Korean American Center Achieves First WASC Accreditation for Korean Language in the U.S.

Korean American Center Makes History as First WASC-Accredited Korean Language Center in the U.S.

In a monumental advancement for Korean language education in the United States, the Korean American Center (KAC) in Irvine, California, has secured full accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). This achievement marks KAC as the first organization of its kind, dedicated to Korean language and cultural education, to receive such a prestigious status.

A New Chapter for Korean Language Education

On May 7, 2025, KAC celebrated this historic recognition, which signifies a turning point in how Korean language education is perceived and delivered across the nation. Previously, these educational offerings lacked the acknowledgment they deserved within the broader landscape of language education in the U.S. The Executive Director of KAC, Tammy Kim, expressed her enthusiasm about the accreditation, stating, "For far too long, Korean language education lacked the recognition it deserves. This accreditation finally changes that."

This landmark moment is a vital step toward establishing Korean alongside other globally respected languages, ensuring that students—many of whom are on a journey of rediscovering their heritage—have access to high-quality educational resources that are both academically rigorous and culturally enriching.

The Role of Community and Cultural Identity

The Korean American Center has long served as a bridge between generations, fostering understanding and connection among Korean Americans and their broader communities. Since its establishment in 2015, the center has provided a wide array of programs, including Korean language instruction for all ages, cultural workshops, and enrichment activities. In 2018, it was designated as a King Sejong Institute by the South Korean government, which aims to promote Korean language education globally.

Elizabeth Oberreiter, Chair of the WASC Visiting Committee, emphasized the importance of KAC's community partnerships and culturally relevant programming, stating, "KAC exemplifies how strong community partnerships can foster meaningful, intergenerational learning." This sentiment captures the essence of the center's mission, which extends beyond merely teaching a language to nurturing pride and visibility within the Korean American community.

A Message of Validation

With WASC accreditation, KAC can assure learners—whether they are reconnecting with their roots or pursuing personal and professional language goals—that they are receiving education under a system of accountability designed for excellence and continuous improvement. Acknowledging that learning Korean is as valid and significant as any other world language sends a powerful message that resonates deeply with students and instructors alike.

Lead Instructor Sunny Paek remarked on this validation, stating, "For our students, this recognition sends a powerful message that learning Korean is just as serious, valid, and meaningful as any other world language. As a teacher, it's gratifying to know that our work is now backed by a formal system of accountability."

About WASC and KAC

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the U.S., providing support to schools globally and emphasizing quality assurance to ensure educational programs meet high standards.

KAC now stands as a model for community-based language education, effectively setting a new standard for how language and cultural studies can be interwoven in an educational setting. With this recognition, the future of Korean language education in the United States looks brighter than ever.

To learn more about the Korean American Center and its offerings, visit Korean American Center.