튀르키예의 한국학 현황과 과제-이스탄불대학을 중심으

Abstract

With the rapid expansion of the Korean Wave, interest in Korea is on the rise across various age groups in Türkiye. This phenomenon has resonated significantly with the Turkish population, who already held a basic sense of friendship towards Korea. Additionally, the collaboration between the two nations has strengthened due to large-scale national construction projects undertaken by Korean companies, elevating Korea’s national status. Despite the increasing demand for Korean studies, the research and understanding of trends in this field have not kept pace with the rapidly changing environment. This study is aims to address gap by examining the current status of Korean language and literature departments at three Türkiye universities, specifically exploring the Korean studies department at Istanbul University with the objective of identifying the direction of the development for Korean studies within Türkiye. To reinforce Korean studies as a self-sustaining academic field in Türkiye, our recommendations are proposed in this paper. 1. Curriculum Expansion: The three universities (Ankara University, Erciyes University, Istanbul University) currently operate individual curricula based on departmental conditions. However, sustained efforts are needed to expand the Korean studies program within these curricula and thus, establishing a platform for close cooperation and regular discussions among curriculum operators is essential. 2. Support for Academic Growth: Securing proficient professors for Korean studies is challenging. To address this, systematic and sustained support from the Korean government and research institutes is necessary to translate the current growth momentum into substantive development. 3. Local Collaboration for Talent Cultivation: Given the importance of Korean studies in local public diplomacy and talent cultivation for Korean companies, close collaboration between government-related organizations, corporations, and Korean studies is vital for future growth. 4. Addressing Expertise Gaps Overseas: The issue of the lack of expertise among Korean studies professors overseas needs continuous attention, and corresponding solutions should be pursued. While there are programs such as conferences and seminars, they are significantly insufficient in terms of time and content from an educational perspective. To address this challenge, a potential solution involves implementing focused and systematic programs, such as 'Korean Studies Re-education,' during the summer vacation period, tailored specifically for Korean studies professors teaching at foreign universities. Türkiye has immense potential to emerge as a central hub for Korean studies in the Eurasian region. This can be realized through continuous reflection and the shared vision of both Korean and local scholars, paving the way for ongoing growth and cooperation in the field of Korean studies within Türkiye.