A Needs Analysis on the Development and Application Design of a Short-term Korean Language Program for Thai Immigrant Workers

Since the implementation of the employment permit system in 2004, more than 100,000 immigrant workers have been entering the country every year. However, after entering the country, they have difficulty learning Korean due to irregular working hours and limited geographic mobility. The relative lack of Korean language programs for immigrant workers compared to those for international students and marriage immigrants is also a hindrance to Korean language learning. This study aims to conduct a needs analysis and develop a short-term Korean language program for Thai immigrant workers who have entered Korea. To this end, three needs analysis were performed. First, the existing textbooks for immigrant workers, textbook for EPS-TOPIK was analyzed. Second, the existing EPS-TOPIK learning app was analyzed. Third, based on the results of the analysis of the existing textbooks and apps, we surveyed Thai workers who actually entered Korea to examine their needs for the Korean language curriculum. Based on the results of the analysis, the ministry sought to develop a curriculum to design teaching requirements for Thai immigrant workers and use them in actual applications. In this manner, the government has been trying to provide basic data on the development of programs for immigrant workers who have been alienated from Korean language education sites.