Minister of Culture, Sports and
Tourism Yu In-chon visits the KSIF
to listen to opinions from the field regarding
the overseas dissemination
of the Korean language

> Exploring the achievements of the KSI in expanding Korean as a global language and encouraging stakeholders

> Reviewing Korean language educational content utilizing new technologies like the metaverse and artificial intelligence(AI)

On April 12th, Minister Yu In-chon of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism visited the King Sejong Institute Foundation(President Lee Hai-young, hereafter referred to as the KSIF) to hear from foreign students from KSI, Korean language instructors dispatched overseas, and the KSIF’s staff managing and operating the institutes. He also received updates on the KSIF’s innovations in its Korean language dissemination projects abroad.

Photos showing Minister Yu In-chon of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism listening to and exchanging opinions with foreign students from KSI, Korean language instructors dispatched overseas, and staff of the KSIF (Photos provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) Photo of Minister Yu In-chon of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism examining educational materials displayed alongside President Lee Hai-young of the KSIF (Photo provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

During his visit, Minister Yu received reports from President Lee Hai-young on the current status of the spread of the Korean language through KSI, success stories of learners who have become instructors of Korean language and culture, and examples of Korean language education using new technologies like metaverse and AI. He also listened to diverse opinions from Korean language instructors who have worked abroad, directors of Korean Cultural Centers overseas, and directors of KSI and reviewed the KSI’s innovation plans that reflect the global changes in the digital environment.

The key elements of the KSIF’s innovation efforts include expanding the KSI Center, enhancing instructor capabilities, post-completion support for graduates, providing customized educational curriculums reflecting local opinions, and establishing remote KSI for learners in remote or rural areas abroad, and for those with disabilities.

Minister Yu In-chon also encouraged participants by interacting with a former learner from the KSI France, a Korean language instructor dispatched to KSI Tehran, Iran
(Photos provided by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

In addition, Minister Yu In-chon listened to the experiences and opinions of foreign students from KSI, Korean language teachers dispatched abroad, and KSIF staff, and offered encouragement to all participants.

Minister Yu stated, "I expect the international students from KSI to play a significant role as ambassadors, promoting the Korean language and culture worldwide. We will also enhance the reeducation of Korean language teachers dispatched abroad, not only improving their treatment but also enhancing their professionalism," adding, "I hope the KSI will serve as mini Korean Cultural Centers in areas without a Korean Cultural Center, promoting Korean culture and supporting diplomatic exchanges."

After listening to opinions on the overseas Korean language dissemination project by the KSIF, Minister Yu In-chon took a commemorative photo with the participants(Photo provided by KSIF)

Additionally, he instructed the KSIF staff, "The role of the KSIF in supporting the KSI, which are the forward base for the dissemination of the Korean language, is very important. I hope you continue to innovate to systematize and substantiate the spread of the Korean language." The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the KSIF plan to further specify the innovation plans for KSI through forums such as the ‘KSI Innovation Forum’ and announce them in the second half of the year.