SEJONG, SOUTH KOREA — Amidst a global fervor for all things Korean, from the infectious beats of K-pop to the captivating narratives of K-dramas, Sejong City is positioning itself as a central hub for the Korean language. The city has officially opened registration for its annual Korean Speaking Contest for Foreigners, inviting non-Korean residents and multicultural families to share their stories and experiences in Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. This year's event promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture and language, complete with a substantial prize pool and a grand finale held during the renowned Sejong Hangeul Festival.

The contest, a flagship initiative of Sejong's campaign to brand itself as a "Hangeul cultural city," is designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the Korean language and provide a unique platform for cultural exchange. The application period runs until September 12, and the city is encouraging participants to get creative. Applicants are asked to submit a short video, approximately one minute in length, on one of six designated topics. These themes — including scene reenactment, role-playing, and performance — are intended to allow contestants to showcase not only their linguistic skills but also their personality and understanding of Korean culture. This format moves beyond a simple recitation, transforming the contest into a dynamic showcase of personal expression.

Finalists will be announced after an initial video screening process, with 14 teams selected to advance to the main event. The highly anticipated finals will take place on October 11 as a central part of the Sejong Hangeul Festival, a major cultural event that draws crowds from across the region. This stage provides a significant opportunity for finalists to perform in front of a large, supportive audience, adding an element of prestige to the competition.

The stakes are high, with a total of 10 million won in prize money on the line. The grand prize winner will be awarded 2 million won, a substantial sum that underscores the city’s commitment to promoting Hangeul. Beyond the monetary rewards, however, the contest offers an invaluable chance for participants to gain recognition and connect with the community. It's a testament to Sejong's belief that language is a bridge to understanding and that providing opportunities for foreigners to engage with Korean culture in a fun and meaningful way is key to building a more inclusive society.

A Sejong City official commented that the event is a direct response to the global rise of K-culture. “With the popularity of K-pop and dramas, interest in Korean culture has been steadily increasing,” the official noted. “We hope this contest serves as a fun and engaging way for foreigners to experience Hangeul culture and, in turn, contribute to the further spread of K-culture globally.” This sentiment highlights a strategic vision: to leverage the soft power of Korean entertainment to drive cultural education and connection.

For those interested in participating, all the essential details and application materials can be found on the Hangeul Cultural City Center website, managed by the Sejong City Cultural Tourism Foundation. The contest is not merely a competition but a celebration of linguistic diversity and cultural exchange, solidifying Sejong’s role as a leader in preserving and promoting Hangeul on a global scale. It's an invitation to join the conversation, to find one's voice in a new language, and to become part of the vibrant, evolving narrative of modern Korea.