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네이버 공유 카카오 공유 트위터 공유 페이스북 공유

Building a Network of Korean Specialists in Countries Abroad

The Korean Language and Culture Program for Diplomats provides selected foreigners with a firsthand opportunity to learn about Korea’s language and culture. When the program participants return home, they are well-suited to serve as domestic specialists in Korean affairs, thanks to their program training and personal experiences in Korea.



The Korean Language and Culture Program for Diplomats, now in its sixth year of operation, is jointly organized and implemented by the Korea Foundation and the Language Education Institute of Seoul National University. Program participants include the midlevel diplomatic staff and government officials involved with international affairs from developing countries, where access to such specialized training is not readily available. Upon the completion of this program, these individuals return home as part of a growing network of Korean specialists in countries all around the world.

Practical Education
Along with an emphasis on having the participants acquire Korean language proficiency for everyday communication, the 12-month program seeks to provide practical education to foreign diplomats and government officials so that they can gain an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of Korea and its people, which will enable the participants to serve as Korea-related specialists in their home country.
In particular, program participants attend intensive Korean language courses and informational lectures on Korea, along with enjoying hands-on experiences about Korea and its culture, and taking in a variety of events and activities, in an effort to acquire a well-rounded understanding and familiarity with Korea’s language, culture, and modern-day society. After the completion of this program, these pro-Korean advocates are well positioned to play a bridge role by facilitating active cooperation and exchange between their country and Korea.
In the past, only a handful of diplomats from China and Southeast Asian countries were able to receive Korean language education each year, as part of the Korea Foundation Fellowship for Korean Language Training. Therefore, in 2005, the Foundation launched the Korean Language and Culture Program for Diplomats as an independent initiative for the diplomatic staff of countries from still-developing regions, such as Africa, the Middle East, and the CIS. After an initial year, which included the attendance of 13 participants from seven countries, the program has been steadily expanded to 26 participants from 16 countries in 2009, along with 19 participants from 17 countries for this year.

After Participants Return Home
The following comments of program participants reflect their enthusiasm for promoting cooperation and exchange with Korea, along with confirming the program’s effectiveness for nurturing a global network of Korea-minded individuals.


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