Sejong Institute Opens in Miskolc

The Sejong Institute, part of one of the world's best-known Korean language and culture education networks, officially opened its doors in Miskolc, NE Hungary, on October 9 with a program of Korean cultural events. The establishment of the institute reflects the significant growth in Hungarian interest in Korean language and culture in recent years.

A statement from the Korean Cultural Center points out that there are now 252 Sejong Institutes operating worldwide, which have become the most important centers for the dissemination of the Korean language and culture. In Hungary, since the establishment of the Korean Cultural Center in Budapest in 2012, there have been more and more opportunities to learn the language and get to know Korean traditions. The newly established institute in Miskolc is now the fourth in Hungary: it offers students not only language classes, but also courses, cultural events, lectures, and workshops. The aim of the initiative is to further strengthen Hungarian-Korean cultural dialogue and contribute to deepening relations between the two countries.

At the opening ceremony, Yu Hye Ryong, director of the Korean Cultural Center, said, "with the opening of the fourth Sejong Institute today, we can see that there is growing interest and enthusiasm for the Korean language and culture in Hungary. I sincerely hope that this new institute will become a place of opportunity for both students and citizens of the city, and that it will strengthen the relationship between our nations as a center for academic and cultural exchange programs."

The establishment of the new institute is no coincidence: demand for the Korean language has skyrocketed in recent years. This is partly due to the international popularity of Korean culture—K-pop, movies, and TV series—and partly to the strengthening of Korean economic and cultural ties.