Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Holds 15th Polish Speaking Contest

A Platform for Polish Language and Cultural Exchange

The Department of Polish Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies held the 15th Polish Speaking Contest on the 3rd at the International Seminar Room of Baeknyeon Hall on the Global Campus, in collaboration with the Embassy of Poland in Korea.

The Department of Polish Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies held the 15th Polish Speaking Contest on the 3rd at the International Seminar Room of Baeknyeon Hall on the Global Campus, in collaboration with the Embassy of Poland in Korea. Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

This contest was held with the support of the Institute for the Promotion of Special Foreign Language Education at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and has established itself as a leading event for nurturing Polish language specialists and promoting Korea-Poland exchanges.

This year, a total of 33 participants competed, and 11 students who advanced through the preliminary round delivered passionate presentations in the finals under the theme "From the Stomach to the Heart - The Soul Food I Love in Korea and Poland."

By using the familiar topic of food, participants creatively connected the commonalities and sentiments of both cultures, demonstrating their high language proficiency and cultural understanding.

As a result of the judging, the first prize in the lower-year league went to Lim Jaein (second-year, Department of Polish Studies), who presented on "Sannakji," while the first prize in the upper-year league was awarded to Heo Sujin (fourth-year, Department of Polish Studies), who shared warm memories of Polish dumplings "Pierogi" and tomato soup.

The winners received various prizes, including a six-month language training scholarship provided by the Polish Ministry of Education, a summer school scholarship, and internship opportunities at Polish public institutions.

Notably, this year, with special support from the Embassy of Poland in Korea and the LOT Polish Airlines Korea Office, the embassy provided two round-trip tickets to Poland to the first and second place winners in the lower-year league, while LOT Polish Airlines offered two round-trip tickets each to the first and second place winners in the upper-year league, further heightening the students' enthusiasm.

Additionally, all participants received commemorative gifts prepared by the Embassy of Poland in Korea and the Institute for the Promotion of Special Foreign Language Education.

On the day of the event, journalists from Pepe TV and Link Asia, Polish media outlets, covered the contest, showing great interest in Polish language education and exchange in Korea.

Junmo Kim, a middle school student who is self-studying Polish, also attended the event with his mother, attracting attention from the audience.

At the award ceremony, Bartosz Wisniewski, Ambassador of Poland to Korea, stated, "I understand that the Department of Polish Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies was established as early as 1987, even before diplomatic relations between Korea and Poland were established. It is very meaningful to be with students from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, who have such a long-standing tradition. I hope this contest will provide special motivation and opportunities for students learning Polish."

Meanwhile, the Department of Polish Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, the only Polish major in Korea, has consistently produced talented individuals who have served as bridges for Korea-Poland exchanges in various fields such as academia, diplomacy, culture, and commerce over the past 38 years.

Highlights from the contest can be viewed on the official YouTube channel of the Department of Polish Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.