A Baduk major at university

Many will probably already know that it is possible to pursue Baduk differently than studying in a Baduk school or as hobby at home. This possibility is studying Baduk and many related sub-subjects in university as a Master of Education degree. Let me show you the introduction of the Baduk Department from Myeongji University:

"Baduk, which has a long history in Oriental countries, is a brain sport that contains profound philosophy, artistry and wisdom. Present-day baduk has transcended its dimension as a leisurely game and is being widely spread throughout the world. It functions both as one of the most amusing games and as a useful instrument for human life.

The Department of Baduk Studies was established in 1997, for the first time in world history, to pursue an academic study of baduk. Although baduk has been regarded as a precious culture, it had not been studied by the scientific approach due to man's traditional adherence to its technique alone. The department will contribute to the development of baduk culture by providing a variety of knowledge based on a new paradigm beyond the technique-biased approach to Baduk.

As Korea has become the strongest and the most actively Baduk-playing country in the world, it is expected to play a leading role in a variety of activities of Baduk. In response to this trend, the Department of Baduk Studies has been set up with the following aims:

1) To promote students Baduk strength above the 5 dan level
2) To acquire a deeper knowledge of life from Baduk culture
3) To develop and educate the leaders in the field of Baduk
4) To teach necessary foreign languages to those who can introduce Baduk culture to the world.

The Department teaches Baduk theory and technique systematically, researches Baduk culture in depth, and acquires wide and various knowledge related to Baduk. The graduates will make proper Baduk leaders in Korea and also in foreign countries.

The area of the Baduk Studies is divided into the nature of Baduk, technical theory, practical matches, related fields, Baduk education, and professional administration, to name a few.

The students who major in Baduk Studies will acquire 5-dan level or above, and foreign language skills so that they can work as experts in the various fields of Baduk. The graduates can create and develop their own professional fields by utilizing the abundant resource of the Korean Baduk community. Many graduates will work in Korea as leaders, Baduk academics, Internet programmers, Baduk writers/columnists/journalists, Professional players, and managers of Baduk businesses; and some could be dispatched to foreign countries as instructors.

History of the Department
1997 Baduk Instruction Studies was established in the College of Arts and Physical Education as a course
1998 Promoted as an independent Department in the College of Arts and Physical Science
1999 Enrollment quota was increased to 30
2000 The first Bachelor of Art in Baduk Studies appeared
2001 Graduate School of Baduk Studies was opened
2003 The first Master of Art in Baduk Studies appeared"

Quote from: http://www.mju.ac.kr/ENG/college/introduction.jsp?DDcode=00007&Hcode=00049

A few foreigners already have studied or are studying in the department already. Examples are Daniela Trinks, Diana Koszegi and Jens Henker.