The number of schools offering Korean language classes overseas has surged by 54% in the past four years, indicating the growing global interest in Korean culture. South Korean lawmaker Rep. Kim Moon-soo revealed that by the end of last year, there were 2,777 elementary, middle, and high schools abroad providing Korean-language education, marking a 9.9% increase from 2024.
The upward trend in school numbers has been consistent, with figures climbing annually from 1,806 in 2021 to 2,526 in 2024. Over the same period, the count of students enrolled in Korean classes at these schools jumped by 38% to reach 236,089 learners. The surge has been attributed to the rising influence of Korean culture, a heightened desire to study in South Korea, and the government’s financial backing for Korean language programs.
The expansion of Korean language education is evident globally, with schools in 47 countries offering Korean classes in 2024, up from 42 in 2021. Notably, Uzbekistan saw the addition of 68 schools, followed by significant increases in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and the Philippines. In a related development, Oxford University is set to establish a center for Korean studies to enhance research on Korean culture, language, and history, following approvals from university faculty members.
