Scoping Review of Studies on Affective-Psychological and Social Characteristics of South Korean Engineering Students

This scoping review examines the affective-psychological and social characteristics of undergraduate engineering students in South Korea, identifying key research trends, thematic focuses, and gaps in the literature. A total of 95 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 were analyzed based on publication year, journal outlet, research topics, and related variables. The literature search was conducted using major databases, including RISS, KCI, and DBpia. The findings highlight self-efficacy-particularly domain-specific self-efficacy-as a core construct linked to academic achievement, persistence, and career development. Social competencies such as communication, teamwork, and convergence ability are also emphasized; however, limited attention has been paid to emotional resilience, burnout, and ethical responsibility. Despite their growing importance in the artificial intelligence-driven era, gender differences, digital literacy, and global competencies remain underexplored. These findings underscore the need for learner-centered, evidence-based instructional strategies, as well as more longitudinal, comparative, and intervention-focused studies. This review offers foundational insights for designing inclusive, future-oriented educational programs tailored to the diverse needs of South Korean undergraduate engineering students.