President Lee Jae-myung: "Significant Expansion of King Sejong Institutes... More Korean Language Classes Abroad"

Opening Ceremony of the World Korean Language Educators Integrated Training Held

"By 2030, we will significantly increase the number of King Sejong Institutes worldwide and work with foreign governments to expand the number of Korean language classes in overseas primary and secondary schools. We will also actively support Korean language courses at universities abroad, building a substantial number of universities that serve as hubs for Korean language education."

President Lee Jae-myung made this announcement through a congratulatory address delivered by Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young at the opening ceremony of the World Korean Language Educators Integrated Training held at COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on July 13, 2026.

President Lee emphasized that, along with rising interest in K-culture, the number of people around the world wanting to learn Korean is increasing. He stated, "The government will take on this great responsibility and continue to expand support for improving the Korean language education environment and strengthening the distribution system."

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Huieong is reading President Lee Jae-myung's congratulatory message at the opening ceremony of the ‘2026 World Korean Language Educators Integrated Training’ held on the 13th at the Grand Ballroom of COEX in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The World Korean Language Educators Training is an event where Korean language educators who teach Korean language and culture around the globe gather in one place. The event was first held in 2017, and since then, relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have each run invitational training programs for Korean language educators under their jurisdiction. This year marks a meaningful milestone, coinciding with the 580th anniversary of the proclamation of Hunminjeongeum, the 10th anniversary of Hangeul Day, and the 100th anniversary of the proclamation of Hunmaengjeongeum. For the first time in nine years, it is being held as an integrated training event with the participation of all relevant ministries. Around 550 Korean language educators from around the world are attending this year's integrated training, sharing diverse experiences and best practices from educational settings, and participating in various exchange programs.

President Lee stressed, "Language is like a picture that embodies culture, so learning Korean is a process of understanding our country more deeply." He added, "Teaching Korean in various parts of the world is no different from exporting the spirit and culture of the Republic of Korea to the world."

President Lee also emphasized that as global interest in K-culture and the Korean language increases, the government will strive to promote Korean culture worldwide. He stated, "The purposes for which people around the world learn Korean are becoming increasingly diverse, ranging from interest in K-culture to studying abroad and employment," and added, "We will further expand opportunities for Korean language educators from all over the world to communicate and interact with one another."

He also expressed his commitment to supporting Hangeul schools. President Lee stated, "The government will firmly support the next generation of overseas Koreans learning Korean at Hangeul schools so that they can preserve their roots through our language and grow into global talents who connect their countries of residence with the Republic of Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.