UN Copyright Body Recognizes Korean as Official Language

Korean has joined the ranks of 10 official languages of international patent applications. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) added Korean and Portuguese to the other eight official languages on Sept. 27. It is the first time that Korean has gained official status at the U.N. copyright agency.

This is good news for Koreans, especially as they mark the 561st anniversary of the proclamation of hangeul, the Korean alphabetical system, Tuesday. The Korean language is a very effective tool to introduce our culture to people around the world. South Korea is the word's 13th-largest economy. It is the world's fourth-largest country in terms of international patent applications, following Japan, the United States and China.

So, it is not surprising that the WIPO has decided to allow Koreans to submit patent applications written in Korean. Local companies, research institutes and researchers have so far presented the applications in eight official languages, mostly English. The use of Korean will make it unnecessary for Koreans to undergo the tedious process of translating. Thus, Koreans will find it easier to submit patent applicants and protect their patent rights. Policymakers should make more effort to promote Korean in the international community by taking advantage of the WIPO's action.

However, the country has a long way to go. Korean language and culture are still strange to people around the globe, although there is a boom for Korean pop culture in Asian countries. It is somewhat fortunate a growing number of Japanese, Chinese and other Asians are trying to learn Korean amid the boom, better known as hallyu (Korean Wave).

Cultural centers affiliated with the Korean diplomatic missions overseas are giving Korean classes. But they have difficulties catering to those wanting to learn how to speak Korean. Due to lack of budget and systematic teaching methods, South Korea is neglecting good opportunities to help foreigners acquire Korean language.

According to the Korean Embassy in Tokyo, about one million Japanese are currently learning Korean. Up to 300,000 Japanese are viewing NHK's Korean learning programs. However, the Korean cultural center in Tokyo accepted only 30 of 90 applicants for Korean class early this year.

An embassy official said it cannot accommodate more applicants because the government slashed the education budget for the embassy by 30 percent over last three years. The situation in China is no better than in Japan. However, the Korean culture center offers Korean learning programs through the Internet, of which 65,000 Chinese are members. It is a good idea to provide cost-saving online programs. The government is required to increase budget and set up networks to encourage more foreigners to learn Korean.

Hangeul has been praised for being one of the most sophisticated alphabetic systems in the world. It is also one of our ancestors' outstanding cultural heritages combined with traditional philosophy and scientific theory. Besides, it is suitable for Internet use and the information society. It is imperative for the nation to globalize hangeul and Korean.