For fans of Korean dramas, K-pop, and Korean films, Shillong’s North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) is bringing South Korea a step closer, with plans to introduce a full-fledged Korean language and culture course from July 2025.
This course, marking a significant cultural collaboration, emerges from a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NEHU and the Indo-Korean Business Culture Centre (IKBCC) from South Korea.
The agreement reflects the increasing allure of Korean media in India, with NEHU's Vice Chancellor, Prof Shukla, heralding the move as one that will “strengthen ties between India and Korea and offer our students exposure to East Asian culture through cultural exchanges and employment opportunities.”
To lay a foundation for the MoU, the first initiative will be an ambitious multilingual dictionary project that aims to include Khasi, Hindi, Korean, and English.
Alongside this, a faculty exchange programme will introduce Khasi and Hindi language studies in Korean institutions, further broadening the linguistic landscape across both regions.
Dr Saralin A. Lyngdoh, Head of the Department of Linguistics at NEHU, has been appointed as the Course Coordinator, while Prof Streamlet Dkhar, Head of the Khasi Department, will serve as Academic Coordinator to oversee the project’s progression and collaboration efforts with IKBCC.
The Department of Linguistics at NEHU will manage the course’s various language and culture modules, supporting students through structured training and certification.
Under the MoU, students at NEHU can look forward to internships, scholarships, and potential career opportunities both in India and South Korea, enhancing their global exposure and employability.
IKBCC’s Founder-Director Dr Zena Chung and Col. Omkar Singh from NEHU formalised the agreement, with Col Singh signing on behalf of NEHU. The MoU is anticipated to bolster East Asian studies and language interests among Indian youth, providing avenues for research, cultural exchange, and academic excellence.
NEHU’s involvement with IKBCC also promises significant academic enrichment through faculty exchanges and international partnerships.
According to the university, the collaboration reflects a broader goal of encouraging students to explore language studies beyond Western options, aligning NEHU with the expanding appeal of East Asian culture in India.
Follow us
