Sookmyung Global Language Institute Invites U.S.-based Korean Language Promotion Foundation to Campus
- Views 78
- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2025-07-03
On Wednesday, July 2, the Sookmyung Global Language Institute hosted the Foundation for Korean Language and Culture in the U.S. (FKLAC), a leading organization in Korean language education in the United States, for a special event introducing Korean history and traditional culture. This exchange is expected to strengthen the foundation for collaboration with U.S. educational institutions and contribute to attracting more international students to Sookmyung.
Founded in 1994, the FKLAC is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization that supports the establishment of Korean language courses in elementary, middle, and high schools. The foundation is also working toward the inclusion of Korean language as an AP (Advanced Placement) subject and leads various workshops and training programs for Korean language teachers, playing a key role in expanding the infrastructure for Korean language education and promoting Korean culture in the US.
The visiting delegation included FKLAC board members William Kehl, Jason Jung, and Deborah Lee, as well as seven current U.S. school principals and vice principals.
President Moon Si-yeun, Dean of External Relations & Communication Lee Hyung-jin, Director of the Sookmyung Global Language Institute Kim Kyung-ryung, and Distinguished Professor Kim Joongsub of the College of Global Convergence welcomed the delegation. President Moon introduced the university’s history and identity as the first private women’s university established by the Imperial Korean royal family, ahead of its 120th founding anniversary next year.
Following the welcoming remarks, Professor Kang Hye-kyung from the Dept. of History & Culture delivered a lecture titled “Korean History and Culture.” She provided an overview of Korea’s historical development, from ancient Gojoseon through the Three Kingdoms period, Goryeo, Joseon, and into modern history. She also offered an engaging explanation of Korea’s unique “ppalli-ppalli” (hurry-hurry) culture, exploring how it emerged and became a defining aspect of Korean identity.
Kim Gyeseok, Director of the Korea Etiquette Institute, introduced Korean tea culture. She compared the tea cultures of the three East Asian countries—Korea, China, and Japan—and presented Korea’s traditional teacup known as “Bodeumi.” The visiting delegation showed great interest while participating in a hands-on experience of Dong-da-cha-sallim-beop, a Korean tea-sharing ritual.
As Sookmyung Women’s University approaches its 120th anniversary, it is actively pursuing internationalization strategies to position itself as a global hub for the Korean Wave (Hallyu). Building on this visit, Sookmyung Global Language Institute plans to further strengthen efforts to attract more international students from diverse countries.
Prof. Kim Kyung-ryung, Director of the Sookmyung Global Language Institute, stated, “It was deeply meaningful to introduce Korean history and culture to the Foundation for Korean Language and Culture in the U.S. and to American education administrators who play a vital role in promoting Korean language in the US.” She added, “We will remain dedicated to cultivating global women leaders who will drive future innovation.”
