한국어 교육의 현황과 세종학당 운영 방향

Abstract

External conditions for the promotion of Korean language education include enhanced national competitiveness and cultural advancement. This is why we need an open spirit of embracing other culture in a creative manner and we also need education on 'intercultural communication' to end cultural superiority or inferiority and enhance international understanding. Internal conditions of advancing Korean language education include coordination among Korean language policy-making institutions through institutional associations. Issues on the educational contents will be addressed by standardized and diversified curriculum, Korean grammar for the educational purpose, unified grammatical terms, link between language and cultural education, and improved teaching and learning methods. Sejong-hakdang will abandon the unilateral attitude of forcing others to follow the culture of a nation. Instead, it will take an approach of interactive cultural exchange based on the principle of reciprocity. Sejong-hakdang to be established in Asia should aim to enhance the cultural ties among Asian countries, create more jobs for local people as it promotes the education of Korean language and cultural exchanges, and spread Korean language and culture to all and not limited to the intellectuals. In the meantime, teachers of Korean language should make commitment to their responsibilities. In particular, they must have pride and self- confidence as the representatives of Korea. The 21st century or the Asia-Pacific era will present Korean language a good opportunity to serve as the influential language. When teachers and researchers of Korean language work together to find the challenges ahead, focus on the research and development of educational material, and build the academic system, I have no doubt Korean language education will definitely become an academic area that enjoys focused attention in this century.