Pusan National University Captivates U.S. Students with Korean Language and Culture Program

Twelve University of Washington Students Complete Korean Language and Culture Program Successfully

Operating the U.S. Department of State CLS Program... Expanding Exchanges with Western Countries

Amid the growing global interest in K-culture, Pusan National University has once again proven the competitiveness of Korea's global Korean language education by expanding educational cooperation with universities in Western countries.

The Language Education Institute of Pusan National University (President Choi Jaewon) successfully completed a short-term Korean language education and Korean culture experience program for 12 students from the University of Washington in the United States, holding a completion ceremony at the institute's main auditorium on July 16.

This program took place over two weeks from July 2 to July 15, consisting of a total of 21 hours. The participating students not only received intensive Korean language instruction but also experienced a variety of Korean culture activities such as K-pop dance, making Bibimbap, and making Hotteok. The program was notable for going beyond language education to allow students to directly experience daily life and local culture in Korea.

The Language Education Institute at Pusan National University has previously provided customized short-term training courses for students from Asian countries, including the Philippines and Japan. After launching its first program for U.S. college students last year and confirming both high satisfaction and educational effectiveness, the institute continued with the same format this year. This is further evidence that the demand for Korean language education is rapidly expanding beyond Asia to North America.

This particular course was carefully designed to accommodate students who were new to Korean. By strengthening play-based classes and emphasizing speaking-focused education, the program helped students learn Korean in a natural way. Linking cultural activities to language learning increased student engagement. The program's organic combination of language education and cultural experience sparked enthusiastic participation and received high praise from students.

As more overseas students begin learning Korean due to their interest in K-pop, K-food, and Hallyu content, there is a growing demand in the education field for experiential, real-life-oriented programs. The Language Education Institute at Pusan National University is continuously developing programs that enhance the practical effectiveness of Korean language education to respond to these trends.

Eunji Kang, Director of the Language Education Institute at Pusan National University and professor in the Department of Linguistics and Information, stated, "I hope students will carry confidence in their Korean language skills and warm memories of Korea and Busan from this program," adding, "We will continue to expand various international education programs so that students from around the world can experience Korean language and culture firsthand."

The Language Education Institute at Pusan National University is also currently operating the "Critical Language Scholarship (CLS)" program entrusted by the International Education Committee under the U.S. Department of State. Since June 16, 22 undergraduate and graduate students from the U.S. have participated, engaging in an intensive nine-week curriculum focused on Korean language education and cultural experiences.

With the successful management of both the University of Washington’s short-term program and the CLS program, the international Korean language education capabilities of Pusan National University are drawing increased attention. The university plans to further expand cooperation with Western universities, including those in the United States, to meet the growing demand for Korean language education among outstanding international students and to strengthen its role as Busan’s global hub for Korean language education.

The Language Education Institute of Pusan National University successfully completed a short-term program for Korean language education and Korean culture experience, operated for 12 students enrolled at the University of Washington in the United States, and held a completion ceremony.

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