In a bid to support the growing global interest in Korean language and culture, the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education announced on Monday that it will offer Korean e-books to 26 Korean education centers abroad. These centers are located in countries like Japan, the United States, and several European nations.
This initiative marks the first time a regional education office in South Korea has launched an e-book support program for Korean language learners outside the country. The move responds to the increasing demand for Korean language education, driven by the worldwide popularity of Korean cultural content, such as K-pop and Korean dramas.
Previously, the Seoul Office of Education helped overseas Korean education centers by sending physical Korean-language books. However, this method had limitations due to logistical challenges and budget constraints.
The new e-book program aims to improve the Korean learning experience for both overseas Koreans and international students. It also strengthens the global reach of the Korean language and culture. According to a Seoul education official, the goal is to provide better learning resources for students worldwide and create more opportunities for cultural exchange.
The program connects Korean education centers to the Seoul Digital Library’s subscription-based platform, giving students access to about 140,000 Korean e-books and audiobooks. This large collection includes around 9,000 titles specially designed for children and teenagers. By offering digital access, the program makes learning materials more easily available to students, regardless of their location.
This expansion of digital resources is expected to further promote the study of the Korean language, encouraging more people around the world to engage with Korea’s rich culture and educational offerings.
