A Study on the Necessity of Korean Language Learning for Advanced International Students in Science and Engineering

[Purpose] Increasing population movements between countries have made the challenges of cultural diversity and multicultural coexistence a major social issue. This study examined the satisfaction of highly talented international students in Korea and some of the difficulties they face in the adaptation process. [Methods] This study explored the experiences of high-performing international students at a South Korean university, specifically examining differences in satisfaction between the students that learned some Korean and those that did not. A t-test analysis of survey responses from 852 students revealed some significant disparities between the two groups. [Results] While both groups reported similar levels of satisfaction with the academic and administrative aspects of university life, the members of the Korean-learning group exhibited significantly higher satisfaction and far fewer difficulties in their personal lives than the non-learning group. Specifically, Korean learners cited higher levels of satisfaction with regards to health, safety, and daily life in general, and less difficulty in adapting to life in Korea. [Conclusion] These findings highlight the importance of language proficiency in fostering successful adaptation and facilitating greater understanding, empathy, and adaptability among international students. Ultimately, the results of the study suggest that language acquisition can contribute to more harmonious and inclusive multiculturalism in the host society, and in Korea this carries implications for the importance of supporting Korean language learning among international students and other foreign residents.