What if I told you this building before you is dedicated to perfecting and propagating the Korean language. This is the Institute of Language Research & Education. It plays a vital role in shaping how Koreans communicate. It also influences how the world learns about Korea and its language.
The Institute of Language Research & Education’s story starts with a vision. That vision involved improving language education in Korea. In 1969, William Benton and Frank B. Gibney agreed to donate one million dollars. This donation came through Britannica. It aimed to create a language education center and a non-profit foundation. U.S. Vice President Robert Humphrey joined this important initiative during a visit to Korea.
In 1971, the Language Teaching Research Center held its first board meeting. It was an educational foundation. It received approval from the Ministry of Education and the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The Language Teaching Research Center took on important tasks in 1972. It managed the First Selection Examination. This examination was for the study-abroad-in-America program. The center awarded scholarship grants. It also planned a Korean Language Curriculum. The Ministry of Science and Technology selected it. It became the official language Institute for Overseas Dispatched Trainees.
From 1975 to 1985, the Language Teaching Research Center achieved significant milestones. It published Korean textbooks. It also established the Korean Language Research Department. One notable publication was the Study on Korean Children’s English Development. It started English education for elementary school teachers. The center significantly contributed to laying the foundation. This foundation was for English education for children in Korea.
Between 1986 and 2001, the Language Teaching Research Center carried out many language education projects. It received appreciation plaques for English education. These plaques recognized work with elementary school teachers. Plaques also recognized language training at overseas universities. It ran diverse projects centered on English. These projects included an English academy and teacher education. There was also English publication and overseas training.
The Language Teaching Research Center’s recent educational projects include several cultural exchange programs. In 2017, the Cultural Day of Minnesota featured a special cultural lecture. It was hosted by the State Trade Representative. That same year, French cultural activities took place. They were co-hosted with the French Embassy. Also in 2017, the Nordic Culture Festival occurred at Gwanak English Village. It provided cultural and language education focused on Sweden.
In 2018, the Kazakhstan Language and Culture Experience took place. It was at Gwanak English Village. This experience aimed to improve understanding of Kazakhstan’s language and culture. Since 2017, the Seoul SJIS English Kindergarten Project has been ongoing. The Institute of Language Research & Education continues its mission. It enhances language education and cross-cultural understanding.