재외동포를 대상으로 하는 한국어 교육정책의 실제와 과제

Present State and Issues of Korean Language Education Policy for Overseas Koreans

Korea is a country with a high number of emigrants. One result is that overseas Koreans occupy a highly important place in Korean language education. Korean language education tailored to overseas Koreans therefore becomes a very effective option in implementing Korean government policy aimed at Korean populations beyond her borders, something that can be viewed as “relations with the motherland” and “promoting adjustment in foreign societies.” It is generally said that Korean language policy for overseas Koreans began in the 1960’s, but it was not until the mid-1970’s that concrete policies were developed. It was then not until the mid-1990’s that diverse policies were pursued in earnest. I begin this paper with a study of the historical development of Korean education policy regarding overseas Koreans. I then examine Korean education for overseas Koreans carried out in Korea by considering the legal aspects, structural aspects, and how it is performed by the related educational institutions. I examine also how policy is implemented overseas. Based on my findings, I conclude with proposals for improving policy on Korean language education for overseas Koreans.