Korean Speaking Contest 2025 Held in Pune to Promote Language and Culture
Pune, 29th June 2025: The Indo-Korean Center and King Sejong Institute Pune (Balewadi Campus) successfully hosted the 2025 Korean Speaking Contest, a prestigious global event aimed at promoting the Korean language and culture worldwide. The event is part of a global initiative organized by the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism, Republic of Korea.
The event was hosted by King Sejong Institute Pune, supported by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Mumbai, and sponsored by LG Electronics. Distinguished guests in attendance included Yoo Dong-Wan, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Mumbai; Hee Ok, Managing Director of LG Electronics India; Dr. Eunjoo Lim, Director of King Sejong Institute Pune, and Sanjib Ghatak, Co-founder of the Indo-Korean Center; prominent Korean business leaders; and key representatives from the Korean Association.
Dr. Eunjoo Lim and Sanjib Ghatak delivered welcome addresses, emphasizing the role of the institute as a cultural bridge between Korea and India, while encouraging the participating students for their courageous efforts.
The event drew an enthusiastic audience of over 300 attendees. The highlight of the event was the presentations by the top 15 Korean language learners, selected through a rigorous screening process. The participants demonstrated impressive linguistic skills and a deep understanding of Korean culture. In addition to the contest, the audience enjoyed vibrant cultural performances, including a Korean-Indian fusion dance and traditional Korean singing, which captivated the audience. Winners of the contest included Ananya Anand (1st place), Vaishnavi Gaikwad (2nd place), and Shreeya Revankar (3rd place). Zainab Bi Shaikh and Prachi Bhagat received consolation prizes.
Addressing the students, Chief Guest Yoo Dong-Wan remarked, “This kind of competition builds bridges between cultures and tears down barriers. It offers great opportunities for students to pursue roles such as diplomats or high-level positions in Korean companies. Such initiatives deepen our understanding of a rapidly changing world.” He also encouraged students to keep learning and self-reflecting, while extending heartfelt thanks to the teachers and organizers for their dedication.
Hee Ok emphasized the broader significance of language learning. “Studying a language is not just about academics—it’s about building bridges between India and Korea,” she said, commending the dedication shown by the students and congratulating all participants. Lee Seok-Won, Director of the Office of International Cooperation at Ajou University, delivered an encouraging message via recorded video.
The stakes were especially high this year, as the first-place winner received an official invitation from the King Sejong Institute Foundation to participate in the global final round of the contest in Seoul, South Korea. This includes a seven-day, fully sponsored Korean cultural immersion program, offering the winner invaluable experiences such as visits to major cultural heritage sites and deepened exposure to Korean traditions and society.
Consul General Highlights New Opportunities through Korean Language
Speaking to the media, Yoo Dong-Wan, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Mumbai, stated, “Learning Korean would open doors to numerous opportunities for Indian students.” He emphasized that events like these, held in various parts of India, would bring the two cultures closer and enhance mutual understanding. “Korea and India have shared many cultural similarities for generations. We must continue to build these ties through various platforms,” he said.
Yoo also shared plans to host cultural events in Mumbai, including street festivals, to improve communication and understanding between the two rich cultures. He further revealed prospects for collaborations between Bollywood and the Korean film industry to set new standards in bilateral relations, alongside efforts to promote tourism and explore new avenues between the two nations.
