By Cho A-la and Lee Hana

Since its launch in the Google and Apple app stores this past April, the Sejong Korean mobile application has been downloaded over 73,000 times, attracting attention from users all around the world.

The app has received many favorable reviews, too. One overseas user with the username elinaz rated the app by saying, "I love Sejong Korean app so much." Another, with the username benfor, said, "I recommended the app to my friends in Japan and China, and they really liked the app. We agreed that the app helps students learn more about Korea while learning the language."

One advantage of the app is that it need only be downloaded once on a mobile device. After that, no internet connection is necessary to access the app's many features.

On the app, users can look up vocabulary and listen to a native speaker pronounce the word in question. They can practice writing words in Hangeul directly onto their touch screen, and learn over 900 words with the help of pictures.

The app, which introduces around 1,700 basic words and phrases, is suitable for students preparing for the TOPIK levels 1 and 2. The app has sub-sections that include Word of the Day, vocabulary cards, games, and other features. The system language can be set to Korean, English or simplified Chinese.

"We're planning to launch another app at the beginning of next year that focuses on grammar constructions, speaking and pronunciation. As our app is really popular among users from Latin America, we have plans to make the app available in Spanish, as well," said a representative from the King Sejong Institute Foundation.

ala0919@korea.kr