The King Sejong Institute Foundation (President Jeon Woo-yong; hereinafter referred to as the KSIF) successfully held the 2026 World Korean Language Educators Conference from July 13 to 16 to strengthen the expertise of Korean language educators. On the first day, July 13, the 2026 Integrated Training Program for Korean Language Educators Worldwide was held at COEX in Seoul. Jointly hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Overseas Koreans Agency, and co-organized by the KSIF and the Korea Foundation (KF), the integrated training brought together local KSI teachers and some 550 Korean language educators from around the world.

Since the first joint training program for overseas Korean language educators was held in 2017, the relevant ministries have operated separate invitation-based training programs for educators affiliated with their respective institutions. This year, an interministerial integrated training program was held for the first time in nine years to enhance the expertise of overseas Korean language educators and strengthen communication and cooperation among institutions. It provided a valuable forum for Korean language educators working in diverse settings to share experiences and best practices while strengthening their sense of solidarity within the global Korean language education community.

At the opening ceremony, held under the theme “Connected Through Korean, Becoming One Another’s Stories,” MCST Minister Choi Hwi-young read a written congratulatory message from President Lee Jae-myung. President Lee emphasized that this year is especially meaningful as it marks the 580th anniversary of the promulgation of Hunminjeongeum, the 100th anniversary of the establishment of Hangeul Day, and the 100th anniversary of the promulgation of Hunmaengjeongeum, or Korean Braille.
“Language is like a vessel that carries culture, which means that learning Korean is a process of coming to understand Korea more deeply,” he said. He also encouraged Korean language educators, stating that “those of you teaching Korean around the world are, in effect, sharing the spirit and culture of the Republic of Korea with the world.”

He also noted that the purposes for learning Korean are becoming increasingly diverse, ranging from interest in K-culture to study abroad and employment. In response, he said the government would expand support to improve Korean-language educational environments and strengthen the systems for delivering Korean language education. More specifically, he outlined plans to significantly expand the global KSI network by 2030 and to work with governments in other countries to increase Korean-language classes at overseas elementary and secondary schools. He also pledged to support the operation of Korean-language courses at universities abroad, building a broader network of higher education institutions that can serve as hubs for Korean-language education. In addition, he promised strong support so that next-generation overseas Koreans can learn Korean at Hangeul schools, preserve their roots, and develop into future leaders who connect their countries of residence with the Republic of Korea. He added that opportunities for Korean language educators around the world to connect and exchange ideas would also be further expanded.

The opening ceremony featured a celebratory performance by HOOK, the dance team led by choreographer Aiki. The performance, a modern reinterpretation of Bongsan Talchum, drew an enthusiastic response from the audience.

Jang Dae-ik, chair professor at Gachon University, then delivered a keynote lecture under the theme “The Future of Language Education in the AI Era.” In his lecture, Professor Jang emphasized the irreplaceable role of Korean language educators even in the age of artificial intelligence.

In the afternoon, the program continued with presentations on classroom practice by Korean language teachers from around the world, a talk concert moderated by announcer Kim Jae-won on the theme “Korean Language Teachers as Civilian Ambassadors Connecting the World,” and a special lecture on learning Korean through K-pop and play.

Beginning July 14, the day after the integrated training, a three-day institute-specific training program for KSI teachers was held at Lotte Hotel World in Seoul. A total of 209 teachers from 125 KSIs in 56 countries attended lectures by experts in Korean language education and Korean culture, and worked together to explore ways to apply the training content to local classrooms.

On the first day of the institute-specific training, KSIF President Jeon Woo-yong gave a lecture titled “The Rewards of Korean Language Teachers and Learners Growing Together,” followed by a lecture by Choi Yoon-jung, Director of the Education Resources Division at the KSIF, on “Introduction to and Use of KSIF Educational Materials.”

In the afternoon, participants attended breakout lectures, hands-on sessions, and consultations on Korean language education methods using the KSIF’s social media content, the KSI learning app, and the Sejong Korean for Study Abroad textbook. Through group discussions, participants shared ways to apply each educational resource effectively in local classrooms.

On July 15, Korean culture education training continued. Participants explored Korean jangdan and heung through the lecture “The People of K-Rhythm: Connecting Through Jangdan, Communicating Through Shinmyeong,” and learned about assessment systems and classroom applications through the lecture “Understanding and Using the Sejong Korean Language Assessment (SKA).” In the afternoon, they participated in hands-on training divided into three areas: K-Beauty, traditional knots, and K-Desserts. Group discussions and presentations were also held to help participants apply what they learned to local Korean culture classes.

On the final day, July 16, the award ceremony for the World Korean Language Educators Conference Outstanding Teacher Contest and presentations of award-winning Korean language education cases were held. The contest was organized around three themes: innovation in education based on artificial intelligence and digital technologies, the expansion of intercultural education connected to local culture, and learner-centered, participatory classroom practices. After evaluation, six outstanding cases were selected.

The grand prize, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award, went to Nguyen Krisztina of KSI Budapest, Hungary, for her presentation on “Multimodal-Based Development of Intercultural Communicative Competence.” The Top Excellence Awards were presented to Zahra Arsafi of KSI Manama, Bahrain, who developed ChatKOR, an AI chat-based Korean practice project, and Nguyen Thi Thu Huong of KSI Hanoi1, Vietnam, who developed a “Business Korean Class Beyond the Classroom” in response to the strong employment-oriented learning needs of Vietnamese learners.

Excellence Awards went to Pham Quynh Giao of KSI Hanoi2, Vietnam, for integrating artificial intelligence and digital technology into her teaching; Agatha Inez Benitawati of KSI Korean Cultural Center, Indonesia, for a class combining digital technology with traditional culture; and Basma Naguib of KSI Alexandria, Egypt, for an educational approach that went beyond language to engage learners emotionally.

Following the award ceremony and presentations of the winning cases, participants enjoyed a closing performance and shared their reflections. Participants looked back on the meaning of the learning and exchange they had shared over the four days and reaffirmed their commitment to continued innovation in local Korean language education settings.

Jeong Hyang-mi, Director-General of the Cultural and Arts Policy Office at the MCST, said, “Learning a language is a process of understanding and connecting with the thoughts, lives, and culture of the people reflected in that language. I hope the inspiration you have gained from one another through this conference will become a great source of strength for you.”

KSIF President Jeon Woo-yong said, “KSI Korean language teachers are cultural ambassadors who share Korea’s historical experiences and achievements with people around the world. The KSIF will take pride in connecting people, sharing culture, and fostering mutual understanding.” He added that the KSIF would continue to provide steadfast support, so that Korean language teachers and learners can experience the rewards of growing together.