Study Webtoon, Content and Design in Korea: Portfolio and Admissions Guide

Webtoons are a key gateway for international students to develop an interest in Korean content. Korean platforms such as Naver, Kakao, LINE, and Tapas wield significant influence in the global webtoon market, and webtoon IP is being adapted into dramas, animations, and games. Studying Korean webtoons and content abroad can be seen as a process of turning one’s fandom into a major and a portfolio.

In this field, simply “liking webtoons” is not enough. Actual majors are divided into categories such as visual design, comics and webtoons, media content, games, video production, illustration, storytelling, and digital content. The type of work you need to prepare varies depending on whether you draw, write stories, or want to produce videos or games.

International students can apply through undergraduate international admissions or graduate programs. For content and design majors, not only academic grades and language proficiency but also portfolios, personal statements, work descriptions, and interviews may be crucial. Since file formats, the number of works, themes, and submission methods vary by university, you should check the admission guidelines first.

One of the advantages of studying in Korea is the proximity to the industry and the content consumption market. Webtoon platforms, production companies, design studios, game companies, and video production firms all operate within a single ecosystem, allowing students to witness firsthand how K-content is expanding into the global market. However, it is more accurate to describe this as an environment for developing major-specific skills and building a portfolio rather than focusing solely on employment or making one’s debut.

You should also consider costs and scholarships. In design and content-related fields, expenses beyond tuition may include equipment, software, materials, and costs for exhibitions and portfolio production. Scholarships from the Global Korean Scholarship (GKS) and universities for international students vary depending on your major, GPA, and language proficiency requirements. Since portfolio-based admissions require a long preparation period, you must organize your work well in advance of the application deadline.

Career paths are not limited to webtoon artists. They extend widely to include webtoon producers, storyboard and story writers, character designers, game and video artists, content marketers, translators and localizers, and IP planners. It is also possible to work in roles that introduce Korean content in your home country or connect with local platforms.

In this field, your portfolio can effectively serve as a second report card. It is more important that your work aligns with your intended major than the sheer number of pieces you have created. If your goal is webtoon creation, you’ll need storyboards, character designs, direction, and finished manuscripts; if your goal is content planning, proposals, market analyses, and campaign deliverables may be more persuasive.

Language strategies also differ. While Korean may seem relatively less important in practical and portfolio-based admissions processes, both Korean and English communication skills will influence your performance in classes, feedback sessions, and team projects. In particular, if you’re aiming for graduation projects, internships, or field projects, it’s a good idea to develop a Korean language study plan alongside your application.

For webtoon and content majors, it’s best to compile links to works that can be made public before applying. If the direction of your personal social media, portfolio site, and PDF portfolio differs, it will be difficult for evaluators to identify your strengths. Organizing your body of work during the consultation stage will also lead to more accurate university recommendations.

Items for Applicants to Check

- Decide which major you wish to pursue: Webtoon Creation, Design, Video, Games, or Content Planning. - Check each university’s requirements regarding the number of portfolio pieces, file formats, and whether an interview is required. - Calculate equipment, software, and material costs separately from tuition. - Compare the proportion of Korean and English courses alongside opportunities for graduation projects and internships.