Link to the original article :
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/path/A2025052916500001633
By Pyo Kyung-min
The Korea Times awarded 14 winners of its Korean Language Speaking Contest during a ceremony at the Cyber University of Korea’s Inchon Hall in Seoul, Thursday.
Now in its second year, the contest aims to promote global interest in the Korean language and contribute to Korea’s growing cultural influence around the world.
The event was co-sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Education, with additional support from the King Sejong Institute, the Cyber University of Korea and Kangwon Land, one of Korea’s largest casino and resort operators based in Gangwon Province.
“Learning a language means learning the culture and role of another country,” said Lee Jung-woo, director of the culture ministry’s Culture and Arts Policy Office.
“It’s not easy to learn a foreign language and I congratulate you on participating in this contest and even winning an award. I hope you will continue to serve as citizen diplomats who connect Korea with your home countries.”
Choi Cheol-kyoo, acting CEO of Kangwon Land, which also owns High1 Resort, a ski resort in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, noted the company’s recent efforts to expand its global presence, including the establishment of an overseas marketing team last year.
“This Korean Language Speaking Contest hosted by The Korea Times is also a very meaningful event for us at High1 Resort,” Choi said. “We hope to further develop this relationship and promise to support the contest so it continues to grow in a sustainable way.”
The highest honor, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award, was presented to Aybuke Cihan from Turkey for her exceptional Korean fluency and heartfelt speech.
“I’m truly honored to receive such a major award,” Cihan said in an acceptance speech delivered in Korean. “When I first started learning Korean, I thought I was just learning a language, but I’ve come to realize it’s also about understanding people’s hearts and culture. This award isn’t just my own achievement ? it’s thanks to the warmth of the Korean people ... I’d also like to thank my parents for their encouragement and my boyfriend for helping me edit my video.”
The President’s Award of The Cyber University of Korea was given to Thet Yadanar Khin from Myanmar.
“I didn’t expect to receive such a big award. It’s such an honor,” she said. “I’m more nervous now than I was while filming my video. Watching everyone’s amazing performances, I realized how difficult it must have been for the judges. I’m truly moved and grateful to the organizers.”
The Grand Prize was jointly awarded to Mavromati Eleftheria from Greece and Dwi Astuti Muslimawati from Indonesia. Eleftheria attended the ceremony in person, while Muslimawati joined via online video call.
Saidov Amirjon from Tajikistan received the High1 Resort Prize in recognition of his strong performance and unique perspective.
The Excellence Award went to Antonia Maria Prussak from Germany, Srija Paul from India and Nur Sara Amanda Binti Abd Malik from Malaysia.
“Today is the most fulfilling and meaningful day of my Korean-learning journey,” Prussak said. “I’m thankful to my friend who always cheers me on and I’ll continue working hard to grow even more here in Korea.”
The Creative Award was presented to Karimova Zinnura Odiljonovna from Uzbekistan, Fatemeh Mohammadzadeh Ramchahi from Iran, Lyubufan from China and Tran Thi Linh Chi from Vietnam.
Odiljonovna, a fifth-grade elementary school student living in the southwestern city of Gwangju, was the youngest among all the winners.
The Social Media Special Prize was awarded to Yamuso Babatunde Victor from Nigeria and Az Zahra Khoirurrizqa Fadiya from Indonesia.
“My wife is Korean and I joined this contest to improve my Korean skills. I’m so grateful to receive this award,” Yamuso said. “I’ll continue studying. I love you!”
This year’s contest set a record, with 1,780 applicants from 105 countries ? a 25 percent increase over the previous year and entries from six more countries.
As with last year, the winners impressed the judges with their fluent Korean skills and thoughtful speeches, each demonstrating a deep connection to the Korean language and culture.
“We were able to once again witness the passion people around the world have for learning Korean. Especially notable was the jump of over 400 applicants from Asia alone,” Oh Young-jin, president-publisher of The Korea Times, said.
“This contest has brought Korea and the world closer together. It deepened mutual understanding and strengthened respect for one another. To all the participants ? you are bridges of communication between Korea and the world. I sincerely applaud your efforts.”
