South Korea is doubling down on its global cultural outreach by expanding the King Sejong Institute (KSI) network with 11 new branches across nine countries this year, as announced on June 30, 2025, by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This strategic move brings the total number of KSIs worldwide to 252, spanning 87 countries, underscoring the surging international appetite for Korean language and culture.
The King Sejong Institute, named after the 15th-century Joseon Dynasty king who created the Korean alphabet Hangeul, has become a vital cultural ambassador for South Korea. Since its inception in 2007 with just 13 centers serving 740 students across three countries, the program has experienced exponential growth. The establishment of the King Sejong Institute Foundation in 2012 further accelerated this expansion, professionalizing teacher development and strengthening partnerships with local institutions globally. By 2023, enrollment had soared to over 210,000 students worldwide, both through in-person and online learning platforms.
This year’s additions include six new centers in Asia, two in Africa, and three in Europe, reflecting a carefully targeted response to rising local demand. Egypt, a key focus of this expansion, previously had only one KSI located at the Korean Cultural Center in Cairo. That center alone has a staggering waiting list of 1,285 eager learners, prompting the opening of two new branches at Ain Shams University in Cairo and Alexandria University. This expansion aligns with the growing presence of Korean businesses and cultural influence in Egypt, highlighting the country’s strategic importance in South Korea’s cultural diplomacy.
Uzbekistan, already boasting seven KSIs, will add an eighth branch at Ajou University in Tashkent. The ministry’s decision here is fueled by a notable surge in demand for Korean language education, driven by students aiming for domestic employment or overseas study in South Korea. Supporting this trend is the rising number of Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK) applicants and the fact that over 12,000 Uzbek students were enrolled in South Korean universities and colleges as of 2024, ranking fourth highest after China, Vietnam, and Mongolia.
Beyond Egypt and Uzbekistan, the new institutes will open in a diverse set of countries. In Asia, new centers are set to launch in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Shenyang (China), Taipei (Taiwan), and Munoz (Philippines). Europe will see new KSIs in Bonn (Germany), Turin (Italy), and Miskolc (Hungary). China, like Egypt, is receiving two new branches this year, reflecting sustained interest in Korean language and culture across the continent.
The competition to become a designated King Sejong Institute has never been fiercer. This year, 94 institutions from 43 countries applied for KSI status, resulting in a record-high competition ratio of 8.5 to 1. This intense demand underscores the growing global fascination with Korean culture, often referred to as the "Hallyu" or Korean Wave, propelled by K-pop, Korean dramas, and other cultural exports.
Lee Jeong-mi, director of cultural policy at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasized the significance of these expansions: "The King Sejong Institute is the frontline of introducing Korean language and culture to the world. By designating more institutes with strong local partnerships and educational capabilities, we aim to establish Korea as a cultural and linguistic hub with global influence." Her statement highlights the ministry’s vision of KSIs as not just language schools but as vital cultural outposts that help South Korea stand tall on the global stage.
Looking ahead, the ministry plans to increase the number of regional hub institutes from five to twenty by 2030. These hubs will improve local management, enhance curriculum quality, and bolster Korea’s cultural diplomacy efforts. The overall goal is to expand the number of KSI branches to over 350 by 2030, further embedding Korean language education worldwide and meeting the increasing demand from learners eager to connect with Korean culture.
The King Sejong Institute Foundation plays a crucial role in this endeavor by funding and certifying local Korean language education programs initiated by universities and cultural centers globally. This decentralized yet coordinated approach helps tailor programs to local needs while maintaining high standards and consistency across the network.
The global spread of Korean language education through the King Sejong Institutes is more than just cultural promotion; it’s a strategic investment in soft power. As Korean culture continues to captivate audiences worldwide, the ability to speak the language offers deeper engagement and understanding, fostering long-term relationships between South Korea and countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
From a modest start in Mongolia in 2007 to a worldwide network of over 250 centers, the King Sejong Institute’s growth mirrors the meteoric rise of Korea’s cultural influence. The new branches in Egypt, Uzbekistan, and beyond are not just classrooms but gateways to a deeper cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and mutual understanding.
With the government’s ambitious plans and the evident enthusiasm from learners worldwide, the King Sejong Institute network is poised to become an even more powerful vehicle for cultural diplomacy. It’s a testament to how language—more than just words—can bridge continents and connect hearts.
