The School of Northeast Asian Studies aims to foster Northeast Asian trade specialists who can promptly respond to changes in the global trade environment and lead Korea's trade development.

The School of Northeast Asian Studies was designated a Regional Specialized University by the Ministry of Education in 1997. Since then, we have become one of Korea's leading specialized schools in economics and trade by focusing on foreign language education, Northeast Asian economic research, and theoretical and practical education in economics and trade.

Following the reorganization of Incheon National University, the School was established as an independent school, integrating the previous Chinese, American, Japanese, and Russian commerce majors to form the Northeast Asian Commerce major. We also operate the Korean Commerce Major (established in September 2016), which targets international students in addition to the quota.

2020s: Rebranding and New Horizons

Most recently, the Korea Trade and Commerce program was rebranded as the International Business Economics (IBE) major. Additionally, to meet the changing dynamics of global trade, the Smart Logistics Engineering Major was newly established.

2010s: Independent Transformation

In 2016, SONAS was reorganized as an independent school. It also integrated its four previous majors into the Northeast Asian Commerce Major and established the Korea Trade and Commerce(KTC) Major to better address regional trade dynamics.

2000s: Structural Consolidation

In 2005, SONAS underwent a significant transformation, which involved a restructuring with the College of Northeast Asian Economics and Commerce.

1990s: The Beginning

SONAS was originally established in 1997, setting the stage for its focus on the growing importance of trade relations within the Northeast Asian region.

Building on a legacy of over two decades, SONAS strives to educate professionals skilled in Northeast Asian relations and smart logistics. Our balanced curriculum integrates theoretical and practical education, foreign language training, and specialized courses in the Northeast Asian regional economy.

Our educational goals are geared towards nurturing "convergence experts"—individuals proficient in global trade, regional studies, and smart logistics technology. As the global trade landscape is swiftly changing, our innovative curriculum prepares students for these new challenges, offering specialized tracks in data-driven economics and smart logistics.

As the Fourth Industrial Revolution unfolds, bringing complexity to traditional trade models, new economic blocs and trade norms are taking shape. This evolving landscape necessitates a new skill set for professionals in global trade.

Our curriculum allows students in the Northeast Asian Studies and Smart Logistics Engineering majors to share core courses, providing a comprehensive and multidisciplinary educational experience. We are also launching a "convergence track" that combines courses from these two majors.

For foreign students, the IBE major offers a curriculum tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in international business economics.

As we embrace a new era of global trade and logistics, SONAS is committed to innovation and excellence, honoring its rich history while eagerly looking towards the future.

For more information, please visit our website or contact our administrative office.