About 550 Korean-Language Educators from Around the World Gather in Seoul

• The 2026 Integrated Training Program for Korean-Language Educators was held on July 13 (7/13)
• The event was designed to share field experience, foster cooperation and strengthen solidarity across the Korean-language education community

Korean-language educators who teach the Korean language and culture around the world, connecting people and countries, are gathering in one place.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, led by Minister Choi Hwi-young; the Ministry of Education, led by Minister Choi Kyo-jin; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Minister Cho Hyun; and the Overseas Koreans Agency, led by Commissioner Kim Gyung-hyup, held the 2026 Integrated Training Program for Korean-Language Educators at COEX in Seoul on Monday, July 13 (7/13), with about 550 educators from around the world attending.

Since the first joint training program for overseas Korean-language educators was held in 2017, the culture, education and foreign ministries and other agencies have continued invitation-based training for educators in their respective areas. This year, for the first time in 9 years, the agencies decided to hold an integrated program to enhance the professional skills of educators working overseas and strengthen communication and cooperation among institutions. They coordinated the training schedules and jointly prepared the opening ceremony and shared program.

Agencies Jointly Invite Overseas Korean-Language Educators for the First Time in 9 Years

Reuniting after 9 years, the educators will use the integrated program to share experience and best practices from diverse teaching settings and strengthen solidarity as a global Korean-language education community. Building on the program, the agencies also plan to reinforce the foundation for Korean-language education by expanding King Sejong Institutes, promoting Korean-language education in overseas primary and secondary schools, supporting Korean-language courses overseas, and supporting education for the next generation of overseas Koreans through Korean schools. They will also continue expanding opportunities for educators to meet, communicate and exchange locally so that interagency cooperation reaches the field.

Joint Program Under the Theme “Connected by Korean, Becoming One Another's Stories”

The opening ceremony will screen a video under the theme “Connected by Korean, Becoming One Another's Stories” and feature a performance symbolizing Korean-language education institutions around the world connecting as one. The dance team Hook, led by choreographer Aiki, will then perform Bongsan Mask Dance. In the keynote address, Gachon University Chair Professor Chang Dae-ik will speak on “From Speaking to Storytelling: The Future of Language Education in the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Era,” explaining the irreplaceable role of Korean-language educators in the AI era.

In the afternoon, participants will share experience from different educational settings through presentations of best teaching practices by each institution and a story concert. Sun Hyun-woo, founder of the Korean-language education platform Talk To Me In Korean, will give a special lecture titled “Learning Korean Through K-pop and Play,” introducing teaching methods that can be used immediately in the classroom. Communication programs will give educators ample time to interact, alongside a fusion gugak performance by Kim Ju-hong and Noreum Machi.

The full integrated program will be livestreamed on the YouTube channels of the King Sejong Institute Foundation, the Overseas Koreans Agency and the Korea Foundation (KF), allowing overseas Korean-language educators who cannot attend in person to participate.

After the integrated program, each institution will provide 3 to 4 days of advanced training tailored to its characteristics. Participants will strengthen their teaching capacity and network with one another through specialized training in areas including Korean-language pedagogy, cultural education and curriculum operation.

Minister Choi Hwi-young said, “The reasons for learning Korean are becoming increasingly diverse, ranging from interest in K-content such as K-pop to study and employment.” He added, “Together with the relevant ministries, we will greatly expand support, including improvements to the Korean-language education environment and a stronger delivery system, to respond actively to the growing demand for learning Korean.”

Schedule for the 2026 Integrated Training Program for Korean-Language Educators