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Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) and the Lao Embassy in the Republic of Korea have marked a decade of Lao language education at the university, highlighting progress in language teaching and plans to strengthen educational and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
(KPL) Lao Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Kaimany Orlaboun met with HUFS Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Keunhye Shin at the embassy in Seoul on October 14, 2026, to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the programme.
Kaimany congratulated the university on the milestone, saying Lao language education helps Korean students develop communication skills while deepening their understanding of Laos’ culture, traditions and society. She thanked the university’s faculty and officials for their contributions and expressed hope for stronger partnerships with Lao educational institutions.
Dr. Shin said cooperation between Lao and Korean scholars had been instrumental in developing curricula, compiling textbooks and expanding learning opportunities since Lao language courses were introduced in 2016. HUFS will continue promoting Lao language education and encouraging students to use their skills in research and to learn more about Laos.
Over the past decade, cumulative enrolment in Lao language courses at HUFS has reached 783 students. The university currently offers three courses per semester covering the Lao language and culture.
Since 2022, the programme has received support through a South Korean government initiative promoting strategically important foreign languages. This has helped establish a standardised curriculum and textbook series covering proficiency levels A1 to B2, as well as annual standardised examinations to assess students’ progress.
The programme has benefited from contributions by Lao educators, including Associate Professor Dr. Vilaiphone Somsamone of Souphanouvong University, who served as the first Lao language lecturer in 2016 and continues to support research and textbook development, and Bouasavan Thammachak of the National University of Laos. Dr. Sueun Kim currently oversees Lao language instruction at HUFS.
Beyond classroom teaching, the embassy and university have organised cultural and educational activities, including Korean language classes for Lao diplomatic staff and community members, online internships at the embassy, diplomatic lectures, traditional Lao dance performances and Lao language video contests.
The annual summer school programme at Souphanouvong University in Luang Prabang also gives Korean students opportunities to study Lao and exchange cultural experiences with Lao students.
To mark the anniversary, the Lao Embassy presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Dr. Sueun Kim in recognition of her contributions to teaching Lao language, society and culture.
The decade-long programme highlights the role of language education in strengthening mutual understanding, academic cooperation and people-to-people ties between Laos and the Republic of Korea.
KPL
