Extending beyond the world of K-Drama and K-Beauty, Indian youth interest towards Korean culture is expanding to also include learning the Korean language and Taekwondo, a great tradition of Korean martial arts.

In the domain of martial arts, the demand for learning Taekwondo has experienced a remarkable surge. Drawing a comparison with the previous year, the statistics paint a compelling picture: in 2023, a total of 1,530 students were enrolled in Taekwondo classes across 31 schools. This figure has more than doubled in the current year, with an impressive 3,536 students now enrolled across 47 local schools in Delhi alone.

This surge in interest has been facilitated through strategic partnerships between the KCCI and local associations such as the Delhi Taekwondo Association, underscoring the collaborative efforts to meet the growing demand for Taekwondo instruction, said an official from the KCCI.

Likewise, the appeal of learning the Korean language has experienced a meteoric rise. The numbers speak volumes: from 1,535 students enrolled in Korean language classes across 20 schools last year, the figure has surged to 2,572 students across 32 schools this year. This exponential increase underscores the growing fascination with Korean culture and the eagerness of Indian youth to delve deeper into its linguistic nuances.

Hwang Il Yong, Director of KCCI said, "Korean is one of the fastest-growing foreign languages in India, and the demand to study the language has constantly been on the rise. Both Taekwondo and Korean language classes in Indian schools will further expand opportunities for students to experience Korean culture and will become a starting point for achieving their dreams."

In line with this trend, the KCCI has taken measures to support and nurture this growing interest. For instance, the Centre has spearheaded initiatives to distribute 2,000 newly designed Korean language textbooks, meticulously crafted in collaboration with the National Institute of Korean Language.

These textbooks, adorned with illustrations featuring quintessential Indian elements such as 'Naan', 'Samosa', and 'Mojari', serve as a testament to the harmonious fusion of cultures and the inclusive nature of language learning.

In fact, learning language demand surprised everyone when the 93rd Korean Language Proficiency Test was organised. KCCI simultaneously organized the test in threefor pg 2 regions in India - Delhi, Chennai and Imphal, Manipur and the centre had to announce that the Korean Language Proficiency Test will be conducted one more time this year in October.