Turkish wind blowing in East Asia as interest in culture grows, says South Korean Turkologist

Professor Oh Chong-jin, head of the Department of Türkiye-Azerbaijan Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in South Korea, has observed a notable rise in interest toward the Turkish language and culture in East Asia.

Speaking during his recent visit to Türkiye, Professor Oh stated, “I often say in my presentations that a Turkish wind is blowing. Türkiye’s TV dramas, films, and music need greater promotion. This Turkish wind can spread through Central and East Asia—there is potential.”

Deep-rooted academic journey

Professor Oh shared insights with Anadolu Agency (AA) about Turkish studies in South Korea, underlining that their academic focus extends beyond Türkiye to include the broader Turkic world.

“Our department began in 1973 under the name ‘Türkiye Studies,'” Oh explained. “In 2004, we expanded with a Central Asian Studies department, and in 2008, we renamed the main department to ‘Türkiye-Azerbaijan Studies.’ I’m currently part of the third generation of academics here. Interestingly, some of our department’s founding figures were interpreters during the Korean War.”

From language to specialization

Turkish language education at Hankuk University starts with a strong foundation in language skills during the first year. In upper-level courses, the curriculum shifts toward specialized subjects on Türkiye, offering students deeper cultural and political insight.

Prof. Oh emphasized the affection South Koreans feel for Türkiye, often referred to as a “blood brother” nation. He noted that recent joint projects and growing economic ties have further strengthened this bond, influencing students’ academic choices.

Turkish as a strategic language

The South Korean government classified Turkish as a “strategic language” in 2016, a move Professor Oh said has significantly boosted funding for academic initiatives.

“The government allocated serious financial resources, and we used those funds to publish Turkish-language books. These materials are distributed free of charge,” he explained.

Thanks to collaborations with institutions like the Yunus Emre Institute (YEE) and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB), South Korean students have also been able to join cultural and academic programs in Türkiye.

Culture, cuisine, and soft power

Professor Oh stressed the role of Türkiye’s soft power in East Asia, particularly through its cultural exports. “Turkish cuisine is gaining attention among Korean students. There’s also been a noticeable rise in the number of Turkish restaurants in South Korea,” he said.

“We must approach this with vision and strategy. If Türkiye supports this cultural wave as a state policy, the ‘Turkish wind’ will grow stronger and reach further into Central and East Asia.”

He believes that Turkish gastronomy can play a key role in cultural diplomacy and suggested that institutions like the YEE could take on a greater role in promoting Turkish food in South Korea.

Bright prospects for Turkish graduates

Highlighting the career opportunities for Turkish language graduates, Prof. Oh noted that employment rates remain high. Besides Hankuk University, Pusan National University also offers Turkish language education.

“We need to do more to promote the Turkish language. I believe interest will continue to grow, and I’m committed to making that happen,” he concluded.