English language textbooks for improving the cultural competence of EFL learners in Korea

The aim of this study is to understand how English textbooks in Korea reflect English education policies for improving Korean EFL learners' cultural competence. In order to achieve the purpose of this study, this research adopted the method of analyzing English textbooks because English textbook is an important tool that most specifically reflects the English education policy of a country. This study analyzed 15 English textbooks currently used in S. Korea. This research analyzed nouns/pronouns related to a culture presented in the reading passages and cultural sections included in each lesson, and investigated cultural diversity and national identity included in English language textbooks. As a result, this study could find that South Korea included cultural diversity through English language textbooks so that Korean EFL learners can cultivate cultural competence and promote their cultural pride in western culture in order to realize the goal of strengthening global capabilities. (C) 2022 The Authors. Published by IASE.