Diverse Korean Culture Around the World: Sejong Culture Academy
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작성일 2026-08-21
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Diverse Korean Culture Around the World:
Sejong Culture Academy
Sejong Culture Academy
> Distinctive cultural programs offered around the world, including Cambodia, Egypt, and Vietnam
> Local Audiences Experience Diverse Korean Culture, from K-Beauty and Traditional Arts to K-Content and Hansik
Sejong Culture Academy is a cultural program designed to help KSI learners around the world study Korea’s traditional and contemporary culture in depth and experience it firsthand. In 2026, programs span areas that reflect local interest and demand, including K-beauty, taekwondo, samulnori, buchaechum, hanbok, Korean literature, films and dramas, and hansik. The following highlights showcase participants engaging with Korean culture, along with upcoming programs organized by theme.
K-Beauty
K-Beauty Academy to Be Held in Cambodia for the First Time
Date: August 10-15, 2026
Location: KSI Siem Reap and a local Hangeul school
Location: KSI Siem Reap and a local Hangeul school
KSI Siem Reap, Cambodia, will hold the first Sejong Culture Academy in Cambodia focused on K-beauty. Although the institute has previously operated taekwondo and Korean culture classes with support from the KSIF, this is the first time a K-beauty course, long requested by learners, will be offered. KSI Siem Reap will organize and run the program, with a local Hangeul school also participating, for a total of seven classes.
The program will begin at KSI Siem Reap on August 10 and conclude at the Hangeul school on August 15. Separate classes are planned for male participants and teenagers. Six classes will be conducted in Korean with Khmer interpretation, while the teen course will be taught in English. As demand for Korean cosmetics continues to grow steadily in Cambodia, strong interest and participation from local learners are expected.
The program will begin at KSI Siem Reap on August 10 and conclude at the Hangeul school on August 15. Separate classes are planned for male participants and teenagers. Six classes will be conducted in Korean with Khmer interpretation, while the teen course will be taught in English. As demand for Korean cosmetics continues to grow steadily in Cambodia, strong interest and participation from local learners are expected.
Reported by Park Jung-mi, Correspondent at KSI Siem Reap, Cambodia
Hands-on Practice in the Latest Makeup and Skin-Care Techniques
Date: July 20, 2026
Location: KSI Cairo, Egypt
Location: KSI Cairo, Egypt
KSI Cairo, Egypt, held the 2026 K-Beauty Academy for its learners. Professional instructors from Korea introduced the latest K-beauty makeup trends and skin-care techniques, leading a three-hour lecture and hands-on workshop so participants could learn and practice the techniques firsthand.
With strong interest and active participation from local learners, the event gave learners a valuable opportunity to explore both K-beauty and the wider diversity of Korean culture. One participant said it was very useful and enjoyable to learn about and experience the latest Korean beauty techniques firsthand, while program staff expressed hope that the academy would help spread Hallyu in Egypt.
With strong interest and active participation from local learners, the event gave learners a valuable opportunity to explore both K-beauty and the wider diversity of Korean culture. One participant said it was very useful and enjoyable to learn about and experience the latest Korean beauty techniques firsthand, while program staff expressed hope that the academy would help spread Hallyu in Egypt.
Reported by Fatma Nafea, Correspondent at KSI Cairo, Egypt
From Personal Colors to Cloud Skin Makeup
Date: July 6-8, 2026
Location: KSI Ho Chi Minh City 5, Vietnam
Location: KSI Ho Chi Minh City 5, Vietnam
KSI Ho Chi Minh City 5, Vietnam, held six K-beauty cultural classes over three days with Seo Ho-bin, an expert from Amorepacific’s HERA makeup artist team. Learners compared existing monochromatic makeup with the latest multicolor makeup, explored current K-beauty trends, and received individual personal color assessments to better understand their skin tones.
Based on their results, participants learned how to choose cosmetics, hairstyles, clothing, and accessories that suit them. They also practiced cloud skin makeup, a recent trend in Korea, on different areas of the face. While using products, they learned how to select products suited to their skin type. A lively Q&A with the expert and exchanges among learners continued throughout the program, making the program an opportunity for cultural exchange where KSI learners and students from Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry came together.
Based on their results, participants learned how to choose cosmetics, hairstyles, clothing, and accessories that suit them. They also practiced cloud skin makeup, a recent trend in Korea, on different areas of the face. While using products, they learned how to select products suited to their skin type. A lively Q&A with the expert and exchanges among learners continued throughout the program, making the program an opportunity for cultural exchange where KSI learners and students from Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry came together.
Reported by Le Thi Diem Linh, Correspondent at KSI Vietnam Center
Samulnori
Samulnori Performance Echoes Through Yangon
Date: July 27, 2026, 7 p.m.
Location: Ballroom, Inya Lake Hotel, Yangon, Myanmar
Location: Ballroom, Inya Lake Hotel, Yangon, Myanmar
The 2026 Sejong Culture Academy Samulnori Showcase was held at Yangon’s Inya Lake Hotel. The showcase was designed to present the results of training led by Korean percussionist Hyun Seung-hoon, who helped establish a local samulnori troupe in Myanmar last year and returned this year to train newly selected participants.
Although KSI Yangon had originally planned to host the event, the Embassy took on the role of host to help address local budget and staffing constraints, expanding it into a free public event at a four-star hotel. Despite the short training period, local participants delivered an energetic performance of the samulnori rhythms they had practiced intensively. The performance, which shared the joy and spirit of Korean traditional percussion, further deepened cultural ties between Korea and Myanmar.
Although KSI Yangon had originally planned to host the event, the Embassy took on the role of host to help address local budget and staffing constraints, expanding it into a free public event at a four-star hotel. Despite the short training period, local participants delivered an energetic performance of the samulnori rhythms they had practiced intensively. The performance, which shared the joy and spirit of Korean traditional percussion, further deepened cultural ties between Korea and Myanmar.
Reported by Kim Chang-min, Correspondent at KSI Yangon, Myanmar
Arts
Experiencing the Beauty of Korea Through Buchaechum
Date: June 17-20, 2026
Location: KSI Surabaya, Indonesia
Location: KSI Surabaya, Indonesia
KSI Surabaya, Indonesia, hosted a Sejong Culture Academy program where learners studied buchaechum, one of Korea’s representative traditional performing arts, with Professor Song Min-suk, a Korean culture expert. Learners enthusiastically participated in every stage, from theoretical lessons on the history and meaning of buchaechum to basic movements, facial expressions, and formation practice.
The program went beyond simply learning dance movements, giving learners an opportunity to explore the value and beauty of Korean traditional culture embedded in each gesture and formation. The highlight of the course was the performance at the Spring 2026 Completion Ceremony of KSI Surabaya. Building on four days of effort, practice, and teamwork, the learners successfully presented a buchaechum performance and showcased what they had learned to the audience.
The program went beyond simply learning dance movements, giving learners an opportunity to explore the value and beauty of Korean traditional culture embedded in each gesture and formation. The highlight of the course was the performance at the Spring 2026 Completion Ceremony of KSI Surabaya. Building on four days of effort, practice, and teamwork, the learners successfully presented a buchaechum performance and showcased what they had learned to the audience.
Reported by Che Jeo, Correspondent at KSI Surabaya, Indonesia
Traditional Martial Arts and Games
Learning Korean Etiquette and Culture Through Taekwondo
Date: June 15-16, 2026
Location: KSI Ulaanbaatar2, Mongolia
Location: KSI Ulaanbaatar2, Mongolia
KSI Ulaanbaatar2, Mongolia, ran the 2026 Sejong Culture Academy—Taekwondo program with a professional instructor dispatched from Korea. Participants learned the basic movements, etiquette, and terminology of taekwondo, Korea’s representative martial art, through theory and practice classes, gaining firsthand insight into the Korean culture embodied in taekwondo.
Participant Purevsuren Battulga shared that although he had learned taekwondo two years ago, training with a professional instructor was distinctly different. He said it was enjoyable and meaningful to learn not only basic movements but also related terms and culture. Participants also created their own social media Reels as part of the program.
Participant Purevsuren Battulga shared that although he had learned taekwondo two years ago, training with a professional instructor was distinctly different. He said it was enjoyable and meaningful to learn not only basic movements but also related terms and culture. Participants also created their own social media Reels as part of the program.
Reported by Byamba Bilguun, Correspondent at KSI Ulaanbaatar2, Mongolia
Hanbok
Trying on Hanbok from Historical Dramas and Making Traditional Accessories
Date: August 3-5, 2026
Location: KSI Ho Chi Minh City 2, Vietnam
Location: KSI Ho Chi Minh City 2, Vietnam
KSI Ho Chi Minh City 2, Vietnam, will hold a course titled “Stories of Hanbok in Korean Historical Dramas and Making Traditional Accessories” with Professor Eom Jeong-ok of the Department of Fashion Design at Youngsan University. The class will be taught in Korean with Vietnamese interpretation, and supporting educational materials will be provided for the lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on activities.
Learners will listen to explanations of Korea’s hanbok and traditional wedding attire, watch a demonstration of how traditional wedding attire is worn, and try on hanbok themselves. They will then make traditional accessories such as beoseon keyrings and saekdong pouches, learning naturally about the meanings expressed through hanbok’s colors and shapes and its place in everyday culture. Through multisensory experiences and exchanges with a Korean culture expert, the program is expected to boost motivation to learn Korean and strengthen people-to-people cultural exchange between Korea and Vietnam.
Learners will listen to explanations of Korea’s hanbok and traditional wedding attire, watch a demonstration of how traditional wedding attire is worn, and try on hanbok themselves. They will then make traditional accessories such as beoseon keyrings and saekdong pouches, learning naturally about the meanings expressed through hanbok’s colors and shapes and its place in everyday culture. Through multisensory experiences and exchanges with a Korean culture expert, the program is expected to boost motivation to learn Korean and strengthen people-to-people cultural exchange between Korea and Vietnam.
Reported by Le Thi Diem Linh, Correspondent at KSI Vietnam Center
Literature
Reading Korean Sentiment Through Symbols and Food in Literature
Date: August 6-7, 2026
Location: KSI Ho Chi Minh City 2, Vietnam
Location: KSI Ho Chi Minh City 2, Vietnam
KSI Ho Chi Minh City 2, Vietnam, will hold a course titled “K-Literature: Reading Korean Sentiment” with Oh Ji-hye, a professor in the Faculty of Global Studies at Semyung University and president of the International Association for Korean Language and Culture. On the first day, participants will examine symbolism in Korean literature through images of animals and plants such as rabbits and turtles appearing in myths, legends, folk tales, and other classical and traditional narratives. They will also compare these with symbols in Vietnamese literature, exploring similarities and differences between the two cultures.
On the second day, the course will explore Korea’s local foods and everyday food culture as they appear in poems, short stories, and modern literary works. Using food as a literary medium, participants will understand Korea’s culture of sharing, sense of community, and the cultural meanings embedded in everyday life. Beginning with familiar stories and food, the program is expected to help participants experience the emotions conveyed in Korean literature while deepening their cultural empathy and broader understanding of Korea.
On the second day, the course will explore Korea’s local foods and everyday food culture as they appear in poems, short stories, and modern literary works. Using food as a literary medium, participants will understand Korea’s culture of sharing, sense of community, and the cultural meanings embedded in everyday life. Beginning with familiar stories and food, the program is expected to help participants experience the emotions conveyed in Korean literature while deepening their cultural empathy and broader understanding of Korea.
Reported by Le Thi Diem Linh, Correspondent at KSI Vietnam Center
Hansik
Hansik Classes Filled with Regional Flavors and Stories
Date: July 17-18, 2026
Location: Culinary Practice Room, UST Angelicum College, Philippines
Location: Culinary Practice Room, UST Angelicum College, Philippines
KSI Quezon City 1, Philippines, worked with UST Angelicum College to run the 2026 Sejong Culture Academy K-Food Culture Class over two days. This year’s course focused on the diversity of Korea’s regional foods, enabling participants to learn the history, tradition, ingredients, and cultural meanings of each dish while preparing authentic Korean dishes themselves.
Under the guidance of hansik cooking expert Baek Jong-ran, participants made Chuncheon-style dakgalbi and buckwheat crepes from Gangwon-do on the first day, followed by Andong jjimdak from Gyeongsang-do and Dongnae pajeon from Busan’s Dongnae area on the second day. Through cooking practice, participants not only learned new techniques but also gained a deeper understanding of the regional stories behind each dish. The organizers expressed gratitude for participants’ enthusiastic engagement and said they hoped the academy would help participants feel closer to Korean culture.
Under the guidance of hansik cooking expert Baek Jong-ran, participants made Chuncheon-style dakgalbi and buckwheat crepes from Gangwon-do on the first day, followed by Andong jjimdak from Gyeongsang-do and Dongnae pajeon from Busan’s Dongnae area on the second day. Through cooking practice, participants not only learned new techniques but also gained a deeper understanding of the regional stories behind each dish. The organizers expressed gratitude for participants’ enthusiastic engagement and said they hoped the academy would help participants feel closer to Korean culture.
Reported by Urooj Altaf, Correspondent at KSI Islamabad, Pakistan
Combined Program
A Summer in Vietnam Heated Up with Taekwondo and K-Beauty
Date: July 14-19, 2026
Location: KSI Korean Cultural Center, Vietnam
Location: KSI Korean Cultural Center, Vietnam
KSI Korean Cultural Center, Vietnam, followed up last year’s popular hansik classes with this year’s Sejong Culture Academy on taekwondo and K-beauty. Over six days, more than 200 people participated in a total of 12 classes, experiencing Korea’s traditional martial arts and latest beauty trends firsthand.
The taekwondo classes held during the first three days brought together participants of various ages, from first-timers to those with training experience. They learned basic movements and challenged themselves with board-breaking, while also learning the discipline and etiquette of taekwondo. The following K-beauty classes drew around 100 participants, who identified colors that suited them through personal color analysis and practiced makeup. Participants ranged from middle school students to adults, and some learners returned from last year, showing ongoing interest in the program. The organizers said they were greatly encouraged by the increased turnout.
The taekwondo classes held during the first three days brought together participants of various ages, from first-timers to those with training experience. They learned basic movements and challenged themselves with board-breaking, while also learning the discipline and etiquette of taekwondo. The following K-beauty classes drew around 100 participants, who identified colors that suited them through personal color analysis and practiced makeup. Participants ranged from middle school students to adults, and some learners returned from last year, showing ongoing interest in the program. The organizers said they were greatly encouraged by the increased turnout.
Reported by Duong Thi Hong Van, Correspondent at KSI Korean Cultural Center, Vietnam
From Practicing Taekwondo Poomsae to Experiencing Color Makeup
Date: August 25-27, 2026
Location: KSI Sokuluk, Kyrgyzstan
Location: KSI Sokuluk, Kyrgyzstan
KSI Sokuluk, Kyrgyzstan, will hold a three-day Sejong Culture Academy where participants can experience both taekwondo and K-beauty. In the taekwondo course, participants will go beyond learning basic poomsae to create and perform a dynamic taekwondo routine of their own. In the K-beauty course, they will learn color makeup techniques and practice the latest Korean-style makeup suited to their individual features.
This hands-on program is designed so participants do more than simply observe Korean culture; they can experience and express it through movement and hands-on practice. By offering both taekwondo and K-beauty to accommodate different interests and preferences, the program will provide broader and more balanced opportunities to experience Korean culture. It will also connect activities with Korean expressions used in cultural contexts, helping participants become more familiar with Korean and raising local awareness of the specialized Korean language and culture programs offered by KSIs.
This hands-on program is designed so participants do more than simply observe Korean culture; they can experience and express it through movement and hands-on practice. By offering both taekwondo and K-beauty to accommodate different interests and preferences, the program will provide broader and more balanced opportunities to experience Korean culture. It will also connect activities with Korean expressions used in cultural contexts, helping participants become more familiar with Korean and raising local awareness of the specialized Korean language and culture programs offered by KSIs.
Reported by Kim Ji-seok, Correspondent at KSI Sokuluk, Kyrgyzstan
