On August 28, 2025, the University of Languages and International Studies – Vietnam National University, Hanoi (ULIS-VNU) organized the King Sejong Institute Hanoi 2 Seminar at Vu Dinh Lien Hall. With the theme “Teaching Korean Language in the Non-formal Education System in Vietnam: Current Situation and Development Orientation”, the seminar aimed to enhance educational and cultural exchanges and cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea.

Attending the seminar were ULIS Vice President Hoa Ngoc Son; Nguyen Duc Thanh, Specialist of the Department of Vocational Education and Continuing Education under the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET); Park Seong Min, Director of the King Sejong Institute Headquarters in Vietnam; Choi Seung Jin, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam; representatives from King Sejong Institute branches nationwide; as well as staff and students from King Sejong Institute Hanoi 2 and the Faculty of Korean Language and Culture.

In his opening remarks, Vice President Hoa Ngoc Son expressed his sincere appreciation for the participation of representatives from King Sejong Institutes across Vietnam. He emphasized that the demand for learning Korean continues to rise along with the growing Vietnam–Korea partnership across various fields. ULIS-VNU takes pride in being a pioneering institution working closely with MOET to implement national-level programs, including those targeting non-specialist learners. He affirmed that the seminar provides an important opportunity for experts to assess the current situation and propose effective solutions for both formal and non-formal education systems.

Representing MOET, Nguyen Duc Thanh stated that given the increasing demand for Korean language learning in Vietnam, the Department of Vocational Education and Continuing Education has been developing training plans for Korean language programs at educational institutions, including ULIS. These efforts aim to address existing challenges in the non-formal Korean language teaching system. Moving forward, the department will strengthen quality assurance, cooperate with Korean partners, and expand joint programs, while enhancing teacher training and teaching quality.

On behalf of the Korean side, Park Seong Min, Director of the King Sejong Institute Headquarters in Vietnam, expressed his gratitude to ULIS for hosting the seminar. He stressed that the event provided a valuable opportunity for King Sejong Institute branches to share challenges and open new perspectives on developing Korean language teaching in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Choi Seung Jin, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam, highlighted the important role of the non-formal education system. With 22 King Sejong Institutes nationwide, the system has created more learning opportunities and contributed significantly to the growth of Korean language learning among Vietnamese communities. He affirmed his commitment, together with the Korean Embassy, to promote and expand Korean language education, including activities of the King Sejong Institutes.

Within the framework of the seminar, four presentations were delivered on the topic “Current Situation, Effectiveness, and Development Orientation of Korean Language and Culture Education” by representatives from ULIS and King Sejong Institutes nationwide, including: Tran Thi Huong – Dean of the Faculty of Korean Language and Culture, ULIS-VNU; Mai Kim Chi – Representative of King Sejong Institute Ho Chi Minh City 6; Tran Thi Lan Anh – Director of King Sejong Institute Da Nang; and Le Thi Thu Giang – Director of King Sejong Institute Hanoi 1.

The speakers focused on the current state of Korean language training at King Sejong Institutes in Vietnam, each with their own unique characteristics. Several proposals to improve training effectiveness were also presented.

The seminar concluded with an active discussion session among representatives of King Sejong Institutes, sharing aspirations and suggestions for developing the non-formal Korean language training system in Vietnam, while also exploring ways to strengthen cooperation and further promote Korean language education in both the non-formal and formal sectors.

The King Sejong Institute Hanoi 2 Seminar 2025, with the theme “Teaching Korean Language in the Non-formal Education System in Vietnam”, wrapped up after a productive working session.

Uyên – ĐSTT