The 2026 World Korean Education Conference (2026 세계한국어교육자대회) took place from July 13-16, 2026 in Seoul, organized by the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the King Sejong Institute Foundation. The conference provided an opportunity for Korean language teachers from various countries to share teaching experiences, exchange best practices in education, and update on new trends in Korean language education. Approximately 550 Korean language educators attended the first day; the three-day program for King Sejong Institute teachers brought together 209 teachers from 125 King Sejong Institutes in 56 countries.
A key component of the Conference was the professional development and training program for teachers. The training activities were organized by topic and subject group, focusing on Korean language education and Korean culture education. Through these training sessions, teachers had the opportunity to update their teaching methods, exchange experiences, and share practical issues in Korean language education in different countries and cultural environments.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong and Ms. Pham Khanh Linh, representing the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, participated in professional development activities and exchanges with teachers from various countries throughout the program. This was an opportunity for educators to share different approaches to classroom organization, integrating language education with culture, and enhancing learner participation.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong and Ms. Pham Khanh Linh (Faculty of Oriental Studies) attended the 2026 Global Korean Language Education Conference.
Within the framework of the Conference, the 2026 Outstanding Teacher Competition selected teaching models based on three directions: educational innovation based on artificial intelligence and digital technology; intercultural education linked to local characteristics; and student-centered educational organization. Through the selection process, six outstanding models were awarded prizes, including one Special Prize (대상), two Best of Excellence (최우수상), and three Excellence (우수상).
Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, a lecturer in Korean Studies at the Faculty of Oriental Studies and a visiting lecturer at King Sejong Institute Hanoi 1, was awarded the Best Excellence Prize (최우수상) for her model "Extended Business Korean Classroom Beyond the Classroom" (교실 밖으로 확장된 비즈니스 한국어 수업). This model was developed based on the growing demand for Korean language learning in Vietnam, linked to employment in Korean companies, studying abroad, translation and interpretation, and communication in a business environment.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong received the Best Excellence Award (최우수상) and a Certificate of Merit from the President of the King Sejong Institute Foundation at the 2026 Global Korean Language Education Conference.
Incorporate professional scenarios into Korean language classes.
In summarizing the teaching process, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong observed that learning primarily based on textbooks did not provide enough opportunities for learners to practice common situations in the workplace such as meetings, presentations, negotiations, or communication with clients. Learners' questions also gradually shifted from understanding word meanings and expressions to more specific issues such as how to present opinions in meetings or appropriate communication methods in a business environment.
Based on this need, the Business Korean course is designed to enhance practical activities and experiences. Learners participate in role-playing scenarios, presentations, discussions, and teamwork; and they apply Korean in contexts that simulate professional environments.
One of the standout activities is the "out-of-classroom trade fair" model, where the learning space is organized like a business fair. Learners directly visit "booths," introduce products, ask questions, exchange information, and conduct consultation scenarios in Korean. This approach helps the practice activities go beyond scripted conversational practice and move closer to the communication situations students may encounter in their future careers.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong presented the model of "Extending Business Korean Classroom Activities Beyond the Classroom" at the Conference.
According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, after the practice sessions, many learners became more proactive in using Korean. Instead of being overly worried about mistakes or relying on scripts, learners gradually became more confident in expressing their opinions, listening, and maintaining conversations; while also developing their ability to coordinate, delegate tasks, and adjust opinions in group activities.
The model also garnered interest from teachers attending the conference. In an interview with the award-winning teachers published by the Sejong Institute Foundation, an international teacher from Indonesia stated that the model impressed them because the classroom not only involved role-playing activities but also recreated a real-life fair space, allowing students to directly practice question-and-answer sessions and provide advice at the booths.
Teaching is linked to the practical needs of learners.
Sharing her thoughts on the award, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong stated that this result is not only a personal achievement but also stems from the active participation of the learners. For her, the fact that the experiences gained and tested during the teaching process can be shared with other Korean language teachers is also a significant meaning of the award. In the future, she hopes to continue researching the Korean language skills that learners truly need in order to build practical classes with more active student participation.
Based on the discussions at the conference, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong also stated that the value of educational innovation lies not only in the use of technology or new materials, but more importantly in how these resources are connected to the learning goals and practical experiences of the learners. Korean language education, therefore, is not just about transmitting linguistic knowledge, but also about interaction, collaborative learning, and connecting learners with Korean society, culture, and economy.
The 2026 Global Korean Language Education Conference attracted participation from many instructors from various countries.
The selection and sharing of a model developed from practical Korean language teaching in Vietnam at the Global Korean Language Education Conference is a recognition of Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong's efforts in innovating teaching methods. At the same time, this result also demonstrates the significance of linking language training with practical needs, career orientation, and the ability to apply knowledge – an approach that is being emphasized in Korean Studies and Korean language training at the Faculty of Oriental Studies and King Sejong Institute Hanoi 1, part of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
Related articles:
Sejong Academy Foundation:The story of lecturer Nguyen Thi Thu Huong
Sejong Academy Foundation:The story of six teachers connecting the world with the Korean language.
Author:Department of Oriental Studies
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