King Sejong Institute learners hit record 239,020 as nine universities join network

The King Sejong Institute network, South Korea’s main overseas platform for teaching Korean language and culture, will expand into previously unserved countries in Africa and Europe this year, with nine domestic universities joining as operators and first-ever centres opening in Greece, Rwanda and Sri Lanka.

King Sejong Institute network grows to 273 sites across 89 countries

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on the 30th that it has newly designated 29 King Sejong Institutes in 23 countries. With these additions, the global King Sejong Institute network has expanded to 273 sites in 89 countries. Applications for this round came from 102 institutions in 45 countries, the most competitive round in five years, underscoring the rising international standing of the Korean language. Of the new sites, 19 will be operated in cooperation with 19 domestic educational institutions.

Nine domestic universities join the network as institutes reach three previously untapped countries

The most notable development this year is the first-time participation of nine domestic universities in the King Sejong Institute network, an effort aimed at attracting outstanding international students and expanding global exchanges.

• Nine newly participating universities: National Gyeongguk University, Dongwon University of Science and Technology, Samyuk College of Health, Seoul National University, Sejong University, Chunhae College of Health, Cheongun University, Hannam University, Halla University

In addition, new centres will be established in three countries that previously had no King Sejong Institute presence.

• Greece: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the largest university in Thessaloniki, will operate the institute in partnership with Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.

• Rwanda: International Covenant College in the capital, Kigali, will open an institute in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Rwanda.

• Sri Lanka: Ruhuna University in the Matara area will run Korean-language courses jointly with Dongwon University of Science and Technology.

Learners hit a record 239,020 as authorities vow continued expansion

Last year, a total of 239,020 learners studied Korean online and offline through King Sejong Institutes worldwide, setting a new record. The record reflects years of systematic government-backed efforts to promote Korean since the first King Sejong Institute opened in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in 2007.

An official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said: "The fact that the largest number of institutions ever applied to be designated as King Sejong Institutes demonstrates the explosive rise in the popularity of Korean on the international stage. We plan to continue expanding the King Sejong Institutes to meet the rapidly growing global demand for Korean-language education."