Manipur University celebrates 5th Hangeul Day
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 09 2024: Department of Foreign Languages (Korean) on Tuesday organised the 5th Hangeul Day at the Court Hall of the varsity to commemorate introduction of the Korean language as an MU curriculum.

Speaking at the two-day event, Manipur University vice chancellor Professor Naorem Lokendro noted that the Korean script has been gaining popularity as well as in introducing and identifying unique culture of Korea across the world.

Highlighting the importance of promoting and developing language, he said language is the medium to express and convey tales, customs, traditions, and values, besides better understanding our ancestors.

The vice chancellor also informed that in addition to the department of Korean language, relevant steps would be processed to introduce a PhD programme on Korean language at Manipur University, Professor Lokendro also commended the support provided by the Korean government in incorporating multiple Korean language courses in the university.

In his address, Manipur University Department of Foreign Languages programme director Prof Hyunkyung Lee said that the Hangeul alphabet was introduced in 1446, and to commemorate the same October 9 is celebrated as "Hangeul Day," a national holiday in Korea.

In Manipur, the observance of Hangeul Day began in 2018, though the Korean language was first introduced at Manipur University in 2012 as a one-year certificate course.

The department now offers a two-year Postgraduate Diploma, BA honours course in Korean Language; a five-year Integrated Course, and a three-year MA in Korean Language.

Manipur University is the third in India to offer a Master's programme in Korean.

This year, the Korean government has awarded full scholarship to a student pursuing MA in Korean language, he said and expressed hope that the Korean Language programme would be one of the best departments in India.

The event was also attended by Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), India Office director Woochan Chan, AR commandant Colonel Sandeep Mishra, Department of Foreign Languages (Korea) head professor S Imoba, also the Dean of School of Humanities, as the presidium members.

HE Sang Woo Lim, who is deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Republic of Korea in India, participated online.

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