South Korean Ambassador to Bangladesh Lee Jang-keun visited the University of Dhaka on Wednesday and handed over 100 books and multimedia materials on Korea and Korean language learning to the University.

DU Vice Chancellor Dr. Md. Akhtaruzzaman and Library Director Mr. Nasir Uddin Munsi were present.

Both sides agreed to further promote collaborative activities between the Embassy and the University based on the various successful cooperation programmes they have made during the past decades.

Congratulating the centenary anniversary of Dhaka University, Ambassador Lee also proposed to work closely together for furthering ties between Korea and Bangladesh, in particular towards the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2023.

Read: Korean envoy visits NIANER; lauds role of nurses

The Korea Corner was established at the University’s Central Library in July 2013 to promote the academic interest in Korea and Korea-Bangladesh relations among the University students, faculty members and general public.

More than 1,000 books and audio-visual materials in Korean or English language have been donated to the library so far. 

As the University reopens in the coming week after a long period of shutdown due to the corona pandemic, the Korea Center expects to draw students again.

New books added to the library include Korean Literature Through the Korean Wave, Korea’s Premier Collection of Classical Literature, Global Perspectives of Korean Literature, A Concise History of Modern Korea, Korea: A Very Short Introduction.

The University of Dhaka has also established Korean Language Center under its Institute of Modern Language (IML) in 1997 offering Korean language classes.

Read: Korean envoy seeks jabs for all foreign investors in Bangladesh

Around 150 students are enrolled in the Korean language course every academic year. As K-pop, Kdrama, K-movie and K-food are getting popular in Bangladesh, many young people and students are showing a growing interest in learning Korean language. 

With the support of the Korean Government through KOICA, the Dhaka University is 

also establishing a Startup Center to promote startups and youth entrepreneurs among the Bangladesh Youth which is slated to open in 2024.