Learning Korean holds significant relevance in the context of international business, considering that the language is spoken by more than 80 million native speakers worldwide. South Korea, boasting one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, was the 6th largest exporter globally in 2010. This economic prowess positions Korean as a valuable asset for individuals seeking business opportunities, with Korean companies like Samsung and Hyundai-Kia making substantial investments in economies like the UK.
In addition to its economic importance, mastering Korean enables individuals to tap into the expansive world of Korean pop culture, including K-pop music and K-dramas, which have gained immense global popularity. This cultural phenomenon adds a unique dimension to the appeal of learning Korean, transcending mere linguistic skills.
From a personal growth perspective, tackling the challenge of learning Korean not only enhances cognitive abilities but also positions individuals to thrive in a globally competitive landscape. Whether driven by cultural curiosity, travel aspirations, or professional ambitions, the multifaceted benefits of acquiring the Korean language make it a rewarding and practical endeavour for those looking to broaden their horizons.
At Durham, we offer Korean as an evening extra-curricular course, open to Durham University students, staff and members of the public. We teach Korean from Beginners to Intermediate, and seek to develop both students’ linguistic potential and their cultural understanding of South Korea. To see the levels currently on offer, please visit our course listings.
For further information on our credit-bearing modules, click here.