Korean Studies Education in Thailand

Abstract

This research aimed to study the current status of Korean Studies education in Thailand. The strengths and weaknesses of Korean Studies education were examined. In this study also showed the obstacles and problems for development of Korean studies education in Thai and showed some suggestions for future development. Korean language education in Thailand began in earnest from the mid-1980s. Currently, many universities teach Korean, and 11 universities of them offered as major. Since 2008, Korean has been designated as the second foreign language of high school, and students are learning Korean in middle and high school level. There are three strengths of Korean studies education in Thailand. First, Thailand is the center of ASEAN, with low cost of living and labor and convenient transportation, and many Korean investors come and invest. This means an expansion of the job market. Second, the Thai government recognizes and acts on the importance of Korean language education. Third, institutions that promote Korean Studies education in Thailand are increasing. There are Korean Studies Center, Korean Education Center, Korean Cultural Center, and King Sejong Institute in each region of Thailand. There is also a weakness in Korean Studies education in Thailand. Lack of Korean language instructors, lack of proper and adequate textbooks for Thai learners, problems with the management of Korean studies centers, and lack of budget to promote Korean studies. These weaknesses are considered to be a major obstacle to the development of Korean studies in Thailand. Some suggestions for the development of Korean Studies education in Thailand. Academic exchanges should be more active in exchanges between Korea and Thailand. The number and skills of Thai Korean language instructors should be improved. The program for training and improving Korean language proficiency should be increased. Korean studies researchers and Korean language instructors are urgent to produce and develop textbooks and learning materials suitable for Thai learners and to promote the development of Korean studies in Thailand, it is urgent to establish a network of Korean instructors throughout the country for further cooperation.