Korean language learning is experiencing a global boom, driven by the popularity of K-pop and Korean dramas. The language-learning platform Duolingo launched a Korean course last year due to rising demand, attracting more than 200,000 pupils within a short period.
Universities are also witnessing significant growth. Professor Andre Schmid at the University of Toronto reported that a Korean language class which had 30 students a decade ago now has 150, with a long waiting list. He attributes this surge to the accessibility of K-pop on platforms like YouTube, which allows fans in remote areas to engage with Korean culture.
The South Korean government is capitalising on this interest by funding language institutes worldwide. Last year, it supported a new Institute for Korean Studies at George Washington University in the United States. Jenna Gibson of the Korea Economic Institute noted that initial interest in pop culture can lead to broader studies of Korea, including politics and history.
However, learning Korean poses challenges. Ji Hyun Park, a North Korean defector now living in Manchester, teaches English and highlights the language's complexities, such as varying forms of address and difficult pronunciation for English speakers. She also warns that K-pop lyrics mixing Korean and English can confuse learners.
Despite the difficulties, the spread of Korean language skills may foster greater understanding of North Korea. Ji Hyun expressed hope that future interactions between Koreans and foreigners could help reveal conditions inside the isolated country.
