January 2025
Interest in Hangeul and the Korean language, the foundations of Korean culture, continues to grow worldwide. There are now many ways to learn Hangeul, ranging from structured courses to enjoyable, casual methods.
한국 문화의 원천인 한글과 한국어에 관심을 가지는 사람들이 늘어나고 있다. 그런 한글을 좀 더 체계적으로, 혹은 재밌고 가볍게 배울 수 있는 것들을 곳곳에서 찾아볼 수 있다.
Writer. Sung Ji Yeon
If you’re interested in Hangeul and the Korean language, consider the King Sejong Institute (KSI), which has 256 locations across 88 countries. The KSI is a government-accredited brand for promoting Korean language and culture abroad. It attracts diverse range of learners, from those who are simply curious about Korean culture to those planning to study or work in Korea.
To ensure that students can achieve a consistent level of proficiency anywhere in the world, the KSI maintains standardized curricula and textbooks. It also offers specialized courses tailored to diverse student needs, including translation/interpretation and business Korean. To guarantee high-quality education, the Institute sends qualified Korean language instructors with teaching certifications to its locations worldwide. It also provides ongoing professional development through programs like the World Korean Language Educators Conference.
ⓒ King Sejong Institute.
ⓒ King Sejong Institute.
Beyond language, the KSI emphasizes cultural exchange through its “Sejong Culture Academy,” where experts teach Hanbok, K-beauty and Hangeul calligraphy, offering hands-on and theoretical experiences. Outstanding students at each KSI location are given opportunities to visit Korea and experience its culture firsthand.
The institute also strengthens international ties. In 2024, new branches opened in Nepal and Cuba, addressing local needs like language training for workers heading to Korea and fostering cultural diplomacy in countries newly connected to Korea. By bridging cultures and supporting personal growth, the KSI continues to be an influential global ambassador for Korean language and culture.
Making learning fun is always more effective?and that’s exactly what YAHO, an innovative Korean language workbook, aims to do by combining Hangeul study with K-pop culture.
YAHO stands out from traditional workbooks by teaching Hangeul, Korean and K-culture through K-pop artists in an interactive, game-like format. Famous K-pop artists share their favorite song lyrics and Seoul hotspots written in Hangeul. They introduce Korean convenience store snacks and movies they love, guiding learners to practice writing these words in Hangeul. For example, if an artist mentions the movie “Parasite,” you’ll learn to write its Korean title.
The creators of YAHO built on Hangeul’s original purpose?being easy to write and learn?to make it accessible to complete beginners. Rather than resembling a formal textbook, YAHO helps learners connect with Hangeul through their interest in Korean pop culture. It’s perfect for K-pop fans curious about Korean writing or for anyone looking for a fun entry point into learning Hangeul.
ⓒ Space oddity.
One of Hangeul’s strengths is its ability to write foreign words phonetically, making it possible for anyone to write their name in Korean. Whether you’re planning a trip to Korea or just want a Korean name with special meaning, creating your own Hangeul name can be a fun experience.
To make this process easier, there’s a web service called “Ilheum” (meaning “name” in classical Korean) that helps create Korean names in just three minutes. The service offers two options: you can either get a standard Korean name or choose one using purely Korean words without Chinese or foreign elements.
The process is straightforward: answer 10 questions about your interests and personality, and Ilheum suggests three Korean names. Each suggestion comes with pronunciation guides and explanations of the names’ meanings, letting you choose the one that resonates most with you.
Taking a few minutes to discover your Korean name might seem simple, but it’s a meaningful way to create a personal connection with the Korean language and culture. Your new Hangeul name becomes a unique bridge to Korean culture, making your journey of learning the language more personal and engaging.
ⓒ VANK, IMPACTUS.
