Students From 24 Countries Gather in Seoul
The King Sejong Institute Foundation's invitational program brought 163 students to Korea for a week of cultural immersion.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Cultural
The King Sejong Institute Foundation hosted 163 students from 24 countries in Seoul from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1, 2026. The program was the second session of its 2026 Invitational Training Program for Outstanding Learners and marks the largest gathering in its history.
Why it matters
The program reflects the foundation's effort to expand opportunities for learners worldwide to engage with Korean culture. Its eligibility was broadened in 2026 to include learners demonstrating talent in Korean cultural arts.
Program attendance totaled 163 students from 24 countries, drawn from a foundation network of 273 institutes in 89 countries. The source does not report participant outcomes or any follow-up assessment of the program.
The players
King Sejong Institute Foundation
The organization that operates Korean language and culture institutes worldwide and hosted the training program.
The details
Participants performed buchaechum, Jindo drum dance, and pansori at Gyeongbok Palace, accompanied live by gayageum performer Han Seung-eun. Students also performed live K-pop songs and dance in Sinchon, and explored Gwangjang Market, Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun Design Plaza and several national museums.
Timeline
Oct. 27, 2026: Program began in Seoul.
Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026: Traditional performances held at Gyeongbok Palace.
Friday, Oct. 30, 2026: K-pop performances held in Sinchon.
Nov. 1, 2026: Program concluded in Seoul.
Cultural Reach
The program doubles the King Sejong Institute Foundation's invitational operations into two October sessions across its network of 273 institutes in 89 countries. It extends the foundation's cultural exchange model beyond language study into performing and visual arts.
The program offered training to students selected from 24 countries, with eligibility expanded in 2026 to include learners demonstrating talent in Korean cultural arts. Public performance access was not reported in the source.
The takeaway
Cultural exchange programs like this one show how language institutes can broaden access to Korean arts for learners who may not otherwise travel to Korea. Readers interested in the subject can follow the foundation's expanding invitational offerings.
Further reading
Explore more Cultural coverage for context on Korean arts and international exchange programs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Korea Times.
