Special Korean language & culture training for Indian shipyard welders going to Korea

NEW DELHI: In a ground-breaking move, the Korean Cultural Centre India has introduced a comprehensive initiative aimed at streamlining the transition and integration process for Indian shipyard welders entering South Korea as dispatched professionals. This pioneering effort seeks to provide these professionals with essential Korean language proficiency and cultural insights, thereby ensuring a seamless adaptation to their new work environment.

Since the revision of E-7 visa issuance guidelines by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Ministry of Justice in April 2022, foreign shipyard welding experts from countries like Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam have been actively contributing to Korean shipbuilding projects in cities like Ulsan and Geoje.

As part of this trend, the coming year is set to witness around 100 welding professionals from India, specially recruited by industry giants Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. and Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., embarking on their Korean journey. This marks the second instance of such employment, following India’s initial contribution to Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. in April.

India, with its vast pool of nearly 850,000 welders, a significant number of whom have garnered international work experience, has emerged as a pivotal manpower supplier. This contribution is instrumental in addressing Korea’s shortage of skilled welders, underscoring the bilateral collaboration between the two nations.

The collaborative effort between the Korean Cultural Center India and Kangsung Global, which is actively involved in a manpower dispatch project targeting Korean shipbuilding enterprises, has culminated in the launch of Korean language and culture-related classes. Commencing on August 14, 2023, and concluding on September 12, 2023, these classes span a month and encompass a total of 52 hours of instruction. Conducted three times a week in two separate sessions, the classes impart not only the essential Korean language skills required for work but also delve into diverse aspects of Korean culture, including food, work ethics, and etiquette – elements distinct from those of India.

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Overseeing these classes is Harsh Sharma, a seasoned Korean language instructor boasting a decade of experience at the Korean Cultural Centre India. Drawing upon his personal journey of working in a Korean enterprise, pursuing education in Korea, and teaching the language, Sharma offers precise and pragmatic insights to his students. Sharma noted, “Our goal with this class is to facilitate swift adaptation to the Korean environment. The students are displaying keen interest and enthusiasm, engaging with Korea and inquiring extensively. We anticipate that these zealous learners will complete the course with flying colors.”

Yadav Raju Shankar, one of the students enrolled in the program, shared his perspective, saying, “I had concerns about effective communication and adjustment in Korea. However, this class has made learning Korean remarkably easy and rapid. I already feel a strong connection to Korea, and I am thrilled to be a part of this class.”

Hwang Il-yong, the director of the Korean Cultural Centre India, expressed optimism regarding the initiative, stating, “We are hopeful that this tailor-made, learner-centric approach will significantly contribute to the successful integration of Indian professionals into the field. We envision continued dispatch of proficient Indian shipyard welding experts. Our plans encompass a broader expansion of Korean language and culture classes in the future.”

This initiative stands as a testament to the deepening ties between India and Korea, fostering professional synergy while enriching cultural exchange on a global scale. As these shipyard welding professionals embark on their Korean journey, they do so equipped not only with technical expertise but also with a profound understanding of the Korean language and culture, enabling them to flourish in their new work environment.