Kyunghee University (President Kim Jin-sang) and Yonhap News Agency held the finals of the 26th World Foreigners' Korean Speaking Contest on the 17th of this month at the Crown Hall on the Seoul Campus.
This year's themes were "What Korean Language Means to Me" and "I Recommend This About Korea."
This contest provides a platform for foreigners from around the world to showcase their Korean language skills and share their experiences related to Korean culture based on the given themes.
It was held to create an opportunity for mutual understanding and exchange between Koreans and people from around the world through the Korean language.
This year's contest saw 1,010 participants from 32 countries in the preliminary round, with 16 foreigners from 11 countries advancing to the finals.
The finals were judged based on the themes and content, accuracy and speed, and presentation attitude.
Chairman Kim Joong-seob of the Speaking Contest Preparation Committee stated in his opening remarks, "This year's contest is even more meaningful as it celebrates the 75th anniversary of Kyunghee University. Given that the themes are Korean language and culture, it will be an opportunity to hear about the diverse Korean experiences of the participants and to rediscover the significance of the Korean language in daily life."
In a message of encouragement delivered by Lee Dong-chil, Deputy Head of the Global Korea Division at Yonhap News Agency, President Hwang Dae-il remarked, "Due to the global Korean Wave, the number of foreigners fluent in Korean has significantly increased, leading to the growth of the contest, which this year recorded a high competition ratio of 63 to 1 in the finals. Although it may be a bit nerve-wracking, I hope participants relax on stage and showcase the skills they have honed."
He also emphasized the significance of the contest, stating, "Simply sharing stories in this competition can serve as a stepping stone toward a multicultural society based on understanding and inclusiveness."
The grand prize of this year's contest was awarded to Taeq Yadanar King (Myanmar) for his presentation titled "South Korea is a Cafe Republic."
She explained the Korean love for coffee and the spatial significance of cafes.
During the 60-minute finals, participants shared their thoughts on the Korean language and Korean culture.
They mentioned that the Korean language is a "key to entering another world," a "stepping stone for communication," and a "milestone in their lives."
The Korean cultures they wanted to introduce included sharing and consideration, webtoons, and poetry.
A total of 12 foreigners were selected as awardees on that day.
The grand prize (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award) was awarded to Taeq Yadanar King.
She began her presentation with the question, "Have you all heard the term 'Eoljukah'?" and explained the Korean love for coffee and the spatial significance of cafes.
"Eoljukah" is an abbreviation of the phrase "Eol-eo jug-eodo iced coffee," which She then explained the reasons why Korea has become a cafe republic.
Taeq Yadanar King stated, "Cafes in Korea are spaces for studying and working, as well as places to relax. I believe that cafe culture is an indispensable part of Korean culture."
Finally, she recommended "a cafe tour for foreign students living in Korea," stating that "the cozy atmosphere will be a great source of comfort."
The Excellence Award (Kyunghee University President Award, Yonhap News Agency President Award) was awarded to Kwang Sim-woo (China) and Akbarov Azamak (Uzbekistan).
Kwang Sim-woo, who received the Excellence Award, expressed his affection for Korean poetry with his presentation titled "Short Writings, Deep Resonance: The Charm of Korean Poetry."
He expressed his aspirations by saying, "Instead of the well-known K-POP or K-dramas, I want to introduce poetry, which is a deep and beautiful literary work. Korean poetry serves as a window to understanding the hearts and emotions of Koreans and the country itself, and I hope to share Korean poetry with many people in the future."
Another awardee, Akbarov Azamat, was a participant in last year's speaking contest preliminaries. This year, he achieved great results with his presentation titled "The Unique Drinking Culture Found Only in Korea."
He introduced Korea's unique drinking culture based on personal anecdotes, explaining that "Korean drinking culture is a social mechanism that goes beyond merely consuming alcohol; it fosters bonds among family and friends."
The Special Award (National Institute for International Education Director Award, Korea Foundation for International Exchange Chairman Award, Kyunghee University International Education Center Director Award) was awarded to Erukal Seynep (Turkey), Suzuki Sawa (Japan), and Ramadhani Shari (Indonesia).
The Excellence Award (Yulchon Foundation Chairman Award, Paper Culture Foundation Chairman Award, Lee Hee-gun Japan-Korea Exchange Foundation Chairman Award) was awarded to Pou Margarita (Argentina), Zhou Jiasi (Hong Kong), and Miyahara Chiharu (Japan).
Chairman Kang Hyun-hwa commented, "It seems that every year, more excellent presenters emerge," adding, "The content structure and fluency were better than ever, and as a judge, I watched the participants' presentation skills with a sense of pride."
