Number of schools overseas teaching Korean up 54 percent over 4 years

▲ This undated file photo shows a Korean language class at a school in Paraguay. (Yonhap)

Korean classes-overseas schools

Number of schools overseas teaching Korean up 54 percent over 4 years

SEOUL, May 10 (Yonhap) -- The number of schools overseas teaching the Korean language increased by 54 percent over the last four years, partly reflecting the growing popularity of Korean culture, a lawmaker said Sunday, citing education ministry data.

As of the end of last year, there were 2,777 elementary, middle and high schools overseas offering Korean-language classes, up 9.9 percent from 2024, according to Rep. Kim Moon-soo of the ruling Democratic Party.

The number grew every year from 1,806 in 2021 to 1,928 in 2022, 2,154 in 2023 and 2,526 in 2024, he said. During the four-year period, the number of students taking Korean classes at these schools rose 38 percent to 236,089.

The education ministry attributed the increase to the influence of Korean culture, growing demand to study in South Korea, and the government's financial support for Korean classes, textbooks and teaching staff.

Schools in 47 countries offered Korean-language classes last year, up from 42 in 2021. From 2024 to 2025, 68 schools were added in Uzbekistan alone, followed by 43 in Sri Lanka, 37 in Vietnam and 26 in the Philippines.

(END)

(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved