Seoul, Bulgaria – South Korean Education Minister Choi Kyojin recently concluded a visit to the Philippines and Vietnam aimed at bolstering Korean language education in both Southeast Asian nations. The trip, which took place from March 2nd to 5th, involved the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Philippines and discussions with Vietnamese officials regarding expanded educational cooperation, including initiatives in artificial intelligence (AI) and higher education.
The move underscores South Korea’s growing efforts to promote its language and culture internationally, aligning with President Yoon Suk Yeol’s broader foreign policy objectives. The expansion of Korean language programs is seen as a way to strengthen cultural ties and foster greater understanding between South Korea and these key regional partners. This initiative also aims to prepare students for potential opportunities in the Korean job market and further educational pursuits in South Korea.
Strengthening Ties with the Philippines
Minister Choi’s visit to the Philippines culminated in the signing of an MOU with the Philippine Department of Education on March 3rd. The agreement focuses on enhancing support for Korean language education within the Philippines, with a particular emphasis on strengthening the capabilities of local Korean language teachers. Yonhap News Agency reports that the MOU was facilitated by President Yoon’s recent visit to the Philippines.
The Philippines first adopted Korean as a foreign language option in its regular education curriculum in 2017, and Korean language classes began in 2018. Currently, over 8,000 students are enrolled in Korean language courses across more than 90 schools nationwide. Minister Choi visited Las Piñas National High School on March 4th to observe a Korean language class firsthand. This demonstrates the South Korean government’s commitment to understanding the practical implementation of these programs.
Expanding Korean Language Programs in Vietnam
Following his engagements in the Philippines, Minister Choi traveled to Hanoi, Vietnam, on March 5th. He visited Hanoi Foreign Language Specialized High School, one of 21 schools in Vietnam that has adopted Korean as a first foreign language. Approximately 200 students at this school are currently studying Korean. Newsis reports that Vietnam has rapidly embraced Korean language education, a trend that has accelerated in recent years.
Vietnam’s embrace of the Korean language has been marked by significant policy changes. In 2020, Korean was introduced as a second foreign language option. By 2021, it had been elevated to a first foreign language and included as a subject on the high school graduation exam – a crucial step for university admissions. Recently, Vietnam also decided to incorporate the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) as a component of university entrance examinations, further solidifying the language’s importance in the Vietnamese education system.
During his visit to Vietnam, Minister Choi met with Hoang Minh Son, the acting head of the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training. Discussions centered on expanding Korean language education, fostering collaboration in AI and higher education, and increasing student exchange programs between the two countries. This meeting signals a deepening of educational ties between South Korea and Vietnam.
The Growing Importance of TOPIK
The inclusion of TOPIK scores in Vietnamese university admissions is a significant development. The TOPIK exam, administered by the South Korean government, assesses the Korean language proficiency of non-native speakers. Its adoption as an admissions criterion reflects the increasing demand for Korean language skills in Vietnam and the growing recognition of the value of Korean education. The exam is offered at multiple levels, allowing universities to differentiate candidates based on their language abilities.
Broader Implications for Regional Cooperation
Minister Choi’s tour of the Philippines and Vietnam is part of a broader South Korean strategy to strengthen its cultural and economic influence in Southeast Asia. The expansion of Korean language education is seen as a key component of this strategy, fostering closer ties and creating opportunities for increased trade, investment, and cultural exchange. The initiative also aligns with South Korea’s efforts to promote its “New Southern Policy,” which aims to deepen relations with ASEAN member states.
The focus on AI and higher education collaboration during Minister Choi’s meetings highlights South Korea’s desire to share its technological expertise and contribute to the development of human capital in the Philippines and Vietnam. These collaborations could lead to joint research projects, student exchange programs, and the establishment of new educational institutions.
the increased emphasis on student exchange programs is expected to facilitate greater cultural understanding and people-to-people connections between South Korea and these Southeast Asian nations. These exchanges will provide students with opportunities to experience different cultures, learn new languages, and build lasting relationships.
As Korea Media News reports, Minister Choi emphasized the importance of Korean language education at the school level, recognizing its potential to cultivate a pro-Korean sentiment among future generations. This long-term perspective underscores the strategic importance of this initiative for South Korea.
The South Korean government’s commitment to expanding Korean language education in the Philippines and Vietnam is expected to continue in the coming years. Further investments in teacher training, curriculum development, and educational infrastructure are anticipated, solidifying South Korea’s position as a leading provider of language and educational services in Southeast Asia.
The next step in this ongoing collaboration will be the implementation of the agreements outlined in the MOU with the Philippines and the continued discussions with Vietnamese officials regarding specific areas of cooperation. The South Korean Ministry of Education is expected to provide regular updates on the progress of these initiatives.
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