Korean

Watch now: To find out more about this curriculum area, watch ‘Understanding the Victorian Curriculum F–10 Version 2.0, Korean’ on the Resources page.

Rationale and Aims

Rationale

Communication is a human imperative. Communication in Korean involves interaction to convey meaning, as well as imagination, creativity and a broad understanding of ourselves and others. Language learning provides the opportunity for students to engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and its peoples, and to reflect on their experience in various aspects of social life, including their own participation and ways of being in the world. 

Learning Korean broadens students’ horizons in relation to the personal, social, cultural and employment opportunities that an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world can offer. The interdependence of countries and communities means people in all spheres of life are required to negotiate experiences and meanings across languages and cultures. A capability solely in English, despite its status as a world language, can limit global opportunities. A bilingual or plurilingual capability is the norm in many parts of the world. 

Learning Korean develops learners’: 

• communication skills 
• literacy skills in their first and additional languages 
• intercultural capabilities 
• understanding of, and respect for, diversity and difference, and openness to different experiences and perspectives 
• understanding and appreciation of how culture shapes worldviews, and extends their understanding of themselves, and their own heritage, values, culture and identity 
• critical and creative thinking. 

Korean is the official language of South Korea (Republic of Korea) and North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) and is spoken in communities worldwide. South Korea is one of the most technologically advanced societies and economies in the Asian region. It is developing global reach with its innovation of high-tech products and vehicles, and popular culture. South Korea and Australia have established relationships through cultural and educational exchanges, and economic, political and trade partnerships. 

Korean migration has made a significant contribution in shaping multicultural Australia. There have been an increasing number of Korean-speaking communities established throughout Australia since the late 1960s. Korean language has been taught in Victorian schools and universities since the early 1990s. The influences of and interest in Korean cuisine, as well as popular culture, such as K-pop, cosmetics, films and television shows, are increasingly evident in Australian society.  

Learning Korean enhances students’ understanding of different alphabets and writing systems, and their own language(s), and develops an appreciation of the language and cultures of Korean-speaking communities. It also enriches travel experiences, increases employment opportunities, and promotes understanding of diverse attitudes, beliefs and values.  

Learning Korean provides opportunities for students to engage socially, culturally and economically in many domains, such as business, trade, science, law, education, tourism, diplomacy, international relations, health and communications.  

Aims 

The 4 interrelated aims of the Korean language curriculum are to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to ensure students: 

• communicate in Korean 
• understand the relationship between language and culture 
• develop intercultural capabilities 
• understand themselves as communicators.