The Department of Linguistics, Languages and Literature has gained a new centre- the Korean Language and Cultural Centre.

The Ambassador, Korea-Kenya, H.E. Choi Yeonghan and the Vice-chancellor, University of Nairobi, Prof. Stephen Kiama officially opened of the Korean Language and Cultural Centre.

The Korean Centre is domiciled in the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Literature, in the Faculty of Arts, is located on the third floor of the Education Building at the Main Campus.  The Centre is one of the four languages and cultural centres established under the Department. The other centres include Confucius Institute which offers Chinese studies, the Portuguese Centre and the French Centre. The University of Nairobi also offers German and Kiswahili languages.

Speaking at the launch, H.E. Choi Yeonghan noted that the long-term goal of the Korean centre is to enhance business traffic between Kenya and Korea

“This centre has been here since 2013, the students here are at the forefront of the friendship between Kenya and Korea,” he said.

H.E Yeonghan vowed to provide continuous support to the students and hoped that the centre would continue to grow.

On his part, Prof. Stephen Kiama commended the students for their hard work, their bravery in trying to broaden their horizons by learning the Korean language. He noted that the students would be integral in the cultural and technological exchange between the two countries.

The Chairperson of the Department of Linguistics, Languages and Literature, Prof. Jane Oduor, expressed sentiments with regards to the popularity of the Korean language among the students. 

“200 students are undertaking Korean language certificate courses and about 30 students are pursuing the language at the Bachelor’s level,” said Prof. Oduor.

At the ceremony, two students presented an essay in Korean where they passionately expressed themselves, sharing their experiences and aspirations.