Why are Korean courses booming in France?
Korean courses booming in France
"Gangnam Style", the planetary hit of Korean artist "Psy", is it exploding the teaching of Korean in France?
This is supported by an article in Le Figaro which tells us that the number of students enrolled in language courses offered by the Korean cultural center in Paris has more than doubled in less than 4 years. The same goes for the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO) located in Paris: registrations rose from 120 in 2009 to more than 300 this year. This phenomenon is also observed in other universities and schools all over France.
Strong growth in France
This progression is remarkable for a so-called “rare” language. Candidates for learning Korean all evoke a certain fascination with the country's popular culture, the famous "K-pop" and other "dramas" coming straight from the land of the calm morning. These cultural productions are part of an offensive cultural policy launched in the early 2000s which aims to increase South Korea's appeal in the world. Initially launched in Asia (and more particularly in China), this “cultural wave” is now reaching the West and already seems to be bearing fruit.
A definite economic appeal
Young French people who take Korean courses are also sensitive to the economic appeal of South Korea. Its leading companies, present internationally, such as Samsung, LG, Hyundai and Daewoo, are in fact showing enviable economic health in these times of crisis. These future prospects, coupled with an exotic and attractive culture, go a long way towards explaining the craze for Korean.
Cultural differences to tame
However, future expatriate candidates also have to contend with unexpected facets of Korean culture. Interviewed by Le Figaro, a young French woman who spent six months in South Korea said: “The reality of Korean culture is very different from the export product that is K-pop. They are two different worlds. She also adds that the influx of tourists and foreign workers has "generated a lot of xenophobia among Koreans who are not used to it."
Despite these difficulties, it is undeniable that these future graduates who are able to express themselves effectively in Korean will have an undeniable advantage when they enter the job market, anywhere in the world.
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