Exploring the Current Status and Development Potential of Korean Language Education in the Platform Era

This study explores the current state and development potential of Korean language education in the platform era and proposes successful platform development strategies. (1) Background/Purpose: With the global spread of Korean popular culture (K-Pop, K-dramas, K-films) and the internationalization of the Korean economy, interest in learning Korean has increased worldwide. The advent of the platform era has eliminated barriers of time and space and opened new possibilities for Korean language education. This study aims to analyze the impact of platform technology on Korean language education, compare various platform types, assess user satisfaction, and propose a strategic roadmap for platform development. (2) Study Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employed literature review, platform case analysis (focusing on the King Sejong Institute Foundation’s five platforms), market analysis, and a questionnaire survey of 52 foreign Korean language learners from 11 Asian countries conducted via Google Forms in November–December 2024. (3) Findings: Platform technology significantly impacts Korean language education, with diverse platforms providing varied learning experiences. Analysis of Sejong-Hakdang platforms identified key problems: insufficient interconnectivity, content shortages and delayed updates, limited learner interaction, insufficient personalized learning features, and inadequate promotion. Survey results showed learners prefer free platforms, value diverse content and user-friendly interfaces, and have high demand for AI-based conversation, writing correction, and VR/AR learning features. (4) Originality/Value: Based on the findings, this study proposes six strategic directions for Korean language education platform development: (1) technological innovation and global collaboration using AI, big data, VR/AR, and metaverse technologies; (2) personalized learning experiences through AI-based adaptive systems; (3) enhanced learner interaction and community activation; (4) content diversification and quality improvement; (5) increased user convenience; and (6) continuous feedback and improvement cycles.