bbb Korea boosts hallyu in Asia

Students learning Korean at bbb Korea’s Korean language center in Yangon, Myanmar, are seen in this file photo, Monday. / Courtesy of bbb Korea

By Kim Yoo-chul

bbb Korea is strengthening its role in spreading Korean culture in the Southeast Asia region.

The number of registered students using the nonprofit’s tools at participating Korean language schools in Indonesia, Myanmar and Vietnam has surpassed 1,700.

Those who’ve completed Korean language learning courses reached 1,100, according to a statement by bbb Korea, Monday.

“More than 10 students who’ve finished their courses got a job in Korea. Our programs have been successful to boost Korean culture in Asia,” said the statement from the group, which is funded by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

It offers service in 18 different languages with 4,000 volunteers working to overcome the language barrier.

Through both online and offline campaigns for expanding culture exchanges, people from all over the world are participating in knowledge-sharing to learn to communicate better.

Its Korean language-learning centers are located in major cities across Southeast Asia such as Myanmar’s capital of Yangon and Jakarta, Indonesia. Management varies according to country and needs.

“If needed, some programs are being offered through collaboration with partner institutions in those countries,” said the statement, adding such its centers have been used as a podium for culture and communication exchange.

Recently, its center in Vietnam held an event with a K-pop dance competition, Korean vocabulary tests and essays, with about 180 attending.

“The special performance of Vietnam’s traditional dancing received a warm response. Participants also got chances to try making and eating Korean cuisine,” according to the statement.

A similar event was also held in Yangon with about 80 attending.

“Traditional Korean music performers managed programs, most of which were focused on helping participants boost their understanding of Korea’s traditional music styles and the history of Korean music,” said the statement.

A spokesman said the NGO will never stop exploring new chances to boost Korean culture via various activities around the world.