국내 직업 목적 한국어 교육의 현황과 과제

The Current State and Issues of Korea’s Occupational Korean Language Education

This paper endeavors to understand and examine the current state of occupational Korean language education. Following a review of the purpose and research method of the study, the distinctive characteristics of occupation-oriented Korean language education are surveyed. The greatest distinguishing characteristic was found to lie within the constitution of the subject groups, and low-skilled laborers the largest group comprised sixty percent of all foreign workers, mostly in the manufacturing, construction, and service sectors. Other groups may be broadly categorized as falling into the professional (education), commerce/management, and research sectors. The current state of education is studied to reveal that, although low-skilled foreign laborers were receiving Korean language education from community centers and government affiliated organizations, the curricula and subject matter were not adequately designed for their specific objectives. Education intended for clerical work, management, and administration within a corporate office is realized mostly via consignment education. Although the requirements of business organizations dictate that a variety of curricula are provided, traditional Korean language textbooks are still utilized as the principal course materials. The issue calls for a change in policies to systemically guarantee Korean language education to low-skilled workers. Furthermore, the currently existing curricula should be reviewed and revised to develop more befitting learning materials and curricula. The most urgent issue concerning occupational education for the clerical, management, and administration groups is the need to develop general business Korean course materials and curricula that has broad practical utility for various positions.