Criteria For Selecting Country Studies Texts In Korean Language Education And Their Significance In Developing Socio-Cultural Competence

Socio-cultural competence is a key skill in the digital age, enabling students to critically evaluate information sources related to Korean culture, identify reliable data, and engage with cultural contexts responsibly. This article explores the significance of country studies texts in Korean language education for developing socio-cultural competence and presents the main criteria for selecting such texts. By linking criteria such as authenticity, modernity, cultural relevance, language complexity level, and alignment with the curriculum to practical strategies, the article provides a foundation for enhancing students’ socio-cultural competence. Practical strategies include applying a three-stage system for working with texts, exercises for analyzing cultural realities, comparative analysis, and independent projects aimed at deepening cultural knowledge. These approaches not only enrich students’ understanding of Korean culture but also promote thoughtful and analytical engagement. This article contributes to the development of teaching methodologies that foster conscious, reflective, and ethically responsible socio-cultural competence in students.