This study aims to explore the prioritized cultural content that should be taught in Korean culture education, based on the lived experiences of international students currently enrolled in degree programs at a Korean university. A focus group intervi...
This study aims to explore the prioritized cultural content that should be taught in Korean culture education, based on the lived experiences of international students currently enrolled in degree programs at a Korean university. A focus group interview was conducted with five undergraduate international students, and the data were analyzed using the constant comparative method. The findings revealed that students perceived “ppalli-ppalli culture” (the fast-paced nature of Korean society), public transportation culture, and etiquette-related practices (including greetings, table manners, and honorifics) as essential topics for cultural education. Rather than prioritizing cultural topics solely based on novelty or shock value, the participants emphasized their practical relevance in daily life and their role in preventing misunderstandings. This study offers practical implications for Korean culture education by highlighting the cultural needs of long-term, academically motivated international students. The findings may serve as foundational data for developing more integrated curricula in Korean language and culture education.