On Tuesday, November 21, 2023, the “Korea Corner” space in the Library of Letter at the Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca was inaugurated through a collaborative effort involving the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Romania, the Faculty of Letters of the Babeș-Bolyai University and the Korea Foundation. The ceremony saw the presence of Mr. Eoon-gyo Shim, Counsellor and Deputy Head of the Embassy, Dr. Rareș Moldovan, the Dean of the Faculty of Letters, and Dr. Rodica Frenţiu, the head of the Department of Asian Languages and Literature alongside the faculty’s management and students.
The concept of “Korea Corner” is a cultural initiative supported by the Korean government, established in universities and libraries around the world with the aim of enhancing interest and comprehension of Korean language and culture. The Korea Corner opened at the Babeș-Bolyai University is the third of its kind in Romania and the first one outside Bucharest, following those at the Romanian-American University and the University of Bucharest, opened in 2021 and 2022, respectively. This space offers a variety of resources, including books on Korean language and studies, multimedia equipment, and amenities, serving as a foundation for students majoring in Korean language and literature to enhance their skills and knowledge while also sharing Korean culture with students from other departments.
Counsellor Eoon-gyo Shim delivered the congratulatory message on behalf of H.E. Ambassador Rim Kap-soo, mentioning that “this Korea Corner is testament to Korean government’s acknowledgment and appreciation for Babeș-Bolyai University’s great contribution to the development of research and education and for the effort of its students in raising awareness on Korea in their local community. We hope that the three Korea Corners in Romania will develop together as a Korean language and Korean studies learning and research network in Romania.”
“We believe that this is not only an opportunity to broaden and expand the range of educational benefits for students but also a strong message to show the University institutions that the Faculty of Letters and the Department of Asian Languages and Literature have a firm will to develop the Department. The Korea Corner space is located in a library that is easily accessible to students and that it is connected to a reading room, so many students will be able to easily get the opportunity to experience Korea”, stressed Dr. Rareș Moldovan, the Dean of the Faculty of Letters.