Inter-Korean Relations

Spring 2027

 

Students from Asianet member universities (UTU, JYU, TAU, JAMK & TAMK) can register directly in their own Peppi, Sisu or Pakki systems! 

This course has an Electronic Exam which can only be taken in Finland (at any university/polytechnic)!

—————————————————-

Spring term 2027

  • Registration period (Peppi, Sisu and Pakki):  01.12.2026 – 08.03.2027
  • Study period: 15.03.2027 – 23.05.2027


Organiser: Centre for East Asian Studies, University of Turku
Contact person: Docent Jeong-Im HYUN

Level of the course: Intermediate
Credits: 2 ECTS
Assessment scale: Pass/Fail
Language: English
Taken as: Quizzes, and an e-exam (taken in an official e-exam room in Finland)

NOTE! The e-exam must be taken at one of the official e-exam rooms that are located around Finland at different universities and polytechnics. There is no alternative method of course completion. Sign up for this course only if you will be able to take the e-exam in Finland during the course period. More information: UTU’s e-exam guide.


After completing the course, students will be able to:

    • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the historical, political, economic, and social developments on the Korean Peninsula.
    • Assess inter-Korean relations as a key issue in East Asian and global politics.
    • Analyze the historical effects of the Cold War, national division, and the cycles of cooperation and conflict between the two Koreas.
    • Identify and understand key issues in inter-Korean relations through concrete case studies.
    • Critically analyze recent changes in cooperation and conflict while evaluating the relationship between the two Koreas and the wider international community.
    • Place modern inter-Korean issues within the context of both modern Korean history and global affairs.


Course content:
The content is divided into sections; students are advised to follow the provided schedule.

Week 1: One People, Two Systems (1945–1953)
Week 2: Engagement and the Dream of One Korea (1990s–2010s)
Week 3: The Identity Pivot – “Two Hostile States” (The 2020s Shift)
Week 4: The Generational Gap & The Future of Koreanness


Learning method and materials:
Online course in the Moodle learning environment. Students can complete the course at their own pace within the course period.

The course materials include recorded online presentations/lectures, as well as obligatory and elective reading materials. Assignments consist of quizzes, and an e-exam.

 

Featured image: Panmunjeom. Picture by David Stanley (Flickr)