Dongguk University Hallyu Academy(DUHA) Expands Overseas Exchange Efforts in Cambodia and Vietnam

동국대 한류융합학술원(DUHA), 동남아권 ODA 사업에 박차. 프놈펜과 하노이 방문해 한류 확산과 교육 연구 협력 논의‘캄보디 아교육방송’, ‘하노이국립외대 한국어과’와 각각 MOU

Dongguk University Hallyu Academy (DUHA) accelerates ODA projects in Southeast Asia. Visited Phnom Penh and Hanoi to discuss the spread of the Korean Wave and educational research cooperation with the Cambodian Educational Broadcasting Service and the Korean Language Department of the Hanoi National University of Foreign Studies.

DUHA has announced a significant expansion of its overseas exchange programs following a recent visit to Cambodia and Vietnam.

Led by Academy Director Gil-hwa Jung, Distinguished Professor of AI Convergence Samseog Ko and researcher Choi Won-jae, the delegation traveled to Phnom Penh and Hanoi at the end of last month.

The team engaged with government agencies, private-sector organizations, and universities to discuss the proliferation of Hallyu (Korean Wave) and to explore mutual support for various educational programs.

Strengthening Ties in Cambodia

On the first day of their visit, the delegation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Cambodia’s Education Broadcasting Channel (EBC) concerning the development of educational content and infrastructure.

Sok Puthyvuth, senior vice minister at the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPTC) in Cambodia, noted the growing popularity of Korean educational content as a key driver of Hallyu. “We aim to integrate Korea’s educational content, given its proven success, to enhance Cambodia’s education system,” Sok said.

Director Jung expressed his support for Cambodia’s commitment to “education for all” and highlighted the synergy between Hallyu’s rising global profile and Korea’s robust education content. “With the adoption and spread of Hallyu, there is significant potential for leveraging Korea’s educational content and know-how,” Jung remarked.

During follow-up meetings with Cambodian government officials the following day, the discussion centered on future collaboration at the national level.

Distinguished Professor Samseog Ko introduced examples of online education enhanced by AI, garnering considerable interest. The delegation later visited the Cambodia office of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), continuing discussions on how to support the creation and distribution of educational content through public-private partnerships.

Building Partnerships in Vietnam

The delegation then traveled to Hanoi, where they met with EI Group, Vietnam’s largest education and investment firm, as well as a leading study-abroad institution. According to EI Group Chairman Louis, a growing number of Vietnamese students are eager to study in South Korea, signaling strong potential for a deeper partnership with Dongguk University.

Subsequently, the delegation visited VinUni, established by Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate Vin Group. They also held talks with representatives from the Vietnam office of the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) to explore joint content projects and other initiatives.

Wrapping up their schedule, the delegation signed an MOU with the Korean Language and Culture Department at VNU-Hanoi University of Languages and International Studies (VNU-HLSI), celebrating the department’s 13th anniversary.

“Many of our students majoring in Korean are now ready to pursue more advanced or graduate-level studies abroad,” explained department head Tran Thi Huong.

Chairman Jung responded by stating, “Beginning with Vietnam, we plan to develop educational pathways for students throughout Southeast Asia, offering a range of courses rooted in Hallyu that will expand their academic and career opportunities.”

This latest overseas outreach from DUHA underscores the growing global influence of the Korean Wave and marks a new phase in collaboration between educational entities in South Korea and Southeast Asia.