A study on the perception of Korean reunification issues by foreign university students majoring in Korean studies abroad

This study aims to analyze the perceptions of Korean reunification issues by foreign university students majoring in Korean Studies abroad and to derive implications for implementing effective unification education from a public diplomacy perspective. For the purpose of this study were interviews conducted with Korean Studies majors at D University in the United States. The results of the study indicate that foreign university students majoring in Korean Studies abroad have a negative perception of the possibility of Korean reunification and believe that international influence on the Korean Peninsula issue is limited. They developed an interest in the Korean Peninsula issue through their interest in Korean popular culture, and their understanding of the issue varied depending on their years of study and level of personal interest. The research results suggest the following implications for the effective implementation of unification education for them: First, it is necessary to establish content strategies that enhance a balanced understanding of the Korean Peninsula issue for foreign university students majoring in Korean Studies abroad. Second, content strategies that can enhance understanding of the Korean Peninsula issue as an international issue need to be developed. Third, it is necessary to quantitatively and qualitatively expand learning opportunities that enhance expertise on the Korean Peninsula issue. Fourth, it is necessary to develop and disseminate diverse content that considers the interests and concerns of overseas Korean Studies majors.