KSIs Worldwide Celebrate Korean Language and Culture on Anniversary of King Sejong the Great’s Birthday
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작성일 2026-06-29
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KSIs Worldwide Celebrate Korean Language and Culture
on Anniversary of King Sejong the Great’s Birthday
on Anniversary of King Sejong the Great’s Birthday
> Preliminary rounds held at KSIs worldwide from May to June
> Korean Speaking & Writing Contest returns for 17th edition and Korean Culture Contest launched this year
> Some 400 qualifiers and award recipients to be invited to study in Korea this October
Timed for the anniversary of King Sejong the Great’s Birthday (May 15), the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF) has conducted the preliminary rounds of the 2026 KSI Korean Speaking & Writing Contest and the inaugural 2026 King Sejong Institute Korean Culture Contest at KSIs around the world.
The themes for the 17th edition of the KSI Korean Speaking & Writing Contest are “Korean in My Daily Life” and “Why I Learn Korean.” Participants shared personal stories about encountering Korean in the classroom and everyday life, the changes they have experienced while learning the language, and their future aspirations. The event featured learners of all proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced.
The themes for the 17th edition of the KSI Korean Speaking & Writing Contest are “Korean in My Daily Life” and “Why I Learn Korean.” Participants shared personal stories about encountering Korean in the classroom and everyday life, the changes they have experienced while learning the language, and their future aspirations. The event featured learners of all proficiency levels, from beginner to advanced.
Details of the KSI Korean Speaking & Writing Contest and the KSI Korean Culture Contest
A particularly notable development this year is the launch of the KSI Korean Culture Contest. Learners will be given a platform to express their appreciation for Korean culture beyond language by competing in one of three categories: K-Pop Dance, Traditional Music, and Traditional Dance. With the addition of cultural performances alongside the long-running speaking and writing contest, the event has evolved into a learner-centered festival where participants can showcase both their Korean language proficiency and their understanding of Korean culture.
KSI Outstanding Learner Invitation Program: Eligibility and Benefits
※ The exact number of invitees from among the top SKA scorers and the Hangeul Day contest winners will be finalized at a later date.
The KSIF plans to invite top performers from the contests to participate in the KSI Outstanding Learner Invitation Program in Korea. The program will include visits to historical and cultural sites in Korea, hands-on traditional Korean culture workshops, and opportunities to engage with KSI learners from around the world. This year, approximately 400 participants are expected to be invited in total, including around 230 preliminary round qualifiers from the KSI Korean Speaking & Writing Contest and around 140 prize winners from the Korean Culture Contest, as well as top scorers from the Sejong Korean Language Assessment (SKA) and winners of the Hangeul Day Campaign and Content Contest.
Final round of last year’s
KSI Korean Writing Contest
KSI Korean Writing Contest
Commemorative photo from last year’s
KSI Outstanding Learner Invitation Program
KSI Outstanding Learner Invitation Program
◇ Highlights from Preliminary Rounds of KSI Korean Speaking and Writing Contest Around the World
The preliminary rounds of the KSI Korean Speaking & Writing Contest were held across the globe, including in Ljubljana (Slovenia), Mexico City (Mexico), Chengdu (China), Siem Reap (Cambodia), and Zagreb (Croatia). Participants ranged from beginner to advanced Korean-language learners, who presented on the themes “Korean in My Daily Life” and “Why I Learn Korean.” In their presentations, they demonstrated their deep affection for the Korean language and Korean culture by weaving unique personal narratives around classroom milestones, daily encounters with the language, positive transformations they experienced through their studies, and their aspirations for the future.
Participants in the preliminary round of the KSI Korean Speaking Contest at the Siem Reap KSI, Cambodia
Each regional preliminary round reflected the unique character of its host institute. KSI Ljubljana, Slovenia, for instance, held its third speaking contest, with ten learners participating. At KSI Korean Cultural Center, Mexico, sixteen learners delivered presentations on the theme of the anniversary of King Sejong’s birth. KSI Chengdu1, China, organized separate divisions for current students, alumni, Korean language enthusiasts, and Korean majors both within and outside the university. Meanwhile, KSI Zagreb, Croatia, received applications from more than twenty learners. This was more than double the number recorded the previous year, demonstrating growing enthusiasm for the Korean language and Korean culture.
Audience members listening attentively to
presentations during the preliminary round of the
Korean speaking contest at KSI Ljubljana, Slovenia
presentations during the preliminary round of the
Korean speaking contest at KSI Ljubljana, Slovenia
Staff and teachers evaluating contestants’ videos
during the preliminary round of the Korean speaking
contest at KSI Chengdu1, China
during the preliminary round of the Korean speaking
contest at KSI Chengdu1, China
Preliminary contest at KSI Korean Cultural Center, Mexico
(From left) Samantha, second-place winner of the preliminary round,
delivering her presentation and other contest participants
(From left) Samantha, second-place winner of the preliminary round,
delivering her presentation and other contest participants
◇ [Winners] Stories of Determination and Growth in Learning the Korean Language
Strnad Tia, winner of the KSI Korean Speaking Contest at KSI Ljubljana, Slovenia, said, “This was my second time participating in the speaking contest after last year, and I was actually more nervous than I anticipated. I didn’t give up though. I did my best until the very end, so I’m extremely proud to have won.”
The ten contestants and judges at the preliminary round
of the Korean Speaking Contest at KSI Ljubljana, Slovenia
of the Korean Speaking Contest at KSI Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ramirez Arellano Brayan Jonhatan, winner of the KSI Korean Speaking Contest at the KSI Korean Cultural Center, Mexico, stated, “My fellow students at the KSI were so talented that I was quite nervous. I’m thrilled to have won, and I’m overjoyed that I now have the opportunity to visit Korea.”
Strnad Tia (right), winner of the preliminary round
of the Korean Speaking Contest at KSI Ljubljana,
Slovenia
of the Korean Speaking Contest at KSI Ljubljana,
Slovenia
Ramirez Arellano Brayan Jonhatan (left), winner of
preliminary round of the Korean Speaking Contest at
the KSI Korean Cultural Center, Mexico
preliminary round of the Korean Speaking Contest at
the KSI Korean Cultural Center, Mexico
At KSI Siem Reap, Cambodia, the grand prize was awarded to Bin Chamroeun, a student in the Sejong Korean 3A class, whose presentation resonated deeply with the audience. He said, “I am learning Korean not only for my own growth, but also so that I can contribute to my country and help Cambodians who face limited educational opportunities.” Meanwhile, Seam Sokkheng, who placed second, said, “This speaking contest was a valuable opportunity that taught me how to push beyond my own limits and embrace new challenges.”
Awards ceremony for the preliminary round of the Korean Speaking Contest at KSI Siem Reap, Cambodia
(From left) Grand Prize winner Bin Chamroeun, dispatched teacher Park Jeong-mi,
and 2nd place winner Seam Sokkheng (far right)
(From left) Grand Prize winner Bin Chamroeun, dispatched teacher Park Jeong-mi,
and 2nd place winner Seam Sokkheng (far right)
Mia, who won first place in the KSI Korean Writing Contest at KSI Zagreb, Croatia, said, “Preparing for the contest helped me improve my writing skills significantly, and I was able to create wonderful memories with my friends.” Marija, who placed second in the KSI Writing Contest, said, “Speaking in Korean in front of people is terrifying, but this experience helped me overcome that fear a little.”
Preliminary round of the Korean
Writing Contest at KSI Zagreb, Croatia
Writing Contest at KSI Zagreb, Croatia
Photo of winners of the preliminary round
of the 2026 KSI Korean Speaking & Writing
Contest at KSI Zagreb, Croatia
(From left) Local teacher Kim Geun-ji;
Marija, 2nd place winner in the Speaking
category; Mia, 1st place winner in the
Writing category; Lana, 3rd place winner in
the Speaking category; and dispatched
teacher Lee Hyo-ji
of the 2026 KSI Korean Speaking & Writing
Contest at KSI Zagreb, Croatia
(From left) Local teacher Kim Geun-ji;
Marija, 2nd place winner in the Speaking
category; Mia, 1st place winner in the
Writing category; Lana, 3rd place winner in
the Speaking category; and dispatched
teacher Lee Hyo-ji
The preliminary rounds were more than a mere competition. They offered opportunities for participants and audience members to experience and share Korean culture together. At KSI Ljubljana, Slovenia, last year’s winner Kurajić Tjaša gave a presentation about her visit to Korea, followed by a workshop on making traditional Korean crafts. At KSI Zagreb, Croatia, participants and audience members enjoyed gimbap and Korean beverages together. At KSI Siem Reap, Cambodia, even beginner learners could participate the fun Loanword Orthography OX Quiz, creating an engaging learning experience for everyone.
Participants taking part in the Loanword Orthography OX Quiz during the Korean Speaking Contest
at KSI Siem Reap, Cambodia
at KSI Siem Reap, Cambodia
Participants in the preliminary round at KSI Zagreb, Croatia, during a snack break
Article by Chung Yeon-kyun, Correspondent at the KSI Ljubljana, Slovenia
Article by Kim Soo-bin, Correspondent at the KSI Mexican Cultural Center, Mexico
Article by Oh So-ra, Correspondent at the KSI Chengdu1, China
Article by Park Jung-mi, Correspondent at the KSI Siem Reap, Cambodia
Article by Lee Hyo-ji, Correspondent at the KSI Zagreb, Croatia
Article by Kim Soo-bin, Correspondent at the KSI Mexican Cultural Center, Mexico
Article by Oh So-ra, Correspondent at the KSI Chengdu1, China
Article by Park Jung-mi, Correspondent at the KSI Siem Reap, Cambodia
Article by Lee Hyo-ji, Correspondent at the KSI Zagreb, Croatia
