Korean Learning Boom Abroad and TOPIK Records — 2026-10-11
Prime Minister Han Seong-sook announced a strategic expansion of King Sejong Institutes to over 350 by 2030 during the Hangeul Day centennial celebrations, while the foundation hosted a record 357 international learners for training. Despite this growth, legislative reports highlight a critical shortage of classrooms and teachers, with 11,000 learners currently on waiting lists and demand for Korean language education in Vietnam surging.
Korean Learning Boom Abroad and TOPIK Records — 2026-10-11
Top developments
Prime Minister Announces Expansion to 350 King Sejong Institutes by 2030
During the Hangeul Day centennial celebration on October 9, Prime Minister Han Seong-sook declared a goal to expand the King Sejong Institute network to more than 350 locations by 2030. The administration also plans to increase the number of countries where Korean is taught in regular educational institutions to over 70, alongside initiatives to nurture Korean literature translators and adapt to the AI era.
Record 357 Learners Invited to Korea for Training and Competitions
The King Sejong Institute Foundation invited a record-high 357 international Korean language learners to Korea for its annual invitational training program, held in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province. The event, timed with the 100th anniversary of Hangeul Day, featured language contests, cultural experiences including K-beauty and traditional crafts, and aimed to strengthen the global network of Korean language promoters.
Legislative Report Highlights Critical Shortage of Classrooms and Teachers
A recent report cited by Green Economy Newspaper reveals that while overseas demand for Korean language learning has increased 2.6 times, the expansion of classrooms and teachers at King Sejong Institutes has not kept pace. In 2025 alone, 11,061 learners were placed on waiting lists, and the ratio of students per teacher reached approximately 106:1, signaling an urgent need for infrastructure investment.
Vietnam: Over 26,000 Students Enrolled in Korean Language Programs
Vietnamese media reported that more than 26,000 students are currently studying Korean studies or Korean language majors across 54 universities and colleges in the country. This figure underscores the deepening academic integration of Korean language education in Vietnam, driven by strong economic ties and the continued popularity of K-culture.
Local view
Local Vietnamese outlet VietnamNet highlights the scale of Korean language adoption in higher education, noting that the number of students in Korean-related majors has reached 26,000, reflecting a shift from casual interest to serious academic and career planning. Meanwhile, South Korean daily Seoul Shinmun focuses on the policy side, detailing Prime Minister Han’s commitment to expanding the institute network as a core component of national soft power strategy.
Context & numbers
- Institute Network: As of mid-2026, King Sejong Institutes operate in 273 locations across 89 countries, with 29 new institutes added recently.
- Learner Demand: Last year, approximately 240,000 students took courses at King Sejong Institutes globally.
- Waiting Lists: 11,061 learners were on waiting lists for King Sejong Institute classes in 2025 due to capacity constraints.
- Teacher Ratio: The student-to-teacher ratio in high-demand areas is approximately 106:1.
On the radar
- TOPIK Exam Scheduling: The National Institute for International Education continues to manage the TOPIK schedule; candidates should monitor local test centers for upcoming registration windows, particularly in regions like LA and Arizona where recent exams saw significant turnout.
- New Textbook Rollout: The King Sejong Institute Foundation introduced two new textbooks during the Hangeul Day celebrations, which will be phased into global classrooms starting late 2026.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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