Korean Language Learning Market - By Learning Mode (Online, Offline, Hybrid), By Stage (Learning & Development, Study Notes, Exams & Evaluation), By End User, By Medium, By Age Group & Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Korean Language Learning Market Size

Korean Language Learning Market was valued at over USD 5.5 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 20% between 2024 & 2032. With the growing trend toward Korean language proficiency, educational institutions and language learning centers worldwide are offering more Korean language courses & programs. This includes traditional classroom-based instruction, online courses, language exchange programs, and immersion experiences, catering to learners of all ages & proficiency levels.
 

For instance, in April 2023, Visang Education unveiled interactive classroom system (ICS) an AI-powered interactive classroom system for elementary, middle, and high schools. Teachers and students can conduct interactive classes on a tablet with an electronic blackboard-based classroom environment using the ICS, which provides class setting tools, collaborative class activity tools, real-time diagnosis & evaluation tools, and AI data analysis tools to collect and analyze data for each student. It is compatible with the learning management system (LMS) and content management system (CMS) already implemented in institutions.
 

The Korean language learning sector refers to the industry that provides resources, services, and opportunities for individuals & groups who are interested in learning the Korean language. This market encompasses a wide range of stakeholders including language schools, online platforms, educational institutions, publishers, app developers, tutors, and cultural organizations, among others. The korean language learning industry reflects the growing demand for language skills driven by cultural interest, economic opportunities, globalization, and internationalization. It encompasses a diverse array of resources and services tailored to meet the needs & preferences of learners seeking to gain proficiency in the Korean language.
 

The global fascination with Korean culture including K-pop, dramas, and movies has undoubtedly played a significant role in sparking interest in the Korean language. While this cultural wave has introduced many to the language, an overemphasis on pop culture trends can also pose certain challenges and potentially restrain the Korean language learning industry growth. Learners drawn to the language primarily through pop culture may focus more on slang, idioms, and phrases specific to entertainment content, potentially neglecting the broader & more formal aspects of the language necessary for proficiency in diverse contexts. This narrow focus can limit their ability to communicate effectively in other settings such as formal or business environments. As a result, learners may find themselves ill-prepared for a broad range of real-life situations, diminishing the perceived utility and value of their language skills.
 

Korean Language Learning Market Trends

The global fascination with Korean culture, driven by K-pop, K-dramas, and cuisine (often referred to as Hallyu/Korean Wave), continues to fuel interest in learning the language. According to the Korea Foundation Report, the number of active Hallyu fans around the world reached 178 million in 2022. This cultural appeal has opened new market segments, attracting learners who are fans of Korean entertainment and culture. Language institutes are increasingly incorporating cultural experiences and exchange programs into their curricula. For instance, in September 2023, the Korean Language Institute, in Seoul conducted a language exchange program to improve the linguistic skills of 240 Korean Yonsei University students and foreign students at KLI. Under the program, students meet at least once a week to improve their language skills and engage in various activities such as watching movies, experiencing Korean culture, and sharing hobbies. These programs offer learners hands-on exposure to Korean traditions, cuisine, and arts, further enriching the learning experience.
 

The growing adoption of Korean language learning courses in schools globally is contributing to the korean language learning market growth. For instance, as of December 2021, 1,806 schools across 42 countries were offering Korean instruction as an elective for elementary or middle school students. Japan has by far the highest number of schools offering Korean language classes with over 550, followed by Thailand and the U.S. Meanwhile, Korean is now a required subject for university entrance exams in eight non-Korean countries including Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, France, Australia, and New Zealand. Starting in 2025, the national university entrance examination in Hong Kong will include Korean as one of the foreign languages. The results of the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) will be accepted for the second foreign language category in the city government.
 

Korean Language Learning Market Analysis

Based on learning mode, the market is segmented into online learning, offline learning, and hybrid learning. In 2023, the online learning segment dominated the market with a share of over 60%.
 

• The growing acceptance of e-learning solutions in corporate training programs and educational institutions is contributing to the rapid expansion of the online learning segment. The rise is also due to the flexibility and simplicity of access that online education provides, allowing for adaptation to the ever-changing dynamics of the educational field. The ability to customize learning experiences and the flexibility of remote access make interactive projector-based online learning a vital instrument for contemporary professional development & education, encouraging its broad adoption and integration.

Based on medium, the market is divided into books & textbooks, flashcards & memory aids, mobile apps, software, online resources, audio & video resources, and others. The mobile apps segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of over 25% from 2024 to 2032.
 

• Mobile apps provide learners with the flexibility to study Korean anytime, anywhere, using their smartphones or tablets. This accessibility eliminates the need for traditional classroom settings and allows learners to fit language learning into their busy schedules. Korean language learning apps offer interactive features, such as quizzes, games & exercises, that engage learners and make the learning process enjoyable. These interactive elements enhance motivation and encourage consistent practice. Korean language learning apps often include multimedia content, such as audio recordings, videos, and interactive lessons, that cater to different learning styles & preferences. This diverse range of content provides learners with exposure to authentic Korean language and culture, enhancing comprehension & fluency. For instance, in September 2023, the Duolingo App launched its new learning path for students with the concept of spaced repetition, which regularly reintroduces the repeated content for memory recall. The new version includes stepping stones, and each step has a different task & set of lessons to complete. Once complete, the learner can move on to the next level. The constant upgrading of the mobile app based on learner preferences is gaining traction in this segment.

Asia Pacific dominated the global Korean language learning market with a share of over 50% in 2023. The proliferation of online and mobile learning platforms has transformed Korean language learning in Asia Pacific, allowing students to participate in courses at their speed. This accessibility accommodates different schedules and learning methods, resulting in a more diverse and inclusive audience. For instance, in June 2020, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), an academic institution in India, launched online courses in Korean language and literature as part of its e-learning strategy. The online classes assist students from all over the country in learning Korean language and literature.
 

Korean Language Learning Market Share

Ewha Womans University Language Education Institute (LEI) offers comprehensive and immersive language programs. LEI offers a wide range of Korean language courses that cater to various proficiency levels, from beginners to advanced learners, emphasizing both linguistic skills and cultural understanding. These courses are designed to meet the needs of international students, expatriates, and professionals seeking to acquire or improve their Korean language proficiency for academic, personal, or professional reasons.
 

Duolingo, a global language learning platform, offers a user-friendly, gamified solution that appeals to a broad demographic, from young learners to adults. It offers a mobile app and website that provide interactive Korean lessons. The curriculum is designed to cater to beginners and intermediate learners, covering a wide range of topics from basic vocabulary and grammar to more complex sentences & dialogs. Duolingo's competitive scenario in the market is bolstered by its extensive product portfolio including language courses, podcasts, stories, and interactive exercises that enhance listening, reading & speaking skills. The company's freemium model, offering free access to courses with the option of a premium subscription for an ad-free experience and additional features, positions it as an accessible option for learners worldwide.
 

Players operating in the global Korean language learning industry focus on implementing different growth strategies to strengthen their offerings and expand their market reach. These strategies involve new product developments & launches, partnerships & collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, and customer retention. The market players also heavily invest in research & development to introduce innovative and technologically advanced solutions.
 

Korean Language Learning Market Companies

Some of the major players operating in the global Korean language learning industry are:

• Duolingo
• Ewha Womans University Language Education Institute
• Hanyang University
• Rosetta Stone LLC.
• SNU Language Education Institute (Seoul National University)
• Visang Education Inc
• Yonsei University Korean Language Institute
   

Korean Language Learning Industry News

• In December 2023, Duolingo collaborated with Airbnb to launch a program to transform the travel experiences in Japan and South Korea, targeting the language barrier that often impedes deeper cultural immersion. This collaboration seeks to equip travelers with essential language skills, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of local customs & traditions.
   
• In December 2023, Ewha Language Center conducted the 2023 NTU-EWHA Winter Korean Language Immersion Program in collaboration with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore. The program included a four-hour morning class for NTU students. In the afternoons, they participated in classes focused on various aspects of Korean culture including experiences such as wearing traditional Korean Hanbok, making Korean cuisine, trying K-pop dance, and visiting iconic places in Seoul as well as museums. These diverse cultural activities witnessed active participation and enthusiastic responses from the students.
   

The global Korean language learning market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) from 2018 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Learning Mode

• Online learning
  • Mobile apps
  • Web-based platform 
• Offline learning
  • Language schools and institute
  • Tutoring and coaching
• Hybrid learning

Market, By Stage

• Learning & development
  • Language learning
  • Immersive language learning 
• Study notes
• Exams & evaluation

Market, By End User

• Individual
• Educational institutes
  • Schools and universities
    • Public schools & universities
    • Private schools & universities
  • Language institutes 
• Corporate

Market, By Medium

• Books & textbooks
• Flashcards & memory aids
• Mobile apps
• Software
  • Learning Management Systems (LMS)
  • Content Management Systems (CMS) 
• Online resources
• Audio & video resources
• Others

Market, By Age Group

• Age 5 - 17
• Ages 18 - 24
• Ages 25 - 40
• Ages 41 & above

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Poland
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • ANZ
  • Singapore
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam
  • Mongolia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• MEA
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Bahrain
  • Qatar
  • Rest of MEA