The past twenty years have seen a boom in people learning Korean. Hallyu and K-pop have put South Korean pop culture on the map, particularly in the evolving global Generation Z culture. Other factors, many of which have received little attention, have contributed to the boom.

The first, and perhaps most important, is the expanding interaction with South Korea, which deepens contact with Koreans and inspires people to learn the language. Interaction with Koreans has expanded, both in South Korea and around the world, as investment and tourism have grown.

Vietnam is a good example. In 2024, Vietnam was South Korea’s third-largest trading partner, having bumped Japan out of the number three spot in 2022.

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