Korean Popular Culture KORE3002 (Sem 1, 2027)

KORE3002 Korean Popular Culture

KORE3002 explores the social, political, economic, and historical dimensions of popular culture on the Korean peninsula. From film, television, fashion, beauty culture, gaming, social media, and digital platforms to the cultural industries behind the Korean Wave, the unit examines how popular culture shapes society and reflects broader political and economic change.

Students will investigate topics such as cultural policy, soft power, nationalism, gender, identity, globalisation, consumer culture, and the growth of Korea’s creative industries. The unit also introduces the fascinating and often overlooked world of North Korean popular culture, providing unique insights into culture under a socialist regime.

Ideal for students in Commerce, International Relations, History, Screen Arts, Creative Arts, Visual Arts, Engineering, and related disciplines, KORE3002 requires no prior knowledge of Korea, no Korean language ability, and no prerequisites. The unit is taught entirely in English.

Unit coordinators: Prof Jo Elfving-Hwang & Dr Eldin Milak