The demand for Korean speakers in Cambodia has increased dramatically in the last decade. Visitors from Korea form the single largest group of tourists to Cambodia, Korean industrial investment in Cambodia has boomed, and Korean-Cambodian relationships at both governmental and grassroots levels have increased exponentially.

Students who possess a certification of Korean language are eligible for various jobs within sectors cooperating with the Korean government, affiliated Korean organizations and private companies. In addition, they can work as teachers, translators or interpreters, and tourist guides. The Department of Korean Studies at the Institute of Foreign Language of the Royal University of Phnom Penh advances the study of Korean language in Cambodia by offering both a complete four-year Bachelor of Arts degree and non-degree intensive short courses.