VOL. 32/2021.04

It is not an exaggeration to say that most language books developed in Korea are focused on English education and that most of the exported books are English books for children and elementary schoolers. Language books made in Korea consist of multiple series and are categorized into different age groups and levels, not to mention the content and services provided alongside them. However, no matter how good the books are organized in the demanded style of overseas buyers and consumers, it is difficult for them to end up signing a sales contract.
Yet, there are still many cases where language materials made in Korea are exported to other countries. It is thanks to several distinct characteristics they have that they have such strong competitiveness. In the 1980s, there were not many language books solely made by Korean publishers, and in most cases, they imported or processed those of famous overseas publishers for sale in Korea. And it was an expected result that the imported books could not meet Koreans’ needs who learn English as their second language for the overseas books' difficulties or different curriculum.
Therefore, publishers and education companies in Korea have gotten down to developing language books and programs that best suit domestic learners’ taste and needs, especially for younger students. Taking the tide, from the early 2000s, language book publishers and education companies grew upon their independent development of language materials. The areas of those books expanded, too. From reference books for middle and high schoolers and books for college students and adults, more language-learning books for kids and elementary schoolers began to increase their share in the market.