Aseel Zidan
A Study on the Teaching Methods of Korean Culture by
Utilizing Webtoons for Arabic Learners
Abstract
Webtoons are a popular form of digital comics originating from South Korea and have become an influential medium that showcases contemporary Korean culture. These web-based stories provide not only entertainment but also an indirect avenue for learning about language, social norms, traditions, and values. This thesis explores the potential of using webtoons as an innovative tool for Korean culture education, specifically considering the needs of Arabic-speaking learners of Korean culture. The primary aim is to assess whether webtoons can be an engaging and effective medium to enhance cultural understanding alongside Korean language acquisition. Focusing on the webtoon <30 Minutes with you>, which explores themes of friendship and the pursuit of dreams, this research investigates how such narratives can offer insights into Korean societal values and emotional landscapes. Through its portrayal of personal struggles and artistic passion, the webtoon introduces learners to complex cultural dynamics, such as the importance of interpersonal relationships and personal development. The study presupposes that such content when presented in an emotionally resonant and relatable format, could motivate Arab learners to engage more deeply with both the language and the cultural context in which it is situated. This study is primarily framed around a survey conducted between February 22 and March 1, 2025, with 151 Arabic-speaking Korean learners, which assessed their perceptions of webtoons as a tool for cultural education. The results indicated a strong interest and openness to using webtoons for learning about Korean culture, with learners showing a willingness to participate in culturally focused classes utilizing webtoons. Based on these findings, this study suggests practical educational strategies for integrating webtoons into Korean language courses for Arab learners. This thesis contributes to developing culturally relevant, digital-first educational materials and proposes a new direction for incorporating popular media into language and culture instruction. Ultimately, it aims to facilitate more meaningful cultural exchanges and help Arab learners adapt to Korean society more effectively.
Mays Abdullah Khraisat
1st Place winner.
In 2022, the Korean-Arab Society hosted a translation contest featuring 10 picture stories.
Participants included students majoring in Arabic at Korean universities and many students majoring in Korean at universities in Arab countries. Approximately 75 of our students participated. The award ceremony was held online with simultaneous interpretation (Korean and Arabic) and was attended by ambassadors from Arab countries with embassies in Korea. Jordan University gathered at the Al-Kindi Auditorium to participate online. Five winners were selected from each country, and the first-place winners were announced by the ambassadors of each Arab country in Korea. Mays received her award under the close attention of the Jordanian ambassador to Korea. Additionally, the Korea-Arab Society, the event organizer, decided to publish the story 'Lee Deok-mu Becomes a Book' in Arabic among the ten picture stories, and Mays achieved the honoree of being listed as the first translator among the first-place winners from each country. Mays is currently preparing for graduate school, and upon admission, she will join our research group.
2023. Published by Korea-Arab Society