Are you learning Korean? Show off your language skills and win amazing prizes in the 2025 Korean Speaking and Writing Competition!
What is the Competition?
The Korean Speaking and Writing Competition is an exciting global event designed for international students learning Korean. This prestigious competition allows participants to demonstrate their Korean language abilities while contributing to the worldwide spread of Korean language and culture.
Learning Options: In-Person and Online
King Sejong Institute (세종학당)
Physical institutes around the world offering structured Korean language classes and cultural activities.
Online King Sejong Institute (온라인 세종학당)
ing Sejong Institute (https://www.iksi.or.kr) provides a comprehensive digital learning environment:
Comprehensive Korean Language Courses:
- Progressive Learning Path: Structured courses from absolute beginner (Level 1) to advanced (Level 6) following the official TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) standards
- Specialized Thematic Units: Business Korean, Academic Korean, Travel Korean, and more
- Complete Skill Development: Focused lessons on reading, writing, listening, and speaking with pronunciation guides
- Video Lectures: Professional instructors teach essential concepts with subtitles in multiple languages
Rich Cultural Learning Materials:
- K-Culture Library: Access to authentic materials about Korean traditions, holidays, etiquette, and contemporary culture
- Virtual Cultural Experiences: Interactive tours of historical sites and cultural landmarks
- K-Pop and K-Drama Section: Special lessons based on popular Korean entertainment
- Seasonal Cultural Events: Online workshops and special content tied to Korean festivals and celebrations
Interactive Learning Tools:
- Speech Recognition Technology: Practice pronunciation with instant feedback
- Live Tutoring Sessions: Schedule one-on-one or small group sessions with native Korean teachers
- Peer Community Forum: Connect with fellow learners for language exchange and discussion
- Progress Tracking Dashboard: Monitor your advancement through visual statistics and achievement badges
Flexible Study Options:
- Self-Paced Learning: Study anytime, anywhere with 24/7 platform access
- Mobile-Optimized Platform: Continue learning on smartphones and tablets with the dedicated app
- Downloadable Resources: Offline study materials for learning without internet connection
- Customizable Study Plans: Set personal goals and receive recommended study paths
Registration is free and gives you immediate access to basic courses, with premium content available for a modest subscription fee.
Both online and offline students are eligible to participate in the competition!
Who Can Participate?
- All international learners of Korean language
- Students and graduates of King Sejong Institute (세종학당), including online learners
- No age or nationality restrictions
- Must meet specific qualifications for each category
Competition Categories
Speaking Category
Showcase your Korean speaking abilities through a speech presentation on selected topics. Participants will prepare and deliver speeches demonstrating pronunciation, fluency, and communication skills.
Writing Category
Express yourself through essays or other written formats. Your writing will be evaluated based on content, structure, grammar accuracy, and expression.
Competition Process
- Preliminary Round: Initial selection at local King Sejong Institutes
- Final Round: Selected finalists will be invited to Korea for in-person evaluations including interviews and live performances
Important Dates
- Preliminary Round Applications & Judging: First half of 2025
- Final Competition in Korea: Second half of 2025
Note: Please check the King Sejong Institute website for exact dates and deadlines
Sample Topics
- My Korean language learning journey
- My experiences and connections with Korea (in my country or in Korea)
- How learning Korean has contributed to my personal growth
- And more!
Judging Criteria
Speaking Category
- Pronunciation and intonation
- Communication effectiveness
- Vocabulary and grammar accuracy
- Organization and presentation structure
Writing Category
- Topic relevance and adherence
- Logical structure
- Expressive ability
- Vocabulary and grammatical proficiency
Awards
Winners will receive prestigious recognition including:
- Grand Prize
- Gold Prize
- Silver Prize
- Bronze Prize
- Honorable Mentions
All winners receive official certificates and scholarship prizes!
How to Apply
For In-Person King Sejong Institute Students:
- Contact your local King Sejong Institute administrator to express interest in the competition
- Attend the information session at your institute to understand specific requirements
- Complete the official application form (typically requires personal information, Korean proficiency level, and selected competition category)
- Submit your preliminary materials according to your chosen category:
- Speaking Category: Prepare a 3-5 minute video recording of your speech on the selected topic
- Writing Category: Submit a written essay (600-1000 words) on the designated theme
For Online King Sejong Institute Students:
- Log in to your account at the Online King Sejong Institute website (https://www.iksi.or.kr)
- Navigate to the “Events & Competitions” section in your dashboard
- Select the “2025 Korean Speaking and Writing Competition” registration form
- Complete all required fields and upload necessary documents:
- Personal identification
- Proof of enrollment/completion of Korean language courses
- Preliminary competition materials as specified above
Important Application Tips:
- Mark your calendar for the application deadline (typically announced 2-3 months before the preliminary round)
- Prepare all documents in the specified format (PDF, MP4, etc.)
- Follow file naming conventions as instructed in the guidelines
- Check your email regularly for competition updates and notifications
- Reach out to competition coordinators with specific questions at the provided contact information
For More Information
Visit the official websites for complete details:
Important Note: Competition details including schedules, application methods, and required documents may change annually. Always check the official websites for the most current information. For specific questions, contact your local King Sejong Institute or the competition organizers directly.
