KSI Miskolc, Hungary, Officially Opens
in Celebration of Hangeul Day
> Fourth KSI established in Hungary, expanding opportunities for Korean language and culture education in northern region
> Harmony Korean Culture Festival held on October 9 to celebrate opening of KSI Miskolc
A new KSI has opened at the University of Miskolc, a public comprehensive university in northern Hungary. This brings the number of KSIs operating in Hungary to four, further expanding opportunities for local students and residents to learn and experience Korean language and culture in a structured way.
Located in the university’s archival building, KSI Miskolc began offering two beginner-level Korean language classes on September 17. Classes are held every Wednesday and Friday for two hours each. Using KSIF textbooks, the curriculum focuses on Hangeul and basic daily conversation, and participation is open to everyone free of charge. Learners who attend more than 70 percent of the classes are eligible to take a final exam that assesses listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and those who pass receive a certificate of completion.
The official opening ceremony, held on October 9 in celebration of Hangeul Day, was attended by Yu Hye-ryong, director of KSI Korean Cultural Center, Hungary, and Zita Horváth, president of the University of Miskolc, along with key representatives from both countries who celebrated the establishment of the new KSI.
At the ceremony, Director Yu Hye-ryong stated, “The opening of KSI Miskolc, Hungary’s fourth KSI, reflects the growing local interest in Korean language and culture. We hope this new KSI will become a place of opportunity for both students and citizens.” President Zita Horváth added, “It’s a great honor that our university was selected among 77 applicant institutions worldwide. We look forward to KSI Miskolc serving as a platform for expanding cooperation with leading Korean universities and companies.”
Opening ceremony of KSI Miskolc
(From left) Zita Horváth, president of the University of Miskolc; Yu Hye-ryong, director of KSI Korean
Cultural Center, Hungary; and a Korean traditional music ensemble performing at the celebration
Meanwhile, KSI Korean Cultural Center, Hungary, hosted the Harmony Korean Culture Festival on the University of Miskolc campus to commemorate the opening of KSI Miskolc. Participants enjoyed a wide variety of programs celebrating the richness of Korean culture, including Korean cooking, calligraphy, and musical performances. During the Korean cooking session led by Kim Tae-yeon, CEO of The Kimchi Institute, participants experienced the flavors and visual artistry of Korean cuisine firsthand and learned about the central role of kimchi and fermented foods in Korean culinary culture. In the calligraphy experience zone, participants celebrated Hangeul Day by writing in Korean brush calligraphy, taking time to appreciate the artistic beauty of Hangeul. The festival concluded with musical performances by R&B K-pop singer ROZU and the traditional Korean music ensemble SOAK, whose impressive performances received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Scene from the Harmony Korean Culture Festival celebrating the opening of KSI Miskolc
(From left) Participants tasting kimchi and participants practicing Hangeul brush calligraphy
The opening of KSI Miskolc is breathing new life into Korean language and culture education in Hungary. Going forward, KSI Miskolc will serve as a hub of learning and cultural exchange for those who love Korean language and culture.
Article by KSI Correspondent Mary