The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education has launched a pioneering initiative to enhance Korean language education for students abroad by providing access to a vast library of Korean e-books.
On March 24, 2025, the Office of Education announced that it would support 26 overseas Korean education centers, including those in Japan, to utilize the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education e-Library for Korean language resources. This initiative is the first of its kind from any metropolitan or provincial education office in South Korea, emerging from the increasing global interest in Korean culture and the rising demand for Korean language education.
The Office of Education aims to significantly improve access to Korean literature for learners outside the country, facilitating more effective learning methodologies. According to an official from the Office of Education’s Education Cooperation Division, “In the past, we have mainly provided printed materials to overseas educational institutions. However, as the demand for Korean language learning has increased, our budget constraints have limited the provision of physical books.” This new program enables a transition to digital resources, which can be distributed more broadly.
The e-Library service, which has been operational since 2010 in Seoul, is now expanding its reach to international learners. These 26 overseas Korean education centers will gain access to approximately 140,000 different Korean titles, including around 9,000 audiobooks and materials targeted at children and youth. This marks a significant step in the global dissemination of Korean language education resources.
In addition to accessing e-books, the Office of Education has been previously active in supplying educational materials for online courses tailored to overseas students, contributing positively to the learning experience for Korean language learners. By integrating the e-Library resources, students will not only have access to comprehensive study materials but also benefit from enhanced interactivity and engagement in their learning processes.
This initiative aims to establish a robust educational environment for overseas Korean students and promote the global standing of Korean language and culture. An official spokesperson for the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education stated, “Through our support for the e-Library, we expect to create a favorable educational environment for Korean language and culture across borders.”
Meanwhile, educational initiatives are not limited to online resources alone. Recently, Daegu Cyber University entered into a business alliance with Hanoi International University, emphasizing the importance of academic exchange, particularly in Korean language education. This partnership aims to further broaden educational opportunities through remote learning platforms.
Under this agreement, Daegu Cyber University is set to collaborate with Hanoi International University on various fronts including the joint development of online Korean language courses, the exchange of educational content, and collaborative academic research. This partnership aims to harness both institutions' strengths, particularly Daegu Cyber University's experience in Korean language education and Hanoi International University’s established reputation in specialized programs such as health education.
“Through this agreement, we are looking to expand not just Korean language education but also into other interdisciplinary fields such as art therapy and counseling,” stated Eun-kyung Yoon, the head of the Korean Multicultural Studies Department at Daegu Cyber University. She emphasized that this cooperation would enrich the academic landscapes of both institutions.
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Bich, Vice President of Hanoi International University, expressed her enthusiasm about the new partnership. “I am delighted that our collaboration with Daegu Cyber University will enhance our student offerings with more professional Korean language education and a variety of academic opportunities,” she noted.
With this combination of expanding online resources and strategic academic partnerships, South Korea is making strides in promoting Korean language education on a global scale. The efforts not only highlight the importance of cultural interchange between Korea and various nations but also showcase innovative approaches to education that can bridge geographical divides.
As the world continues to embrace diverse language learning, initiatives like these pave the way forward, ensuring that more learners across the globe can access the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of Korea. The Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education and its partners are setting a precedent for similar programs that could emerge worldwide.
Through these concerted efforts, the future looks promising for students eager to learn Korean, bolstered by the availability of quality educational resources and collaborative learning environments.
