our take
Universities with a clear vision for expanding their Korean studies programs should apply. Institutions unable to commit to long-term funding of the position after the grant period should carefully assess their sustainability.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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