Yogyakarta, 24 February 2026 – The Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada held a public lecture on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. The event took place following the scholarship award ceremony and was conducted alongside the Academic Korean Language class.

The lecture was delivered by Mr. Ahn Gyeong Hwan, Operations Director of PT. Komitrando. On this occasion, he presented a session titled Work Strategies in Korean Companies in Indonesia and Understanding Workplace Culture, which explored career opportunities in Korean companies, required qualifications, and the dynamics of Korean work culture (K-Work Culture).

Mr. Ahn explained that Indonesia–Korea cooperation is currently entering an increasingly strategic phase, marked by expanding collaboration across various sectors, from manufacturing to finance and information technology. He emphasized that in a professional context, language can be understood as a “tool” that facilitates work processes. While tasks may still be completed without such a tool, possessing the right tool—in this case, Korean language proficiency—makes work more effective, efficient, and value-added.

He further outlined the profile sought by Korean companies: individuals who can serve as a “bridge,” demonstrate strong business communication skills, understand hierarchy and workplace ethics within Korean corporate culture, and exhibit responsibility and teamwork.

In the concluding session, Mr. Ahn shared practical tips on CV preparation, writing a motivation letter, and strategies for job interviews. Students followed the lecture attentively, reflecting strong interest in career opportunities within Korean companies.

Through this public lecture, students gained not only a broader understanding of employment opportunities in Korean companies but also more concrete insight into industry expectations for graduates of Korean Language and Culture. The session is expected to broaden students’ perspectives on career readiness, strengthen awareness of the importance of applicable language competence in business contexts, and encourage continuous professional development. The event thus represents a strategic step in bridging academia and the professional world.

Author: Eunike Serafia N.S

Yogyakarta, February 24, 2026 — The Korean Language and Culture Study Program, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again demonstrated its commitment to enhancing educational quality through the awarding of scholarships to outstanding students. The scholarships granted in this semester include the KAGAMA Scholarship for the even semester of Academic Year 2025/2026, the KOCHAM Scholarship, and the KOMITRANDO Scholarship.

The event was held at Soegondo Building, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Rooms 521–522, from 1:00 to 1:30 PM (WIB). It was attended by representatives of KOMITRANDO, all scholarship recipients, and students enrolled in the Academic Korean Language course.

The program began with an opening by the Master of Ceremony, followed by remarks from Achmad Rio Dessiar, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program. In his speech, he expressed his appreciation to the scholarship recipients as well as to the partner institutions for their continued support in strengthening the quality of higher education. The remarks were followed by a speech from Ms. Irene, Operational Director of KOMITRANDO.

Following the speeches, the event proceeded with the scholarship awarding session. The KAGAMA Korea Scholarship was presented first to ten high-achieving students as recognition of their academic excellence. This scholarship is awarded every semester with a grant of IDR 1,000,000 per student. The recipients are as follows:

1. Angela Marta Putri Ajita (GPA 3.73)
2. Rabia Nur Aisyah (GPA 3.70)
3. Azzahra Ika Novitasari (GPA 3.68)
4. Meilia Sekar Arum (GPA 3.68)
5. Ardhanika Brahmadhinata (GPA 3.82)
6. Allysa Fadhia Pramudita (GPA 3.77)
7. Gabriela Putri Ratnaningtyas (GPA 3.75)
8. Dinar Insan Sakinah (GPA 4.00)
9. Farida Hanum (GPA 4.00)
10. Xadiyazelda Rajafathi Wibowo (GPA 3.94)

The ceremony continued with the awarding of the KOCHAM Scholarship to five students, each receiving IDR 5,000,000. The recipients are:

1. Alma Naya Kamila (GPA 3.82)
2. Salwa Aulia Maharani (GPA 3.78)
3. Tamara Nasrina Prameswari (GPA 3.94)
4. Irene Xaviera Lovryna (GPA 3.87)
5. Brigitta Angela Limanto (GPA 3.85)

In the final session, the KOMITRANDO Scholarship was presented to two selected students. The scholarship is provided in the form of educational financial support to facilitate the recipients’ academic progress. The awardees are:

1. Theresia Chindyawati (GPA 3.89)
2. Difta Maulifa Sakina (GPA 3.85)

To conclude the event, Theresia and Difta delivered their impressions and messages as representatives of the KOMITRANDO scholarship recipients. They expressed their gratitude, describing the scholarship as both an honor and a motivation to continue striving for academic excellence and to complete their studies successfully.

The event concluded with a group photo session involving all scholarship recipients.

This initiative not only served as an appreciation of students’ academic achievements but also as an inspiration for other students to pursue excellence, while reaffirming the commitment of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program to fostering an academic environment that supports educational sustainability and student development.

Author: Aura Adiba Wijaya Litianko

Korean Language and Culture Program Study, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with Chung-Ang University (CAU), South Korea, organized a cultural exchange program titled CAUGM 2026. The program was held from January 20–29, 2026, at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

CAUGM 2026 served as a platform for cross-cultural and language learning, emphasizing the exchange of knowledge, practices, and cultural understanding between Indonesian and South Korean students.

The CAUGM 2026 series began with an Opening Ceremony held on January 21, 2026. On this occasion, delegations from Chung-Ang University and Universitas Gadjah Mada presented cultural performances from their respective countries as an introduction to the cultural exchange activities that would take place throughout the program.

During the Opening Ceremony, Indonesian culture presented by students of the Korean Language and Culture Program Study of UGM included Angklung musical performance, Indonesia Menari, Sajojo Dance, Limpapeh Dance, and the martial art Silat. Meanwhile, the Chung-Ang University delegation showcased various aspects of Korean culture, including Taekwondo, K-pop Dance, K-pop Singing, Pansori, 응원단 (cheerleading), and 풍물 (traditional Korean music).

In addition to cultural exchange, the CAUGM 2026 program also featured language exchange activities. Students from the Korean Language and Culture Program of UGM taught Indonesian to Chung-Ang University students, and vice versa. Language learning was conducted based on class levels: 초급반 (Beginner Class), 중급반 (Intermediate Class), and 고급반 (Advanced Class). The lessons were delivered interactively through daily communication practice, peer mentoring, games, and other classroom activities. Through these interactive methods, participants were able to learn the language along with its cultural context in an engaging and enjoyable way.

CAUGM 2026 also provided an opportunity for the general public to experience the cultural exchange through the Korean Festival held on January 24, 2026. In this event, visitors could participate in various cultural activities, including tasting authentic Korean dishes prepared live by Chung-Ang University students. Through this festival, the public was invited to explore Korean culture through culinary experiences and direct interaction with Korean students.

The CAUGM 2026 series concluded with a Closing Ceremony held on January 29, 2026. During this session, the results of the cultural and language exchange were presented, where Indonesian students performed Korean cultural elements they had learned, while Chung-Ang University students presented Indonesian culture.

The performances took place in a warm and lively atmosphere, with students from both UGM and CAU enjoying each presentation, supporting one another, and showing great enthusiasm. This interaction reflected closeness, togetherness, and the success of the cultural and language exchange process experienced throughout CAUGM 2026.

Through the implementation of CAUGM 2026, the Korean Language and Culture Program of UGM hopes that this program will enhance participants’ language competence, strengthen cross-cultural understanding, and foster closer international cooperation between Universitas Gadjah Mada and Chung-Ang University in the fields of education and cultural diplomacy.

Author: Eunike Serafia & Aura Adiba

Yogyakarta, November 29, 2025 – Efforts to strengthen the Korean Studies ecosystem in Indonesia have entered a new phase with the hosting of the INAKOS Seminar titled The Role of INAKOS in Reinforcing Korean Studies in Indonesia on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Soegondo Building Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB) UGM. Organized by The International Association for Korean Studies in Indonesia (INAKOS) in collaboration with the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM and the Korea Foundation, the event marked an important milestone in revitalizing INAKOS as a center for academic collaboration and research development in Korean Studies in Indonesia.

In his opening remarks, the Dean of FIB UGM, Prof. Setiadi, reaffirmed the faculty’s commitment to strengthening the East Asian studies ecosystem.
“We are preparing proper infrastructure to support East Asian studies. The building next to this one is fully dedicated to academic study centers, one of which is Inakos. We aim for all research centers at FIB to be integrated within a multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary environment,” he stated.

Support was also expressed by the Director of the Korea Foundation, Lee Sanghoon, who highlighted the strategic role of INAKOS as an academic bridge between Indonesia and Korea.
“The Korea Foundation fully supports Inakos in revitalizing academic spaces and dialogue for scholars with deep interests in Korea. We believe Inakos will play an important role as a bridge in strengthening Korean Studies in Indonesia,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acting Ambassador of Korea to Indonesia, Park Soo-deok, emphasized the importance of strengthening cross-national collaboration through research and academic dialogue.
“Indonesia and Korea have a long history of cooperation in culture and education. Through research, academic exchange, and scholarly dialogue such as today, both countries continue to build stronger bridges of mutual understanding,” he noted.

On the same occasion, the 2025 President of INAKOS, Suray Agung Nugroho, presented the strategic direction of the newly reactivated organization. He emphasized that INAKOS serves as a home, space, and academic umbrella to unite scholars and observers of Korean Studies in Indonesia, as well as to enhance collaborative and sustainable research.

Following the opening remarks, the audience was treated to a performance of the Korean Fan Dance, presented through a collaboration by students from the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM. The program continued with academic presentations by speakers from UGM, UI, UPI, and Universitas Nasional.

The first presentation was delivered by Rostinue from the University of Indonesia, who explained the role of Korean Studies scholars as academic and cultural bridges that strengthen bilateral interactions between Indonesia and Korea. The next speaker, Ashanti Widyana from the Indonesia University of Education (UPI), presented research trends in UPI’s Korean Language Education Program from 2020 to 2025, focusing on strengthening applied linguistics research, cultural studies, and integrating research outcomes into educational practice.

The session continued with Desitha Dwi Asriani from FISIPOL UGM, who discussed body modification and gender performativity among young Asian men and women from a comparative Indonesia–Korea perspective. The next presentation, by Rurani Adinda from Universitas Nasional, explored differences in the meanings of idioms related to the head in Korean and Indonesian. The final speaker, Achmad Rio, Head of the Korean Language and Culture Study Program at FIB UGM, delivered a talk on analyzing translation patterns of the adnominal ending deon-eass-does using a Korean–Indonesian parallel corpus.

This seminar is expected to serve as an initial step in expanding academic networks in Korean Studies in Indonesia, while strengthening academic contributions to cultural, social, and educational cooperation between Indonesia and Korea. Continued collaboration will open broader spaces for dialogue and encourage innovative scholarly work that benefits society and advances knowledge.

In the long term, this initiative is expected to enhance access to knowledge and opportunities for academic exchange, contributing to human development and a more inclusive and sustainable future for both countries.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]

Yogyakarta, 15 November 2025 — Universitas Gadjah Mada once again became a vibrant center of Korean cultural celebration through the Festival Oullim Korea Yogyakarta: 20th Korean Day, held at the UGM Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas (GIK). This two-decade celebration was made possible through collaboration between the Korean Language and Culture Study Program of the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM) and the Korean Cultural Center Indonesia (KCCI). The festival was officially opened by UGM Rector, Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., alongside KCCI Director Kim Yong Woon and distinguished guests from government institutions, academia, and cultural communities. Their presence underscored the significance of the festival as a thriving cultural interaction platform within the university environment.

The festival opened with the spirit of Oullim, meaning harmony, showcased through collaborative performances blending Indonesian and Korean traditional arts. A captivating fusion of Indonesian mask dance and Javanese gamelan with Korean fan dance and bukchum (traditional drum dance) delighted audiences. This performance was the result of an intensive week-long collaboration between students of SMKN 1 Kasihan and a visiting Korean art instructor. Students of the Korean Language and Culture Program at FIB UGM supported the process as cultural interpreters and assistants, ensuring smooth communication and rehearsals that culminated in a widely praised performance.

Beyond the stage performances, the festival featured a wide array of programs highlighting the richness of Korean culture. Shows by Salmunori UGM, music and dance showcases, dongari exhibitions, noraebang, and random play dance sessions all contributed to the lively atmosphere. One of the most striking highlights was the Hanbok Fashion Show featuring works by Leesle, a renowned South Korean designer known for dressing prominent Korean celebrities. On this occasion, Leesle presented a special hanbok collection crafted using Indonesian batik fabric, creating designs that symbolized harmonious cultural fusion. The interplay of colors, patterns, and silhouettes embodied the true meaning of Oullim as a representation of unity expressed through artistic beauty.

The festival’s dynamic atmosphere was further enriched by Korean culinary booths serving complimentary dishes to visitors, from tteokbokki to a variety of popular street foods. Additionally, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) participated by providing information on South Korean tourism, interactive activities, and destination promotions. Various Korean cultural institutions and communities also contributed, enhancing the festival with educational programs, entertainment, and inclusive cultural engagement. Their involvement reinforced Yogyakarta’s position as one of Indonesia’s key centers for Korean cultural exchange.

In her remarks, the UGM Rector emphasized that the twenty-year continuity of Korean Day reflects the strong cultural relations between Yogyakarta and South Korea, as well as the university’s role in promoting international collaboration. The festival serves as a cultural meeting ground that enriches students’ perspectives and expands UGM’s global network through mutually beneficial partnerships. With its overarching theme of Oullim, the festival fosters an environment that embraces diversity and encourages deep appreciation of cross-cultural heritage.

Through the 2025 Festival Oullim Korea Yogyakarta, UGM hopes to further strengthen collaboration in cultural exchange, education, and academic partnerships between Indonesia and South Korea. The event aligns with key principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education through intercultural learning opportunities; SDG 11 on Sustainable Cities and Communities through cultural preservation; and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals through cooperative engagement among universities, government bodies, and international cultural organizations. In this way, the festival stands not only as a celebration of art but also as a meaningful contribution to building harmonious and sustainable global relations.

[Public Relations of FIB UGM, Candra Solihin]