KOREA FOUNDATION

The Korean Language Class held its last lesson this past December. Launched in 2004 under KF sponsorship, the program’s free Korean language lessons were a hit among international residents, but internal administrative difficulties have unavoidably brought classes to a halt. The program’s staff and faculty, which included professionally active Korean language instructors, were all volunteers, forming a team that operated 12 courses of various levels three times a week for 11 years. The program’s eleven years contained many shining moments, both big and small, such as annual Hangeul Day celebrations, a 10th anniversary festival, and publications of official textbooks. The program eventually reached an annual student body comprising over 3,000 international residents, who were able to better understand and appreciate Korea’s language and culture. On the third week of December, the program held its final class, where students, faculty, and staff members thanked each other for the good times. Han Chunliang, a student in the class, expressed sentiments through a letter, saying, “I can’t believe the Korean Language Class is disappearing after 11 years. However, I hope I can still keep in touch with my teachers.”
The Korean Language Class’s journey may be over, but with the program’s significance in mind, the KFVN will continue a diverse range of programs, including Korean cultural experiences, global culture classes, and volunteer workshops.

KFVN Reporter
Kim Hyemi