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FRAMEWORK ACT ON KOREAN LANGUAGE

Act No. 7368, Jan. 27, 2005

Amended by Act No. 8852, Feb. 29, 2008

Act No. 9003, Mar. 28, 2008

Act No. 9491, Mar. 18, 2009

Act No. 10584, Apr. 14, 2011

Act No. 11424, May 23, 2012

Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013

Act No. 14625, Mar. 21, 2017

Act No. 16589, Nov. 26, 2019

CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS
 Article 1 (Purpose)
The purpose of this Act is to enhance the quality of cultural lifestyle of people and contribute to the development of Korean ethnic culture by fostering people's creative thinking by encouraging the use of the Korean language and establishing the foundation for the development and conservation of the Korean language.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 2 (Fundamental Concepts)
The State and people shall recognize that the Korean language is the most valuable cultural heritage of the nation and driving force for cultural creativity and exert every effort in developing the Korean language, thereby contributing to establishing the identity of the national cultures and preserving the Korean language, to bequeath it to the next generations.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 3 (Definitions)
The terms used in this Act are defined as follows:
1. The term "Korean language" means Korean as the official language of the Republic of Korea;
2. The term "Hangul" means the alphabetic unique letters to Korea used for writing the Korean language;
3. The term "language norms" means norms necessary for using the Korean language, established through deliberations by the National Language Deliberation Council under Article 13, including the rules of Hangul spelling, standard language rules, standard language pronunciation, loanword orthography and the romanization of Korean language;
4. The term "Korean language aptitude" means the ability to listen, speak, read, write, etc., which is necessary for accurately expressing and understanding thoughts, feelings, etc. through the Korean language.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 4 (Responsibilities of State and Local Governments)
(1) The State and local governments shall actively respond to the changing environment for using languages and endeavor for the development and preservation of the Korean language by, for example, enhancing the people's Korean language aptitude and preserving local dialects.
(2) The State and local governments shall establish and implement necessary policies to ensure that people who are linguistically impaired due to any mental or physical disability can use the Korean language without inconvenience.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 5 (Relationship to Other Statutes)
This Act shall apply, except as provided for in other Acts with respect to the use, dissemination, etc. of the Korean language.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
CHAPTER II FORMULATION OF MASTER PLANS ON DEVELOPMENT OF KOREAN LANGUAGE
 Article 6 (Formulation of Master Plans for Development of Korean Language)
(1) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall establish and implement master plans for the development of the Korean language (hereinafter referred to as "master plan") every five years for the development and preservation of the Korean language.
(2) Where the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism intends to establish a master plan, he or she shall submit it to undergo deliberation thereon by the Korean Language Deliberation Council under Article 13.
(3) A master plan shall include the following matters: <Amended on Act No. 14625, Mar. 21, 2017>
1. Matters concerning the basic direction-setting and objectives of policies on the Korean language;
2. Matters concerning the enactment and revision of language norms;
3. Matters concerning the enhancement of the people's Korean language aptitude and improvement of the environment for using the Korean language;
4. Matters concerning the linking of Korean language policies and Korean language education;
5. Matters concerning the propagation of the value of the Korean language and preservation of the cultural heritage of the Korean language;
6. Matters concerning the overseas dissemination of the Korean language;
7. Matters concerning the informatization of the Korean language;
8. Matters concerning measures for unifying the languages of North and South Koreas;
9. Matters concerning methods to relieve Koreans who are linguistically impaired due to any mental or physical disability or foreigners living in Korea of inconvenience in using the Korean language;
10. Matters concerning purification of the Korean language and standardization and systematization of technical terms;
11. Matters concerning the promotion of activities by the private sector for the development of the Korean language;
12. Other matters concerning the use, development and preservation of the Korean language.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 7 (Establishment of Implementation Plans)
(1) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall establish and implement a detailed plan (hereinafter referred to as "implementation plan") to implement a master plan.
(2) Where necessary to establish and implement implementation plans, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may request cooperation from the head of a relevant agency, among governmental agencies, local governments, public institutions under the Act on the Management of Public Institutions, and special corporations established under other Acts (hereinafter referred to as "public institutions").
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 8 (Reporting)
The Government shall submit measures on the development and preservation of the Korean language and a report on the results of implementing the measures to the National Assembly every year, by no later than the opening of a regular session of the National Assembly. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 9 (Fact-Finding Surveys)
(1) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may collect data or research facts on the people's Korean language aptitude, awareness of the Korean language, environment for using the Korean language, etc., which are necessary for establishing Korean language-related policies.
(2) Where necessary for data collection or fact-finding under paragraph (1), the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may request government agencies, or corporations or organizations related to the Korean language, to submit data or present their opinions.
(3) Matters necessary for fact-finding regarding the Korean language aptitude, awareness of the Korean language, environment for using the Korean language, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 10 (Designation of Officers to be in Charge of Korean Language)
(1) The head of a state agency or local government shall designate a person to be in charge of the Korean language, from among public officials under his or her control, to exercise overall control over the affairs of developing and preserving the Korean language. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>
(2) Matters necessary for the designation, duties, etc. of a person to be in charge of the Korean language under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
CHAPTER III PROMOTION OF USING KOREAN LANGUAGE AND DISSEMINATION OF KOREAN LANGUAGE
 Article 11 (Enactment of Language Norms)
The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall enact language norms after they have undergone deliberation by the Korean Language Council under Article 13 and announce the details thereof in the Official Gazette. This shall also apply where he or she intends to revise them.
[This Act Wholly Amended on Act No. 10584, Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 12 (Impact Assessment of Language Norms)
(1) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall assess the impact of language norms on the people's use of the Korean language, practicality and rationality of language norms, and other factors and then reflect the outcomes thereof in policies.
(2) Matters necessary for items, methods and timing for the assessment under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 13 (Korean Language Deliberation Council)
(1) The Korean Language Deliberation Council (hereinafter referred to as the "Korean Language Council") shall be established under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to deliberate on important matters for the development and preservation of the Korean language.
(2) The Korean Language Deliberation Council shall deliberate on the following matters:
1. Matters concerning the formulation of a master plan;
2. Matters concerning the enactment and revision of language norms;
3. Other matters concerning the development and preservation of the Korean language that the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism refers to a meeting.
(3) The Korean Language Council shall be comprised of not more than 60 members, including one chairperson and one vice-chairperson.
(4) The chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be elected from among members, and members shall be appointed by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, from among people with expert knowledge in Korean linguistics, linguistics, or other related areas.
(5) The Korean Language Deliberation Council may have subcommittees deliberate on matters under each subparagraph of paragraph (2).
(6) Matters necessary for the organization, operation, etc. of the Korean Language Council under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 14 (Preparation of Official Documents)
(1) Public institutions, etc. shall prepare official documents in Hangul in accordance with language norms, using terms and sentences which ordinary citizens easily understand: Provided, That Chinese characters or other foreign letters may be entered in parentheses, in cases prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>
(2) Other necessary matters concerning the use of Hangul in official documents prepared by public institutions, etc. shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 15 (Dissemination of Korean Language Culture)
(1) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall actively implement PR activities and education by using newspapers, broadcasting, magazines, the Internet or electronic display panels, so that desirable Korean language culture is disseminated.
(2) Mass media such as newspapers, broadcasting, magazines, or the Internet shall endeavor to contribute to the people's appropriate use of the Korean language.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 16 (Promoting Informatization of Korean Language)
(1) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall actively implement various projects for the informatization of the Korean language so that a new culture is created by generating and using knowledge and information through the Korean language.
(2) The State shall implement necessary policies to ensure the convenient use of the Korean language by people who use the information and communications network, such as the Internet and remote information and communications service network.
(3) Providers of information and communications services under subparagraph 3 of Article 2 of the Act on Promotion of Information and Communications Network Utilization and Information Protection, etc. shall implement necessary measures so that the people can use the Korean language conveniently.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 17 (Standardization of Technical Terms)
(1) The State shall disseminate technical terms by standardizing and systematizing technical terms in each area, to ensure that citizens can use such terms in an easy and convenient manner. <Amended on Mar. 21, 2017>
(2) A technical term standardization council shall be established under a central administrative agency to standardize and systematize technical terms under paragraph (1). <Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017>
(3) Procedures for standardization and systematization of technical terms, the composition and operation of the technical term standardization council, and other matters shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. <Newly Inserted on Mar. 21, 2017>
 Article 18 (Compliance with Language Norms in Curriculum Books)
The Minister of Education shall comply with language norms where he or she compiles, authorizes or recognizes curriculum books under Article 29 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and, where necessary therefor, he or she may consult with the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 19 (Dissemination of Korean Language)
(1) The State shall implement projects necessary for disseminating the Korean language, such as developing curriculum and teaching materials and training experts, for foreigners who intend to learn the Korean language and overseas Koreans under the Act on the Immigration and Legal Status of Overseas Koreans (hereinafter referred to as "overseas Korean")
(2) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may grant qualification to persons who intend to teach the Korean language to overseas Koreans or foreigners, and issue certificates of qualification to them. <Amended on Nov. 26, 2019>
(3) Matters necessary for qualifications, methods of certification, etc. under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 19-2 (Establishment of King Sejong Institute Foundation)
(1) For the efficient diffusion of the Korean language as a foreign language or a second language, the State shall establish the King Sejong Institute Foundation (hereinafter referred to as the "Foundation").
(2) The Foundation shall be a body corporate.
(3) The Foundation shall have a chairperson, directors and auditors as its executive officerss, and while the fixed number of the executive officers, their term of office, the method of electing them, etc. shall be prescribed by the Foundation’s articles of incorporation, the executives shall be appointed or dismissed by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism following the consultation with the Minister of Education. <Amended on Mar. 23, 2013>
(4) The Foundation shall have necessary employees as provided by its articles of incorporation.
(5) The Foundation shall perform the following services:
1. Designation of King Sejong Institutes among the institutions or courses teaching the Korean language as a foreign language or a second language and Korean culture, and support for them;
2. Development and operation of the web site (www.sejonghakdang.org) which provides on-line education of the Korean language as a foreign language or a second language and Korean culture;
3. Dissemination of standard curriculum for the Korean language and teaching aids to King Sejong Institutes;
4. Support for training, education, or dispatch of the Korean language instructors of King Sejong Institutes;
5. Implementation of cultural education and publicity programs through King Sejong Institutes;
6. Other services necessary for the diffusion of the Korean language as a foreign language or a second language.
(6) If deemed necessary for the implementation of the services stipulated in paragraph (5) performed by the Foundation, the State may organize and operate the King Sejong Institute Policy Council which shall be comprised of public officials who belong to the related central administrative agencies, experts from the organizations concerned, etc. as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(7) The State may subsidize expenses required for the establishment of the Foundation, facilities, operation, etc. thereof, within budgetary limits.
(8) In order to raise funds for the expenses necessary to achieve the purposes of services prescribed in paragraph (5), the Foundation may operate a profit-making business, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(9) In order to support the operation, services, etc. of the Foundation, juristic persons, private individuals, or organizations may contribute or donate cash or other property.
(10) With respect to matters pertaining to the Foundation not prescribed by this Act and the Act on the Management of Public Institutions, the provisions of the Civil Act concerning incorporated foundations shall apply mutatis mutandis.
[This Article Newly Inserted on May 23, 2012]
 Article 19-3 (Revocation of Qualification)
(1) Where a person who is issued a certificate of qualification under Article 19 (2) falls under any of the following subparagraphs, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall cancel the qualification:
1. Where he or she has acquired qualifications by fraud or other improper means;
2. Where he or she has lent his or her certificate of qualification issued under Article 19 (2) to any other person.
[This Article Newly Inserted on Nov. 26, 2019]
 Article 20 (Hangul Proclamation Day)
(1) In order to introduce the unique and scientific features of Hangul at home and overseas and to raise nationwide awareness of and affection for Hangul, the Government shall designate the ninth day of October every year as Hangul Proclamation Day and hold commemorative events.
(2) Matters necessary for commemorative events under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 21 (Supporting Activities of Private Organizations)
The State and local governments may render necessary support within budgetary limits to corporations, organizations, etc. that engage in activities to develop and preserve the Korean language.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
CHAPTER IV IMPROVEMENT OF KOREAN LANGUAGE APTITUDE
 Article 22 (Policies for Enhancing Korean Language Aptitude)
(1) The State and local governments shall endeavor to provide fair opportunities for enhancing the Korean language aptitude of the people and establish and implement policies necessary for enhancing the Korean language aptitude.
(2) To effectively implement policies under paragraph (1), a consultative agency among related central administrative agencies may be organized and operated.
(3) Matters necessary for the organization and operation of a consultative agency under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 23 (Examination of Korean Language Aptitude)
(1) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may examine Korean language aptitude to improve the people's Korean language aptitude and establish creative use of language.
(2) Matters necessary for the method, procedure, details and timing of the examination of the Korean language aptitude under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 24 (Designation. of Centers for Korean Language and Culture)
(1) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may designate as centers for Korean language and culture, specialized institutions or organizations related to the Korean language or institutions annexed to schools under Article 2 of the Higher Education Act that have a specialized workforce and facilities prescribed by Presidential Decree, so as to enhance the Korean language aptitude of the people and provide consultation related to the Korean language.
(2) The State may partially subsidize expenses incurred in the operation of centers for Korean language and culture designated under paragraph (1), within budgetary limits.
(3) When the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism recognizes that a designated center for Korean language and culture has difficulty functioning as a center for Korean language and culture because it has failed to maintain a specialized workforce and facilities, he or she may cancel the designation thereof.
(4) Matters necessary for the method, etc. of designation of centers for Korean language and culture under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
CHAPTER V SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
 Article 25 (Consultation)
Where the head of a central administrative agency intends to enact or revise statutes or regulations that include matters related to the use of the Korean language, he or she shall first consult thereon with the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
 Article 26 (Hearings)
When intending to make any of the following dispositions, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall hold a hearing.
1. Revocation of qualification under Article 19-3;
2. Revocation of the designation of a center for Korean language and culture under Article 24 (3).
[This Article Wholly Amended on Nov. 26, 2019]
 Article 27 (Delegation and Entrustment of Authority)
(1) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may delegate part of his or her authority under this Act to the Special Metropolitan City Mayor, Metropolitan City Mayor, Do Governor or the Governor of a Special Self-Governing Province, as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
(2) The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism may entrust part of the affairs bestowed under this Act to related institutions, organizations, etc., as prescribed by Presidential Decree.
[This Article Wholly Amended on Apr. 14, 2011]
ADDENDA <Act No. 7368, Jan. 27, 2005>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Repeal of Other Statutes)
The Exclusive Usage of 'Hangul' Act shall be repealed.
Article 3 (Applicable Examples concerning Preparation of Official Documents)
The provisions of Article 14 shall apply beginning with the first official documents prepared after this Act enters into force.
Article 4 (Transitional Measures concerning Language Norms)
Language norms under Article 7 of the previous Culture and Arts Promotion Act at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed language norms under Article 11.
Article 5 (Transitional Measures concerning Korean Language Council)
The Korean Language Council established under Article 6 of the previous Culture and Arts Promotion Act at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed the Korean Language Council established under Article 13.
Article 6 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 8852, Feb. 29, 2008>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Decree shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. (Proviso Omitted.)
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 9003, Mar. 28, 2008>
(1) (Enforcement Date) This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
(2) (Transitional Measures) The Korean language counselling centers already designated at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed to be designated as Korean language and culture institutes under the revised provisions of Article 24.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 9491, Mar. 18, 2009>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 10584, Apr. 14, 2011>
This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11424, May 23, 2012>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
This Act shall enter into force three months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 (Transitional Measures concerning International Korean Language Foundation)
(1) The International Korean Language Foundation established with the permission from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism under Article 32 of the Civil Act as at the time this Act enters into force shall prepare the articles of incorporation under this Act and register the incorporation of the Foundation under this Act within two months after this Act enters into force after obtaining the authorization from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
(2) Upon completing the registration of incorporation under paragraph (1), the International Korean Language Foundation shall be deemed dissolved, notwithstanding the provisions of the Civil Act concerning the dissolution and liquidation of a juristic person.
(3) The Foundation provided for in this Act shall succeed to all the rights, duties and property relations of the International Korean Language Foundation on the date of its registration of incorporation.
ADDENDA <Act No. 11690, Mar. 23, 2013>
Article 1 (Enforcement Date)
(1) This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation.
(2) Omitted.
Articles 2 through 7 Omitted.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 14625, Mar. 21, 2017>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
ADDENDUM <Act No. 16589, Nov. 26, 2019>
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.