At the Global Campus Conclave, organised by Diplomatist Magazine in association with GD Goenka The Flagship School, New Delhi, Ms. Hojeong Ko, Director, Korean Education Centre India, Embassy of the Republic of Korea, highlighted how cultural curiosity can become the starting point for deeper educational and people-to-people connections between India and Korea.
Ms. Ko observed that culture has a unique ability to connect people beyond language. “Music and dance is something we have. Without talking, without understanding the language, we have the same feeling, being connected.”
Drawing on her own experience of living in India for more than a year, she spoke warmly about the country’s diversity, people, food and culture.
For many Indian students, she noted, the first introduction to Korea today comes through K-pop, K-dramas and Korean popular culture. But, she suggested, that initial fascination can become the gateway to something deeper.
“Once you get into the culture, what comes next? I think you might get more curious in learning the language and feeling more connected to the people from that culture.”
This is where the Korean Education Centre seeks to play an important role, by creating opportunities for Indian students to learn Korean and develop a deeper understanding of Korean society and culture.
Ms. Ko also highlighted the Centre’s efforts to build a sustainable ecosystem for Korean-language education, including teacher-training initiatives. She shared that 19 future Korean-language teachers completed a six-month training programme this year, reflecting the growing interest in Korean language education in India.
She outlined a possible pathway for students: begin learning Korean at school, develop proficiency through the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK), pursue higher education in Korea and eventually build professional careers in either India or Korea.
Education, she emphasised, can ultimately become a bridge between the two countries.
Speaking about the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), Ms. Ko highlighted the potential of Indian students studying in Korea to become future connectors between the two societies. She shared that 91 Indian students had received the scholarship this year, representing diverse academic and professional aspirations.
“They are like future bridges connecting India and Korea.”
She also invited students to explore these opportunities at the upcoming Study in Korea – Education Fair in India (Delhi) 2026, scheduled for 18–19 September at the NDMC Convention Centre, New Delhi. Organised by Korea’s National Institute for International Education and hosted by the Korean Education Centre in India, the fair will bring together Korean universities and offer students information on higher education, scholarships, admissions and career opportunities in Korea. Entry is free.
Her message to the students was encapsulated in the Korean Education Centre’s simple motto:
“Learn, feel, connect.”
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