The Korea Foundation said Wednesday it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a Costa Rican university to launch a curriculum on Korean language and culture for students in the Latin American country.
The agreement between the state-run Korea Foundation and the University of Costa Rica was reached in the presence of Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla Miranda during her formal visit in Seoul, according to foundation officials.
Chinchilla, who is herself a graduate of the university, arrived in Korea on Sunday for a four-day trip, as this year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Under the MOU first proposed by the Korea Foundation to help enhance bilateral ties and cultural exchange between the two countries, the University of Costa Rica will set up a class on Korean language and culture as part of the school's regular curriculum, foundation officials said.
This is not the first time such an academic course has been established in the Latin American country, as lectures on the Korean language have been held for some 80 local students at the National University of Costa Rica since February last year with the support of the South Korean Embassy there.
The international popularity of Korean culture, also known there as the "Hallyu" or "Korean Wave," has spread to Costa Rica in recent years, as people there have formed clubs to enjoy and promote South Korean soap operas, music and cuisine.(Yonhap)