The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) opened India’s first-ever multi-purpose cultural and public information center — Korea Corner on Hangeul Day. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea together with JNU organised the opening ceremony of the Korea Corner in JNU’s School of Language, Literature and Cultural Studies. The ceremony witnessed the presence of Shin Bong-kil, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, Kim Kum-pyoung- Director of Korean Cultural Center India, Prof Jagadesh Kumar, VC, Vyjajanti Raghavan and Prof and chairperson Centre for Korean Studies, JNU among others.
The corner aims at enhancing local public awareness about Korea by providing easier access to a variety of materials on Korea at universities or libraries abroad.
Highlighting the importance of corner, Korean Ambassador Shin Bong-kil said: “The Korean Government has made utmost efforts to strengthen public diplomacy in India in tune with emerging Korea-India relations. JNU has been at the forefront of promoting Korean language and Korean Studies in India. JNU is the only university in India where Korean language is taught right from undergraduate to Ph. D level. Thanks to the collaborative efforts between the Korean Embassy and JNU, the first Korean Corner in India has been realised. Korea Corner will be like Little Korea in JNU campus and will serve as a popular destination to experience elements of both modern and traditional Korea.”
The corner is located at #129 at the School of Language, Literature and Cultural Studies, JNU. To establish this facility, JNU has provided the space and the Korean Embassy extended support in terms of interior designing, new equipment as well as a variety of resource materials on Korea. It will enable JNU students, faculty members and anyone interested in knowing and learning about Korea to have cultural and educational experiences by providing research materials, academic books, audio-video contents, etc., while demonstrating Korea’s cultural artifacts, photos, traditional costumes and musical instruments.
The corner will also be utilized as a venue for Korea-related events, including, academic seminars, research activities and exhibitions. The Korean Embassy in collaboration with Foundation will continue supporting the facility by providing updated materials on Korea.
The Hangeul Day celebration is a yearly event which has vibrant and colorful programmes. This year, the three-day celebration witnessed the participation of around more than 250 students learning Korean language from JNU, Korean Cultural Centre, Amity University and Delhi University.
Apart from the inauguration of the Korea Corner, the day also saw 2nd International Seminar on Korean Literature: Translation, Literature and India. On October 9, 2018 the colours of Korea were seen during the celebration of Cultural programme.
Today, October 10, 2018 JNU will be hosting essay competition, quiz, singing competition and food festival — all Korean theme.
