This year marks the 50th anniversary of Persian language education at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, a significant milestone that reflects on the efforts made over the past five decades to understand Iran's language, history, and culture in Korea.
Since its inception in 1976, Persian language education has played a crucial role in enhancing mutual understanding and cultural ties between the two nations, providing generations of Korean students with opportunities to engage with Iran's language and cultural heritage.
This achievement goes beyond the mere fact that Persian language education has continued for 50 years; it also signifies the expansion of educational and research horizons regarding Iran. The department's name was changed to 'Department of Persian Language and Iranian Studies' in 2021, reflecting the broader scope of academic activities.
Pursuing Persian language education is not limited to learning vocabulary and grammar; it opens pathways for Korean students to gain a more direct understanding of Iran's literature, history, and society, as well as the diverse realities of contemporary Iranian life. Learning Persian allows students to access original materials and grasp cultural nuances and subtle meanings that are often lost in translation.
Ongoing relationships between countries are not solely built on political and economic exchanges. Universities, professors, and students also play vital roles in fostering mutual understanding through dialogue and research, strengthening ties between the two nations.
Research on Iranian studies in Korea can serve as a solid foundation for expanding academic and cultural cooperation between the two countries, providing opportunities to share and understand diverse perspectives and experiences based on mutual respect. Such exchanges are essential for constructive intercultural dialogue.
Looking ahead, increasing accessibility to Persian language resources, strengthening the connection between Persian language education and Iranian studies, and expanding opportunities for direct engagement with Iranian society can deepen academic inquiry and broaden research in this field. Furthermore, if Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and Iranian academic institutions enhance cooperation through faculty and student exchanges, joint research, and educational and cultural programs, new opportunities for advancing academic and cultural exchanges between the two countries will emerge.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Persian language education, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the professors, students, and researchers who have consistently contributed to Persian language education and Iranian studies in Korea over the past five decades. I hope that the achievements accumulated over the last 50 years will serve as a strong foundation for further developing academic and cultural cooperation between Iran and Korea.
With the participation of younger generations and the creative efforts of universities, I believe that these exchanges will continue to evolve, opening new horizons of friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation between the peoples of both nations.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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