The King Sejong Institute Foundation, a state-funded Korean language teaching institute, has released a series of government-standardized Korean language textbooks for non-Korean speakers.

The “Sejong Korean” volumes 1, 2, 3 and 4 were first developed to be used at the 90 King Sejong Institutes in 40 countries around the world. The textbook is based on a standard Korean language education model developed by the National Institute of the Korean Language. The foundation is planning to release “Sejong Korean” volumes 5, 6, 7 and 8 by the end of the year. 

“Thanks to the soaring demand we have decided to distribute the books to those who want to learn the Korean language,” said Ahn Su-jeong, a foundation staff member.

The institute is also planning to align the books with online educational programs so that people who cannot enroll in King Sejong Institutes can still learn Korean.

The books, 12,000 won ($11) each, are available at large bookstores in Seoul. They can also be ordered online at www.sejonghakdang.org. E-book editions are also available in five languages ― Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)