Exploring Korean Language Teachers’ Perceptions of Intercultural Education : Applying Q-Methodology

This study aims to explore the perception types of Korean language teachers regarding intercultural education by applying the Q methodology. The purpose is to understand the ‘direction for good intercultural education’ as perceived by these teachers and to lay the foundational groundwork for the introduction of intercultur al education in Korean language and culture education. The P sample (participants) consists of 19 Korean language teachers who have obtained at least a Level 2 Kore an language teaching certification. The study results reveal six types of perceptions regarding the direction for good intercultural education among Korean language teachers: ‘Pursuing Intercultural Education for Communication Enhancement,’ ‘Pursuing Activity-Centered Inter cultural Education,’ ‘Focusing on the Utilization of Various Media for Intercul tural Education,’ ‘Emphasizing Improvement of Intercultural Awareness between Teachers and Learners, Enhancing Korean Language Teachers’ Intercultural Communication Competence,’ ‘Pursuing Governance of Intercultural Education.’ Based on these findings, the study provides implications for the implementation of intercultural education in future Korean language and culture education.