Serena Zhang, a learner at KSI Montreal, Canada, has won the Canadian regional preliminary round of the 2026 KBS Quiz on Korea, earning the opportunity to represent Canada at the world finals to be held in Korea this September.
The KBS Quiz on Korea is an annual international quiz contest co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Broadcasting System ❲KBS❳. The program aims to enhance global understanding of and interest in Korea by testing participants’ knowledge of Korean history, culture, society, and arts. Winners of local preliminaries worldwide are invited to compete in the final round in Korea.

The Canadian preliminary round drew 42 official contestants and around 70 spectators, including family members, friends, and Montreal residents interested in Korean culture. This year’s event garnered attention for its distinctive concept inspired by the gwageo, the state civil service examinations of the Joseon Dynasty. In a striking display, all contestants wore gat, the traditional black horsehair hat worn by Joseon scholars. Cheongsachorong (traditional red-and-blue silk lanterns) illuminated the venue, while staff dressed in hanbok helped create an immersive atmosphere that transported participants and visitors alike back to the Joseon period.

Expectations for Serena Zhang are exceptionally high, particularly since Mari, a learner from KSI Tallinn, Estonia, won the KBS Quiz on Korea world finals last year. Many are watching closely to see whether a KSI learner can capture the title for a second consecutive year.

We sat down with Serena Zhang, who came out on top at the Montreal preliminaries and is set to represent Canada at the world finals in Korea this September. We asked her what sparked her passion for the language and culture, how she prepared for the contest, and her ultimate bucket list for her upcoming trip to Korea.

Q. Congratulations on winning the 2026 KBS Quiz on Korea Canadian preliminaries! Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us how you first became interested in the Korean language and Korean culture?

A. A. Hello. My name is Serena Zhang, and I have been studying Korean at KSI Montreal, Canada, since August 2025. I have long been fascinated by Korean culture, especially its television variety shows and social dynamics. For a long time, I naturally absorbed the language and culture by watching popular variety shows like Happy Together and The Return of Superman. What began as simple curiosity gradually developed into a desire to master the language and gain a better understanding of Korea. Once I enrolled in the King Sejong Institute, I was able to study Korean in a much more structured and meaningful way, while also meeting many wonderful people who share my passion for the Korean language and Korean culture.

Q. How did you feel when you found out you had won? Did you have any particular strategy or approach when preparing for the contest?

A. A. There were so many participants in the Montreal preliminary round who genuinely love Korean culture. I was amazed to see such a huge community of enthusiasts here in Montreal, and it was inspiring to meet individuals from different backgrounds who were united by a shared love for Korea.

The final round was an absolute whirlwind of intense, nail-biting moments. The contestants demonstrated impressive knowledge across a wide range of subjects, spanning Korean history, society, entertainment, and language. When I was announced as the winner, I honestly couldn’t believe it. When I walked up to the stage to receive my award certificate, it felt surreal, almost like a scene from a drama. It took some time for it to truly sink in.

To prepare for the contest, I watched videos from previous years on YouTube to familiarize myself with the format and the types of questions that might be asked. More than anything, however, my longstanding interest in Korean culture proved to be my greatest advantage. I am a huge fan of variety shows like New Journey to the West, where the cast travels to various destinations in Korea and around the world while playing games related to Korean history, language, culture, and society. Regularly watching these programs and consuming a wide range of Korean media content allowed me to build a broad base of knowledge naturally.

Q. From a Canadian perspective, what do you think is the most distinctive appeal of Korean culture?

A. A. One of the aspects of Korean culture that I find most appealing is the concept of jeong, the warm affection and emotional bonds that connects people. In my interactions with Koreans, I have experienced a welcoming atmosphere and genuine consideration for others. Canadians are also known for being friendly and courteous, so I find it interesting that Korean and Canadian cultures have these values in common. I believe this warmth and sense of community make Korean culture feel especially approachable to foreign learners like me.

At the same time, I am fascinated by Korea’s ppalli-ppalli (hurry-hurry) culture. I find the emphasis on efficiency, speed, and adaptability quite interesting, and I am impressed by how these qualities make the country so dynamic and innovative.

Q. You have been invited to Korea for the world finals this September. Is there a place you especially hope to visit or something you would like to experience while you are there?

A. A. It is a tremendous honor to represent Canada at the 2026 KBS Quiz on Korea world finals. While I’m doing my best to prepare for the contest, I’m equally excited about returning to Korea and meeting fellow contestants from all over the world who share my love for the language and culture.

Given the opportunity, I would love to visit the Gyeongju Historic Areas, often referred to as a “roofless museum” because of the remarkable concentration of Silla-era historical sites preserved there. As someone who is deeply invested in Korean history and culture, I believe it would be a very meaningful experience.

I would also like to try hongeo (fermented skate) someday. I’m intrigued because it’s mentioned so often on Korean variety shows, and learning about its extraordinarily pungent and unique flavor profile has made me even more curious. As one of Korea’s most unique traditional foods, it is definitely something I hope to experience firsthand.