Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Gov't to introduce AI-driven Korean language learning platform by 2027
Korean language teacher Park Yu-chan, fifth from left, stands with his students to commemorate Hangeul Day, which falls on Oct. 9, at the King Sejong Institute Center Vietnam in this 2023 photo. Courtesy of King Sejong Institute Foundation
By Park Jin-hai
Korea will introduce a generative AI-powered learning platform by 2027 to meet the soaring global demand for Korean language education.
The government will also aid students of the King Sejong Institute in pursuing careers in Korea, connecting language education with studying in Korea and subsequent employment.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced a comprehensive plan Thursday to revamp the King Sejong Institute during a government meeting presided over by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.
The broader 2024-2027 strategy will establish the i-Sejong Institute to allow students to take lessons without time or location constraints. By integrating generative AI technology with the existing platform using the metaverse and big data-based smart learning applications, the platform will provide flexible, tailored learning experiences for students worldwide.
"The i-Sejong Institute will prioritize mobile-based learning programs, given the internet infrastructure in developing countries and the needs of foreign workers residing in Korea. We will integrate the current advanced state of AI technology and our accumulated curricula, textbooks and expertise into this platform," Yong Ho-seong, the first vice culture minister, said during a press briefing Wednesday at the Government Complex in Gwanghwamun, Seoul.
The four-year plan includes targeted support for students wishing to continue their language education or pursue careers in Korea, leveraging their language proficiencies.
New help desks in local institutes will offer counseling and assistance, integrating specialized courses designed to meet the needs of industries such as MICE, or meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, to prepare students for professional opportunities in Korea.
The demand for Korean language courses has surged due to the global popularity of Korean cultural content such as K-pop and K-drama. While the number of the King Sejong Institutes has expanded significantly, there's still a long waiting list for students.
According to the state-funded Korean language institute, the number of Korean language learners grew 300 times compared with 2007, when the institute was founded.
The accumulated number of students registered for online or offline programs reached 1.06 million. The number of language centers has grown from 13 in three countries in 2007 to 256 in 88 countries this year, yet there are some 15,000 people on the waiting lists wanting to learn the Korean language as of February this year.
The new initiative will also increase the number of King Sejong Institute branches worldwide to 300 by 2027 after determining where to open new language centers reflecting specific local needs based on data.
The number of regional hub branches, currently in five countries including Vietnam, France and the United States, will be increased to 10 to have them serve as small versions of Korean Culture Centers.
Culture Minister Yu In-chon noted in a press release that the King Sejong Institute serves as a gateway to Korean culture.
"The institute is not merely a place for language learning but also a forward base for hallyu (Korean wave), where people can learn about various aspects of Korean culture through the Korean language and gain a deeper understanding of Korea," Yu said, adding that he will lead efforts to make Korean language and culture more accessible to people around the globe.