> KSI is designated for the first time in 6 countries: Peru, Malawi, Côte d'Ivoire, Iceland, Austria, and Slovenia, operating 248 locations in 85 countries worldwide
> KSI learners reach 100,000; “Korean learning craze expected to continue”

The King Sejong Institute Foundation held the KSI Designation Contest 2023 and designated 19 new locations in 16 countries. Accordingly, the number of KSI locations around the world has increased to 248 in 85 countries. The number of students also exceeded 100,000 for the first time in 2022, reaching 117,636.

With the spread of K-culture, the demand for Korean language learning is increasing not only in Asia but also in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In line with this demand, KSIF holds a public contest for KSI designation every year. In 2023, 81 institutions in 35 countries applied for designation as new KSIs. KSIF set up the KSI Designation Review Committee, composed of experts in Korean education and overseas regions, for the designation of new KSI locations. For screening, ▲ demand and supply of Korean language learning in the region, ▲ facility conditions (classrooms and reference rooms of the KSI operating institution), ▲ staff capacity (Korean instructors, operating staff, etc.) were considered, and 19 locations were finally selected.

With the addition of the new locations, KSI will open for the first time in six countries, including Peru, Malawi, Côte d'Ivoire, Iceland, Austria, and Slovenia, contributing to more professional Korean education and the dissemination of Korean culture.

KSIF plans to expand the designation of new KSI around the world so the Korean language learning fever will continue, while upgrading KSI services through courses tailored to the purposes and levels of learners and diversifying Korean instructors and textbooks.