Participants from 20 Countries Share Diverse Korean Stories of Communication and Inspiration

Presentations Highlight K-Brands, Local Communities, and Korean Culture

 15 Winners Including the Grand Prize… “Korean is a Language that Connects the World”

[July 21, 2025]

 Yeungnam University (President CHOI Oe-chool) hosted the 2025 YU World Korean Speech Contest on July 17 at the Lee Si-won Global Convention Hall in Cheonma Art Center. Held in celebration of the university’s 78th anniversary, the contest brought together foreign high school and university (including graduate school) students to showcase their Korean language skills and engage in global cultural exchange through Korean language and culture.

This year’s competition attracted more than 70 applicants from 20 countries, including China, Vietnam, Sierra Leone, Malawi, Ghana, and Mexico. After document screening and recorded video evaluations, 15 finalists were selected to present their unique Korean-language stories and experiences. Presentation topics covered a wide range of themes connecting Korea and the world, including:

 ▲ My Korean Study Abroad Story

 ▲ Global Common Challenges and Ideas for Solutions

 ▲ The Value and Significance of K-Brands

 ▲ Understanding K-POP and Korean Culture

 ▲ Korea’s Development Experience

 ▲ Global Citizenship and Korean Culture

 The final round was conducted in a hybrid format, combining on-site and online participation. Overseas university contestants joined the finals via live online presentations, and the entire event was streamed live on YouTube, delivering the passion and enthusiasm for the Korean language to viewers in real time. Contestants impressed the audience with their fluent Korean and outstanding presentation skills. Awards were presented for Grand Prize, Excellence Award, Encouragement Award, and Best Presentation Award to participants who excelled in creativity, delivery, and expressiveness. All awardees also received prize money.

The Grand Prize (1st place) went to Akkhasang Thanyarat from Thailand, who moved the audience deeply with an authentic and heartfelt presentation on the theme My Korean Study Abroad Story. In her acceptance speech, she said, “When I first came to Yeungnam University, everything felt unfamiliar and challenging, but learning Korean here allowed me to connect more closely with people. Preparing for this contest helped me improve my Korean skills, and I’m so happy to have created another joyful memory.”

In his congratulatory remarks, YU President CHOI Oe-chool stated, “This contest goes beyond simply competing in Korean language skills. It is a space to share and connect over Korea’s development experience and cultural values. I hope participants will broaden their understanding of Korean language and culture, and reflect on the direction humanity should take to live together.” He added, “YU will continue to actively support foreign students’ growth and their meaningful ties with Korea through diverse educational programs. We will further develop YU into a university where people from around the world can come together to share wisdom and nurture their dreams.”

 Meanwhile, YU has been holding the Korean speech contest annually for foreign students, along with Korean cultural experience programs and community engagement activities, as part of its ongoing efforts to promote communication, settlement, and the cultivation of global talent among international students.