Sogang University, located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, stands as one of the nation's premier private research institutions. Founded in 1960 by the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), it emphasizes liberal arts education, fostering critical thinking and global perspectives. Jobs at Sogang University span faculty positions, research roles, administrative opportunities, and support staff, attracting scholars worldwide to its vibrant campus overlooking the Han River. With a student body of over 13,000 and a focus on internationalization—offering more than 50 English-taught courses—the university is a hub for academic excellence in Asia Pacific higher education.
Career opportunities here are diverse, catering to those passionate about teaching, groundbreaking research, and institutional leadership. Whether you're eyeing tenure-track professor jobs or research assistant positions, Sogang provides a supportive environment in one of the world's most dynamic cities. Salaries are competitive, often ranging from 60 million KRW for entry-level roles to over 150 million KRW for senior faculty, supplemented by performance incentives and housing allowances.
Established shortly after the Korean War as the first private liberal arts university in South Korea, Sogang University was modeled after Jesuit institutions like Georgetown and Fordham. Its founders aimed to rebuild the nation through education rooted in humanistic values, ethics, and service. Over six decades, it has evolved into a top-ranked university, consistently placing in the top 5 for humanities and social sciences per QS World University Rankings. This rich history influences its hiring, prioritizing candidates aligned with Jesuit principles of intellectual rigor and social justice.
Key milestones include the launch of its Graduate School of International Studies in 1992 and expansion into engineering and IT fields. Today, with over 500 full-time faculty, jobs at Sogang University contribute to its reputation for producing leaders in business, diplomacy, and academia.
Sogang's 28 undergraduate and 40 graduate programs drive demand for specialized faculty. Departments like Economics, Business Administration, and Foreign Languages frequently post openings. For instance, the School of Economics seeks experts in econometrics and behavioral economics, while the Graduate School of International Studies recruits for international relations and area studies.
Emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence and Data Science have seen recent hires, reflecting Korea's tech boom. Research centers like the Sogang Institute of Peace and Human Rights also offer project-based roles. Explore research jobs for similar positions across higher ed.
Jobs at Sogang University include:
For a full breakdown, visit our university job types page. Professor jobs often involve teaching 9-12 hours weekly plus research, while admin positions focus on operations in a bilingual setting.
To clarify key terms for jobs at Sogang University:
Required Academic Qualifications: Most faculty jobs demand a PhD in the relevant field from an accredited institution. For lecturer roles, a master's may suffice with proven teaching experience. Admin positions vary, often requiring a bachelor's plus specialized certifications.
Research Focus or Expertise Needed: Priority on humanities (philosophy, literature), social sciences (sociology, politics), and interdisciplinary areas like global studies. Recent hires emphasize sustainability, AI ethics, and Korean Wave (Hallyu) studies, aligning with national priorities.
Preferred Experience: 3+ peer-reviewed publications in Scopus-indexed journals, grant funding (e.g., from NRF Korea), and international conference presentations. Teaching experience at top universities boosts candidacy.
Skills and Competencies:
These align with Sogang's global outlook, where 20% of faculty are international.
The process starts with online submission via Sogang's faculty recruitment portal (sogang.ac.kr/en/jobs). Required documents: CV, cover letter, research/teaching statements (3-5 pages each), 3-5 references, and publications list. Interviews include seminars and campus visits; shortlisting takes 4-6 weeks.
Actionable Tips:
Rejections are common; reapply after gaining experience.
Sogang champions diversity through the Office of International Affairs, hosting faculty from 60+ countries. Initiatives include the Women in Leadership Program (scholarships for female PhDs), LGBTQ+ support groups, and anti-discrimination policies. In 2023, 25% of new hires were women in STEM, surpassing national averages. The Global Faculty Exchange with Jesuit partners promotes cross-cultural hires, fostering an inclusive environment where varied perspectives enrich research.
Sogang prioritizes balance with 30 paid vacation days, parental leave (90 days maternity, 10 days paternity), and flexible scheduling. Wellness perks include gym access, counseling, and Seoul's efficient public transport reducing commutes. Salaries support comfortable living—professors earn 100-200 million KRW annually with housing subsidies.
Campus life buzzes with seminars, cultural festivals, and clubs like the Philosophy Society. Proximity to Itaewon offers international dining, while the green campus features modern labs, libraries, and the Matteo Ricci Hall for events. Faculty enjoy research sabbaticals every 7 years, aligning work with personal growth in Seoul's vibrant scene.
Joining Sogang means contributing to Korea's academic forefront amid Asia Pacific growth. With strong funding (1.2 trillion KRW budget in 2023) and collaborations like with MIT, it's ideal for ambitious scholars. Check higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, or post a job on AcademicJobs.com for more opportunities.
