A Study on the Development and Application of Unification Education Programs for Overseas Korean Educational Institutions: Focusing on Korean Schools in the U.S

Objectives The purpose of this study is to develop and implement a unification education program that can be applied to students in overseas Korean educational institutions, and to provide insights into reunification education conducted in these institutions. Methods This study conducted a research study and survey were conducted to collect comprehensive data on the goals and key focus areas of unification education, as well as the content and methods of unification education programs to be applied to Korean schools in the United States. Based on this data, three teachers developed and implemented a practical program for Korean schools. Finally, interviews with the teachers were conducted to explore insights into unification education and related policies in overseas Korean educational institutions. Results The participating teachers developed and implemented a five-step lesson plan, covering one semester for Korean school students, consisting of four steps for the basic course and one step for the advanced course. As a result, it was confirmed that the “goals of unification education” should be connected to global citizenship education and aim to develop competencies that influence students' “near” future. Additionally, as for the “methods of unification education,” it was emphasized that students' multicultural backgrounds and co-agency should be highlighted, and the use of media such as online platforms should be incorporated. In terms of the “areas of unification education,” it was found that learning about Korea itself and practical exercises for resolving inter-country conflicts should be included. Conclusions This study suggests the need for practical unification education based on a broad ideology that is not limited to ‘unification,’ the restructuring of curriculum documents and regulatory systems for unification education, the acquisition of future competencies by students in relation to unification education, the development of online platforms or websites containing systematic unification education materials, and the harmonization of students' cultural backgrounds with the local education system.