Exploring the possibilities and limits of metaverse as a Korean teaching resource. The case of the Sejong Institute´s metaverse proposal

Abstract

In recent times, metaverses have sparked public attention as a possible next stage of internet development, in which users will enjoy more immersive experiences using avatars combined with VR technology. Nowadays, there is not a single metaverse, as different companies are proposing their views on this concept. But how can the more immersive experience offered by metaverses change the world of online language education? There is no doubt that immersion, together with other elements enabled by metaverses, such as gamification, customization, and social interaction, open new horizons for online teaching. However, more empirical evidence needs to be gathered to find its most optimal applications for language teaching. This chapter seeks to analyze the possibilities and limits of the metaverse for Korean language teaching recently launched by the Sejong Institute, as it constitutes a significant example of the use of a virtual environment in Korean teaching. In 2022, the Sejong Institute launched a ZEP (Zettaverse Expansion Platform)-based project in which users could create avatars, freely explore digital environments simulating a Korean village, and face a series of language challenges. This research aims to explore the use of metaverses on second language acquisition with a focus on the Korean language and analyze the specific characteristics of the Sejong Institute’s proposal