Government to Expand Sejong Institutes to 350 Locations by 2027

'Strategy for Globalizing Korean Language Connecting Future Generations' Presentation
Supporting 'Standard Curriculum' and Actively Utilizing K-Culture

The government will enhance the status of the Korean language by establishing a robust supply chain. On the 7th, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will announce the 'Globalization Strategy of the Korean Language Connecting Future Generations Worldwide' at the opening ceremony of the 'World Korean Language Educators Conference' held at the InterContinental Seoul COEX. Five strategies will be concretized by 2027 to make the Korean language a driving force toward becoming a culturally attractive nation.

First is the expansion of Sejong Institutes, which currently operate in 248 locations across 85 countries. Since there are still over 110 countries without any presence, a system will be institutionalized to prioritize designation of countries not yet assigned in new evaluations. To overcome the limitations of the application-based system, support will be provided for operations in collaboration with overseas spaces, local governments, and public institutions. This year, bases will be established starting with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and extending to Latin America. A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism official stated, "We plan to expand to 350 locations by 2027 by discovering Sejong Institute operating organizations by region and supporting Korean language education tailored to local demand," adding, "To strengthen operational soundness, we will systematize the support system and enhance the linkage of operational evaluation incentives."

Second is support for the 'Standard Korean Language Curriculum.' To ensure that set educational goals, methods, and achievement standards are applied in the field, curricula and textbooks will be developed according to learning purpose, age, and language culture, and standard textbooks and audiovisual materials will be provided. The number of dispatched teachers will also be expanded to 350 by 2027. A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism official said, "Starting next year, we plan to provide overseas dispatch opportunities for young people preparing to become Korean language teachers to gain practical experience and enhance their capabilities."

Third is the development of Korean language learning content utilizing K-culture such as K-pop and K-dramas. University students majoring in domestic culture and arts will be dispatched overseas to operate the 'Sejong Korean Language and Korean Culture Classroom,' and the 'Sejong Culture Academy' program focusing on traditional culture and K-pop will be expanded. To operate cultural programs reflecting local demand and preferences, cooperation with overseas Korean Cultural Centers and others will also be strengthened.

Fourth is support for digital Korean language services that allow learning without spatial and temporal constraints. The curriculum and learning content of the officially operating 'Metaverse Sejong Institute' will be expanded to encourage real-time Korean language learning. A Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism official said, "The AI Korean teacher app will also be advanced into a special-purpose learning service through artificial intelligence learning support."

Lastly, the training of local Korean language teachers who are former Sejong Institute learners. As cases of achieving new dreams through the Korean language increase, the local teacher training courses will be expanded, and various educational consulting supports will be strengthened. A community will be established for about one million students and graduates to promote exchange and solidarity.

Park Bo-gyun, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "Language connects countries and people, laying the foundation for solidarity and cooperation," and added, "We will vigorously support the challenges and dreams of future generations who serve as cultural bridges."

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