KSIF Signs MOU with University of Missouri
Asian Affairs Center on Implementing
Sejong Korean Language Assessment
(SKA, iSKA)

> To be introduced for university students and local residents in 2026

> Establishing a foundation for cooperation in the promotion of Korean language and culture across universities and local communities

The King Sejong Institute Foundation (Acting President and Secretary General Choi Hyun-seung, hereafter referred to as KSIF) signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Missouri Asian Affairs Center (Director Sang Kim) on October 30 at the KSIF headquarters on implementing the Sejong Korean Language Assessment (SKA, iSKA).

With this agreement, the two institutions agreed to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including implementing and utilizing the Sejong Korean Language Assessment (SKA, iSKA), building and activating human and material networks, and identifying collaborative projects to promote Korean language and culture. As part of this initiative, the University of Missouri Asian Affairs Center plans to introduce and implement the Sejong Korean Language Assessment for students and local residents starting in 2026.

Developed by the KSIF, the Sejong Korean Language Assessment (SKA) is a paper-based test designed to evaluate the comprehensive Korean communication skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) of learners studying Korean as a second or foreign language. Its internet-based version, the Stepwise Adaptive Sejong Korean Language Assessment (iSKA), automatically adjusts the difficulty level of questions according to the test taker’s proficiency level.
 
 

Located in Columbia, Missouri, the University of Missouri is one of the state’s leading public universities. The Asian Affairs Center, established in 1998 through joint funding by the Missouri state government and the university, serves as a university-affiliated institution that promotes exchanges between the local community and Asia. The center has built extensive partnerships with universities, research institutions, and government agencies across Asia.

KSIF Secretary General Choi Hyun-seung stated, “Through this agreement, we expect University of Missouri students will accurately assess their Korean proficiency using the Sejong Korean Language Assessment and gain valuable guidance for their academic and career development.”

Sang Kim, Director of the University of Missouri Asian Affairs Center, remarked, “Through collaboration with the KSIF, we aim to enhance the quality of Korean language education in Missouri and further expand educational and cultural exchanges between Korea and the United States.”

Meanwhile, on the same day, the KSIF also signed a letter of intent with the Centre for Language Studies at the National University of Singapore to cooperate on Korean language education programs. Through these partnerships, the KSIF plans to expand the number of institutions administering the Sejong Korean Language Assessment and broaden its scope of application to the improve accessibility and effectiveness of Korean language evaluations worldwide.