Conference opens to improve Korean teaching to foreigners

Dozens of Korean language teachers from around the world gathered in Seoul Tuesday to discuss ways to improve their teaching amid heightened interest in the Asian language.

The 14th conference of overseas Korean language educators brought together more than 80 teachers and professors from 28 nations and some 30 South Korean education officials for a weeklong workshop consisting of seminars, group discussions and field trips.

The education ministry and its affiliate, the National Institute for International Education, are hosting the program under the theme, "Century of culture: Opening the future of Korean language education."

"In the beginning we focused on education for strengthening the national identities of overseas Koreans, but as South Korea's global status rises along with the spread of hallyu, we've been turning the conference into a platform where educators of the Korean language can share their expertise and conduct exchanges," said Lim Young-dam, the chief director of the Educational Foundation for Koreans Abroad. The foundation is the organizer of the event.

"Hallyu," which refers to the growing popularity of Korean pop culture worldwide, has been credited with Korea's growing international image.

Tuesday's program included the official opening ceremony and a keynote speech by renowned South Korean poet Ko Un on the future of Korean literature and the Korean language.

On Wednesday, participants will give presentations and hold group discussions on themes such as teaching Korean through Korean literature, Korean language teaching in China and the United States, and policies for spreading the teaching of Korean to elementary schools overseas.

During their stay, participants will also go on field trips around Seoul and Gongju, 160 kilometers south of the capital, to experience Korean culture. (Yonhap)