Department

Overview of Social Welfare Studies

Social welfare phenomena have existed wherever humans have lived collectively, but modern social welfare studies were formally introduced in Korea only after the Korean War. Due to the exploitation during the colonial period and the aftermath of the Korean War, the number of impoverished populations increased, and rapid industrialization brought various social problems, creating an urgent need for a national social welfare system. Based on social work practices imported from the United States, several universities established social work departments. Until the late 1970s, education and research in Korea primarily focused on the U.S.-derived social work approach.

However, in the early 1980s, the need for structural and macro-level approaches to social issues arose, leading to the introduction of social policy approaches originating from various European countries. Today, these two approaches form the main pillars of social welfare studies. As industrial society developed, large-scale social issues such as unemployment, industrial accidents, disability, and mental illness emerged, prompting the study of complex human relationships surrounding social welfare phenomena. Social welfare studies aim to cultivate systematic and purposeful practical methods based on a human-centered philosophy, applying theories developed across the social sciences to real-world practice.
The role of the state in social welfare is expanding. While Korea’s traditional elements, political structures, and growth-oriented ideology have limited the state and society’s full realization of social welfare, continued efforts can gradually move Korean society closer to becoming a welfare state.

Career Paths and Employment Opportunities

Public Service: Social welfare officers, general administrative officers, correctional officers, educational officers, etc.
Social Welfare Institutions: Community Chest of Korea, Child Protection Agencies, Korea Workers’ Compensation & Welfare Service, Comprehensive Social Welfare Centers, Senior Welfare Centers, Disability Welfare Centers, Self-Support Agencies, Mental Health Centers, Hospitals, etc.
Research Positions: Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, National Pension Service, National Health Insurance Service, etc.
Financial Institutions: Jeonbuk Bank, Kookmin Bank, Saemaeul Geumgo, etc.
Major Corporations: SK Hynix, etc.

Department

Overview of Social Welfare Studies

Career Paths and Employment Opportunities

Promotional Video