King Sejong Institute invites 357 Korean language learners to Korea

The King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF) has invited 357 international Korean learners to Korea for its annual invitational training, which will be held twice this year, from Tuesday to Sunday and from Oct. 27 through Nov. 1.

Launched in 2010, KSIF’s invitational training program brings international learners to give them opportunities to learn about Korean culture and language in their country of origin, according to KSIF.

The program will include Korean speaking and writing competitions for participants who have already been selected as outstanding performers at overseas contests.

Eight finalists in the speaking competition will also attend “Hangeul Hanmadang,” a Hangul-themed event hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on Thursday, where the participants will give presentations sharing their thoughts and experiences on the Korean alphabet, language and culture.

As part of the foundation’s learning program, participants will also take part in traditional Korean clothing experiences to learn about Korea’s traditional clothing culture. They will also visit cultural sites, including Gyeongbok Palace, one of Seoul’s four royal palaces, as well as national museums.

Now in its 17th edition, KSIF’s invitational training has brought international Korean learners to Korea annually since 2010, including online sessions during Covid-19. This year, the program expanded from last year, increasing the number of invitees from 200 to 357 and the number of training sessions from one to two.

BY YOON SEUNG-JIN [[email protected]]