The Global Rise of Korean as a Foreign Language
The study of Korean as a foreign language encompasses anyone learning the language who is not a native speaker, regardless of their ethnic background. Driven by cultural interest and economic ties, the demand for Korean language education has surged globally, supported by professional organizations, government initiatives, and standardized testing.
Key Facts
- IAKLE is the world's largest organization for Korean language teachers, with over 1,200 members.
- The King Sejong Institute is a global brand of Korean-language institutes established by the South Korean government.
- TOPIK is the primary standardized test for non-native Korean speakers.
- In Russia, Korean is the third most popular foreign language.
- In Vietnam, Korean is the first foreign language selected by education authorities.
Professional and Government Support
The infrastructure for Korean language education is bolstered by both academic associations and direct government involvement. The International Association for Korean Language Education (IAKLE), founded in 1985, serves as the premier global organization for educators. Led by its first president, Fred Lukoff of the University of Washington, the association currently boasts more than 1,200 members.
The King Sejong Institute
To facilitate learning worldwide, the South Korean government established the King Sejong Institute (Sejong Hakdang) in 2007. The name honors Sejong the Great, the historical figure credited with inventing the Korean alphabet, known as Hangul.
As of June 2021, the network had expanded significantly, with 234 institutes operating across 82 different countries.
Standardized Proficiency Testing
For students seeking academic advancement or professional opportunities, standardized testing is essential. There are two primary examinations used to certify language ability:
- Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK): Introduced in 1997, this exam is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED), a branch of the South Korean Ministry of Education. It is designed for non-native speakers, including overseas ethnic Koreans, prospective university students, and those seeking employment at Korean companies.
- Korean Language Ability Test (KLAT): Offered by the Korean Language Society, this serves as a major alternative to the TOPIK.
The TOPIK is conducted six times a year (January, April, May, July, October, and November) within South Korea, with less frequent sessions held internationally.
Global Trends in Korean Language Learning
The popularity of Korean varies by region, reflecting different economic and educational priorities. Below is a summary of the language's standing in several key markets.
| Country/Region | Key Statistics and Trends |
|---|---|
| United States | Ranked as the 11th most studied language in U.S. colleges (2019). |
| Russia | The 3rd most popular foreign language; holds the 4th largest number of university programs. |
| India | Ranked 5th on Duolingo's most popular languages for those aged 17–25. |
| Vietnam | The 2nd most popular language after South Korean; taught starting in 3rd grade. |
Regional Highlights
South Korea
South Korea hosts numerous specialized institutes for university-level education. Notable centers include:
- Yonsei University Korean Language Institute
- Myongji University Korean Language Institute
- Seoul National University Korean Language Education Center
- Sogang University Korean Language Education Center
- Busan University of Foreign Studies
- Language Education Institute of Pusan National University
Vietnam
The demand for Korean in Vietnam is closely linked to South Korea's role as a major economic partner. South Korea is Vietnam's largest foreign investor, second in development aid, and third in trade. Consequently, Korean is the first foreign language selected by Vietnamese education authorities, with instruction beginning as early as the third grade of elementary school. In the two-year period of 2021 and 2022, 28,450 Vietnamese students sat for the TOPIK exam.
Russia and India
In Russia, Korean has established itself as the third most popular foreign language, supported by a robust academic infrastructure that includes the fourth largest number of university-level Korean studies programs in the world. Meanwhile, in India, Korean is a rapidly growing interest; among the 17 to 25 age demographic, it ranked fifth on Duolingo's popularity charts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between TOPIK and KLAT?
The Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) is administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the South Korean Ministry of Education. The Korean Language Ability Test (KLAT) is offered by the Korean Language Society and serves as a major alternative to TOPIK.
Who can take the TOPIK exam?
The TOPIK is designed for individuals whose first language is not Korean. This includes overseas ethnic Koreans, students wishing to enroll in Korean universities, and professionals seeking employment at Korean companies both within and outside of South Korea.
What is the King Sejong Institute?
The King Sejong Institute is a brand of Korean-language institutes established by the South Korean government to promote language learning globally. The institutes are named after Sejong the Great, the inventor of the Korean alphabet.
How many times a year is the TOPIK held?
Within South Korea, the TOPIK is offered six times annually, specifically in January, April, May, July, October, and November. Testing in other countries occurs less frequently.
Is Korean taught in schools in Vietnam?
Yes. Korean is the first foreign language selected by Vietnamese education authorities, and students can begin learning the language as early as the third grade of elementary school.