Indonesian AI-based Korean language learning startup KoreanMate has entered a new phase of its growth strategy by partnering with Chungbuk National University’s Global K-Culture Department to connect aspiring Indonesian students with higher education opportunities in Korea. Backed by an earlier investment from Webtoon Today (오늘의웹툰), the initiative reflects how Korean investment in edtech is driving cultural exchange and expanding Korean cultural exports across Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving edtech sector.

KoreanMate Partnership: Backed by Webtoon Today Investment

The agreement, signed on August 5, 2025, creates a formal pathway for outstanding Indonesian learners to enter Chungbuk National University’s Global K-Culture Department — a program designed to train foreign students as Korean language educators and cultural specialists.

Under the partnership, KoreanMate will act as a bridge, identifying and connecting Indonesian students eager to study in Korea with the university’s academic offerings.

This initiative supports Chungbuk National University’s “glocal” talent acquisition strategy and regional revitalization efforts, while providing KoreanMate’s user base with direct access to formal study opportunities in Korea.

Jin Su-geul, CEO of Webtoon Today, said, “Since the main purpose of our users’ Korean learning is to study abroad, this agreement will help them achieve their goals. Through Korean language education and community services, we aim to create synergy with Chungbuk National University.”

Meanwhile, Ryu Gi-taek, head of the Global K-Culture Department’s planning committee said, “Given the department’s nature, having students from diverse countries will maximize academic effectiveness. We expect this agreement with KoreanMate to bring in highly motivated, tailored talent from Indonesia.”

KoreanMate’s AI Korean Language Edtech Model and Growth Metrics

Founded in Indonesia as PT Korean Culture Mate, KoreanMate develops and operates MATE, an AI-powered Korean language learning application that combines AI tutoring with interactive community features, allowing learners to practice Korean in real-time while engaging with peers who share a passion for Korean culture.

The startup reports that its main user base consists of Indonesians in their early 20s with ambitions to study in Korea. Since launching MATE, KoreanMate has recorded 20,000 downloads and over 10,000 monthly active users within three months — strong early traction in the competitive Southeast Asian language learning market.

Webtoon Today: Role in KoreanMate’s Growth

Webtoon Today (오늘의웹툰), led by CEO Jin Su-geul, is a Korean webtoon analytics startup, established and invested in KoreanMate’s Indonesian entity. This backing exemplifies a broader trend of Korean companies leveraging cultural content expertise to shape foreign edtech markets.

By embedding Korean cultural elements into its product, KoreanMate advances Korea’s cultural export strategy while meeting rising regional demand for Korean language skills. The partnership with Chungbuk National University further strengthens this model by offering a complete pipeline from online language learning to in-country higher education.

Chungbuk National University’s Global K-Culture Department

The Global K-Culture Department was created to attract international talent and enhance the vitality of the Chungbuk region. Scheduled to launch its undergraduate program in the 2026 academic year, the department will equip students with deep expertise in the Korean language, culture, and K-content, aiming to develop professional Korean language educators and cultural experts.

To ensure foreign students can adapt successfully, the university plans to provide settlement assistance, cultural integration programs, and opportunities for regional career development.

Korea–Southeast Asia Edtech: Cultural Content Meets Academic Pathways

For Korea’s startup and education ecosystem, this partnership demonstrates how foreign startups with Korean investment can contribute to bilateral talent and knowledge exchange. It highlights a model where cultural content, AI technology, and higher education intersect to strengthen Korea’s soft power while fostering new market opportunities abroad.

With Southeast Asia’s edtech sector continuing to expand, initiatives like this may offer a blueprint for future Korean-backed global collaborations — combining commercial growth with cultural and educational exchange.

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