In the 2023-2024 school year, three districts in the city—Le Chan, An Duong, and Kien An—launched pilot programs to teach Korean as a foreign language in schools. Specifically, in Le Chan and An Duong, Korean is taught as first Foreign Language , with 10 classes and 500 students across primary and secondary levels. In Kien An, Korean is taught as second Foreign Language, covering 6 classes with 333 students.
The program has been well-adapted by schools, by providing modern, well-equipped classrooms. Students also have the chance to learn directly from native Korean teachers, building their listening, speaking, and communication skills. This approach has been especially beneficial in boosting students' confidence in interacting with foreign speakers. However, some challenges remain. A lack of reference materials has made it difficult for students to expand their vocabulary, though technology is being used to help address this gap. Additionally, some parents are still hesitant about choosing Korean as a second foreign language over English, and there are concerns over the shortage of permanent Korean language teachers.
Despite these challenges, the program has made notable progress. For example, Tran Phu Secondary School in Kien An expanded its Korean offerings from two classes with 108 students in 2023-2024 to four classes with 221 students in 2024-2025. Moreover, the number of schools offering Korean as a first or second foreign language has increased significantly.
Looking ahead, the Department of Education plans to further promote the importance of foreign language learning, with a focus on Korean. Efforts will be made to secure better resources, including teaching materials, facilities, and permanent Korean language teachers. The department will also continue to work closely with the Korean Education Office in Vietnam to ensure support for teachers and resources. With these efforts, the goal is to further enhance the Korean language program, equipping students with valuable skills for future global opportunities.