The Education of Hungarian Literature in South Korea: Results and Tasks

Abstract

This study aims to arrange the processes and results of Hungarian literature studies in South Korea and to seek urgent problems and solutions. Up to the present, approximately 1000 students studied Hungarian language and literature at the Department of Hungarian Language established in the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. The graduates have jobs in a variety of areas, but some of them produce the good results of Hungarian literature education in South Korea. The results are roughly summarized into the two: One is the translation and publication of Hungarian literary works and the other is the study of Hungarian literature from the perspective of Koreans. The outcomes have greatly contributed to the human and cultural exchanges between South Korea and Hungary since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the both countries. They have played an important role, before anything else, in understanding Hungary and Hungarian people. It is true many Hungarian literary works have been translated and studied for 25 years since the Department of Hungarian Language was established, but the current status is considerably pessimistic in many respects. Even the question arises as to whether Hungarian studies will keep alive in the future as well. In conclusion, the urgent solution is to cultivate the next generation of the discipline by employing graduates as full-time professors.