Beyond K-pop: South Korea's Cultural Wave Captivates Indian students

South Korea's popularity in India extends beyond K-pop, with its diverse culture, food, fashion, and language. The Indian government has recognized Korean as one of the eight foreign languages in schools, and Korean celebrities like BTS, Song Joong-ki, and IU have gained popularity in India. This has led to a growing interest in learning the Korean language, particularly among India's youth. However, the number of Indian students enrolled in Korean universities is low due to language barriers and limited awareness. To address this, Korean universities are collaborating with Indian universities to offer scholarships and attractive opportunities. Some Indian schools and colleges have introduced Korean language classes, and the South Korean government offers scholarships to support international students. The Global Korea Scholarship covers travel costs, full tuition fees, and up to ₩900,000 per quarter towards Korean language lessons. Some universities also offer financial support to international students. However, the low number of Indian students enrolled in South Korean universities may be due to language barriers and limited popularity as a study destination.