How learning Korean benefits Indian students

The Hindu

22-06-2025

Today, the ability to communicate across cultures is not just a valuable skill, but also a passport to opportunity. This is why learning Korean offers students a powerful advantage both academically and professionally. Here's why Korean is quickly becoming a smart language choice for students around the world.
Gateway to global businesses: South Korea is a global hub for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship with companies such as Samsung, LG, and Hyundai are shaping the future. By learning Korean, students position themselves for potential internships, job opportunities, and international collaborations with these companies. Proficiency in the language isn't just impressive on a resume. It is often the key to building meaningful relationships in Korean business culture.
World-class education: South Korea boasts some of Asia's top universities, known for cutting-edge research and academic excellence. Through scholarships such as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), Indian students have an opportunity to study at institutions like Seoul National University, KAIST, or Yonsei. Learning Korean enhances a student's ability to immerse themselves in this academic environment, both inside and outside the classroom.
Cultural depth: From the global K-pop phenomenon to award-winning Korean cinema and innovative fashion, Korean culture is shaping the global entertainment scene. Students who learn the language gain deeper insights into Korea's rich history, literature, and values. As language is not just vocabulary; it's a lens into how people think, live, and connect.
Cognitive growth: Korean challenges the brain in ways that few other languages do. With its unique alphabet (Hangul) and grammar structure, students develop new cognitive patterns, enhancing memory, focus, and problem-solving abilities. Learning Korean can also improve academic performance in other subjects by strengthening overall study habits and mental agility.
In the job market: Whether one aspires to work in diplomacy, international relations, business, education, or the media, Korean language skills are in increasingly high demand. With South Korea being one of the world's top economies and a major player in global affairs, speaking Korean can be the edge that sets a student apart from the crowd.
Building connections: One of the most fulfilling aspects of learning the Korean language is forming authentic relationships. By learning Korean, students can connect with Korean-speaking peers, participate in exchanges, and build friendships that often lead to transformative experiences and a deeper appreciation for global diversity.
Students should consider learning Korean not just as a language, but as a life-changing tool. It opens doors to global experiences, academic excellence, and personal growth.
The writer is Assistant Professor, Korean Department of English and Foreign Languages at SRM University