A new institute at UI devoted to Korean culture and language

The University of Iceland has established a new King Sejong Institute, intended to advance teaching and learning in Korean language and culture. There is a growing interest in this field in Iceland, according to UI instructors. Various events are planned at the Institute in the upcoming weeks and months.

The King Sejong Institute was formally opened at the University of Iceland this summer. Preparations had been underway since the new programme in Korean studies was launched at the Faculty of Languages and Cultures in the autumn of 2022. A delegation from the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF) in Seoul visited the University of Iceland this spring to help set up the new institute. The institute is operating on a trial basis at first, but it is hoped that the agreement with KSIF in Seoul will be extended. This will bring additional funding and the possibility of inviting guest lecturers from South Korea.

The new King Sejong Institute is a centre promoting study of Korean language and culture outside South Korea, at all levels of the education system and also for the public. Somyeong Im, who has been teaching Korean at the University of Iceland since last autumn, will be in charge of the UI King Sejong Institute. "By establishing an institute like this at the University of Iceland, we gain access to curricula, teaching methods and materials developed by leading Korean researchers in the field of Korean as a second language. Upon successfully completing courses offered by the University of Iceland, in collaboration with KSI, students will also receive a Korean government-issued certificate recognising their language proficiency," explains Somyeong.

Growing interest in Korean thanks to K-pop and K-drama 

UI now offers a 60 ECTS diploma programme in Korean studies which can be taken as a minor alongside other studies or as a separate diploma. "As with other subjects, in Korean studies we place significant emphasis on language learning, which is why we sought funding from KSIF to help us establish our own institute. Their primary goal is to promote and facilitate learning and teaching of the Korean language. Typically, students have developed an interest in Korean language and culture after exposure to various forms of Korean entertainment and media. KSIF is also enthusiastic about the idea of supporting students' interests in Korean culture through various cultural discussions and events," adds Somyeong. 

Somyeong says that she has noticed a growing interest in Korean culture and language here in Iceland. "Most of my students join the Korean studies programme after being introduced to various Korean cultural products such as K-Drama, K-Pop, and Korean cinema. The Korean entertainment industry has experienced substantial growth over the past years, and this phenomenon has certainly had an impact on Iceland as well. It was such a delightful surprise to meet Icelandic students who are already fluent in Korean, some even without ever having visited Korea!" she says.

Somyeong has previously taught Korean as a second language in her home country, but was quick to accept the opportunity to teach at UI. "I have been in Iceland for two and a half years now and it has been very pleasant overall. I feel very lucky to have discovered the meaningful work that I am currently engaged in," she says.

She has particular praise for her colleagues at the Faculty of Languages and Cultures. "I have the privilege of working alongside incredible colleagues from diverse backgrounds. This contributes to the vibrant and multicultural atmosphere that I truly appreciate in a university. I also appreciate the fact that there is much less hierarchy in teacher-student relationships and among colleagues here at UI, which is quite different from where I used to work in Korea," she says.

Icelanders and South Koreans share a pride in their native languages

When asked what Icelanders and South Koreans have in common, Somyeong names the sense of pride in their languages. "Icelanders take great pride in the Icelandic language, which is deeply intertwined with their identity. Similarly, Koreans hold a profound sense of pride in the Korean language, with a special emphasis on the Korean alphabet, Hangeul. Hangeul was created by King Sejong, who was presumably a talented linguist and phonetician, and whom the institute is named after. In fact, Koreans celebrate the Korean Alphabet Day as an important national holiday," she explains. King Sejong is among the most famous leaders in Korean history, the fourth ruler of the Joseon dynasty in the early 15th century.

The King Sejong Institute has various events planned, according to Somyeong.  As well as beginners’ Korean courses offered by the Korean Department in the Faculty of Languages and Cultures, there will be an open Korean language workshop for intermediate Korean speakers in November. "We also recently hosted a Korean Drama Night at the Reykjavík City Library, where Korean drama enthusiasts could gather to discuss Korean culture as depicted in the dramas. There are various other events coming up, which we will announce closer to the time," says Somyeong.