Professor Ross King speaks on the significance of Hangeul Day
Hangeul day showcases the achievements of the Korean alphabet and its popularity beyond Korea. With increased interest in Hangeul in recent years, Professor Ross King spoke on Arirang News about its rising global demand, approaches to Korean language and culture, and tackling the challenges in promoting Hangeul.

Asian Studies New Faculty Spotlight – Ji – yoon An
Meet our faculty members in Asian Studies and learn more about their backgrounds and passions! In this Faculty Spotlight, we introduce you to Dr. Ji-yoon An, our new Assistant Professor in Modern Korean Popular Culture! Prior to joining UBC, she had experience teaching and researching in Germany, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

2023 Korean Speaking Practice Forum
Speaking Practice Forum is a volunteer-based program designed for Korean learners seeking opportunities to practice speaking Korean and engage with Korean speakers to learn about their culture. Our team of volunteers comprises exchange students from South Korea at UBC, Korean heritage speakers on campus, and advanced learners who have completed KORN 300 level at UBC. Regardless of their Korean course registration status, individuals with an active CWL can participate in the program and connect with Korean speakers for language practice.

The 2023 Quiz on Korea: Canada Preliminary Round
The Canada preliminary round of the 2023 Quiz on Korea was held in the Asian Centre on May 8th. The event was co-hosted by the Korean Language and Culture program and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Vancouver to raise awareness about Korea overseas. Also, this year, we celebrated the 60th year anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Canada and South Korea.

Let’s Talk: Korean and English Language Exchange
On Friday, March 24th, the Let’s Talk: Korean & English Language Exchange event brought together 70 participants, including Korean learners, exchange students from Korea, special guests such as the Korean Consul, a visiting scholar, and fourth-generation Koreans from Japan, and volunteer Korean speakers. The event was organized to provide an opportunity for speakers from different cultures and backgrounds to practice speaking in a fun and engaging environment and to learn about each other’s cultures.

Career Night hosted by the Korean Language and Culture Program “Explore your Dreams of Studying, Working, and Living in South Korea!”
On March 2nd, the UBC Korean Language and Culture Program co-hosted a special information session titled, “Explore your Dreams of Studying, Working, and Living in South Korea!”, with Korean Education Affairs Section, Korean Consulate General in Toronto. The event was organized to introduce students to the many possibilities of working and living in South Korea and to learn about future career paths outside Canada.

Renee Zhang Wins Second Place at 2023 Toronto Speech Contest
The 17th Annual Toronto Speech Contest was held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the University of Toronto. After a preliminary round featuring 76 participants from across Canada, 45 finalists were selected to present their speeches on the main stage. Among them was Renee (Chen) Zhang, a third-year student majoring in Asian Language and Culture (Korean), who delivered a speech titled “요즘 MZ 세대” (translated as “The MZ Generation – Kids These Days”).