Dear incoming students,

Today we are receiving 34 new students from 20 countries as the 56th class of Sogang GSIS. Let me introduce the name of our proud new students and their majors.


Doctoral Program

Master’s Program

Exchange Program



It is a great honor and pleasure to deliver a welcoming speech to the new students.

Given the gravity of covid situation, my speech today will be very brief.

We have different purposes in our lives. I guess you decided to come to our GSIS for different reasons. I respect those differences. However, no matter why you decided to come to Sogang GSIS, I want you to give your 100 percent during your school years at Sogang. No matter what you want to do with your lives after you graduate, no matter what kinds of life you want to live after you graduate, you need to learn how to make good faith efforts and give your 100 percent. Making good faith efforts and giving your 100 percent is what I want you to learn during your school years at Sogang.

Sogang GSIS is a great place. All of us at Sogang GSIS are here to help you to grow and learn, to build upon the wonderful foundation that your parents have given you. We will do our best to make your time at our GSIS as rewarding as possible and enjoyable.

Covid has brought testing times not just to students but also to staff and faculty members alike, but let’s put in our best efforts to make our time here rewarding and enjoyable.

May your time here bring you challenge, growth, excitement, passion, opportunity, and fulfilment.

Welcome to Sogang GSIS!

Dean Jaechun KIM

Dear incoming students,

It is my great pleasure to welcome 13 new students from 7 countries as the 57th class of Sogang GSIS. Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your academic journey, and we are delighted to have you join our diverse, dynamic, and welcoming community. On behalf of the entire Sogang GSIS family, I extend my warmest welcome to each and every one of you.

I understand that many of you may feel a bit unsettled today, but rest assured, you will soon feel at home in this new environment. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way and will do our best to help you settle in quickly and smoothly.

At this matriculation session, I would like to highlight a few key advantages of Sogang GSIS.
First, we offer diverse courses on international issues across multiple academic disciplines, including international relations, economics, finance, and area studies. By taking full advantage of our multidisciplinary curriculum tailored to your goals and interests, you will build a strong foundation to understand this rapidly changing world and develop your own perspective to interpret it.
Second, Sogang GSIS is home to a truly international community. With approximately 120 students from 37 countries, you will have the opportunity to engage with peers from diverse national and cultural backgrounds. These interactions will help broaden your perspective, enhance your cross-cultural communication skills, and allow you to establish an international network, which is an invaluable asset throughout your life and career.
Third, as a relatively small school, we foster close-knit relationships between professors and students, as well as among students themselves. We take pride in our ‘family-like atmosphere,’ where meaningful academic and personal connections are formed. I encourage all of you to make the most of these unique advantages during your time at Sogang GSIS.

At this point, I want to share one more message. While I encourage you to dedicate yourselves to deepening your knowledge in your field of study, I also urge you to embrace personal growth. Through meaningful interactions with others and the challenges you overcome, you will not only advance academically but also grow as individuals. My hope is that by the time you complete your studies here, you will leave as a wiser and more mature person.

Your time here will be rigorous, and as full-time graduate students, I expect you to fully commit to your studies. However, success is not just about hard work; it also requires balance. Beyond your coursework, manage your time wisely, explore diverse opportunities, and take on new challenges to enrich your experience. Remember, you are not alone on this journey. Our faculty and staff are always here to support you, so never hesitate to seek guidance.

Once again, welcome to Sogang GSIS. I wish you a wonderful new beginning and a happy ending in your academic journey.

Thank you very much.

Warm regards,

Hyun-Dong Kim
Dean, Graduate School of International Studies
Sogang University