By: Ailyn Quiroz, Staff Writer 

VSU is partnering with the King Sejong Institute Foundation and Hannam University to bring Korean culture to students and Valdosta residents. 

King Sejong Institute Foundation is a global initiative funded by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, with the goal of promoting Korean Culture and Korean language education overseas. 

“I started working on this project in November of last year, and we had an on-site visit for our readiness by the foundation,” said Dr. Byeonghwa Park, associate professor of management, director of J. Donald Lee Center, and director of the King Sejong Institute. 

 “Then I was told that we were designated to have a new King Sejong Institute, so ever since we have been working hard to launch. We are still in the planning stages, but as of right now we hope to have the opening ceremony in October,” he said. “As of now, there are around 14 King Sejong Institutes in North America, with roughly 280 institutes worldwide.” 

Expanding to Valdosta will be a milestone. 

“What makes this particularly exciting for us is that this is the first King Sejong Institute established in the state of Georgia,” said Dr. Park.  

The institute will offer Korean language courses, cultural programs, and special events to all VSU students and Valdosta residents.  

“There are a bunch of interesting events that we are going to hold. We are going to bring a famous calligrapher, and he will hold two or three different workshops,” said Dr. Park. 

Workshops will include learning about K-dramas, K-pop, Korean cosmetics, traditional Korean customs, and other workshops that will introduce different parts of Korean culture. 

“Sometimes when students hear King Sejong Institute, they may believe that it’s only for people already familiar with Korean culture or who already speak the language; that is not the case,” explained Dr. Park. 

King Sejong Institute welcomes everyone of different levels of Korean language and knowledge of Korean culture.  

“This is open to everyone, so your parents, your friends, or your uncle can attend our workshops. We want to create an environment where beginners feel comfortable,” said Dr. Park. 

As the institute continues in the planning stages, Dr. Park has worked to get feedback on a course schedule from students and the community by sending out a survey on course interest and scheduling.  

“We are currently assessing student and community interests,” Dr. Park said. “For example, if there is a high demand of people willing to take classes on the weekend, then we will offer those classes to students to avoid time conflict from their regular classes.” 

Although the survey deadline, Aug. 27, has passed, Dr. Park is offering internship opportunities to students looking to help build the institute from the ground up. The King Sejong Institute currently has eight interns, but Dr. Park hopes more students will become involved.  

“In the short term, I want us to successfully establish a high-quality Korean language and cultural education program here on VSU, but my long-term vision is broader,” said Dr. Park. “I would like King Sejong Institute to become a place that connects VSU, Korea, and our community so that everyone can be more internationally engaged.” 

And how no matter the reason behind wanting to learn about Korea and its culture, all are welcomed.  

“Curiosity is enough, and students this year have the unique opportunity to be a part of the institute from the ground up,” explained Dr. Park. “I don’t want King Sejong Institute to be isolated on campus; I want students and the local community to feel that this is their institute as well.” 

For more information about the internship, email bypark@valdosta.edu.