Connecting the World: The Cultural City of Sejong
세종특별자치시 갈매로 387
As 2025 comes to a close, Sejong City looked back on a year of meaningful cultural achievements through the Korean Language Cultural City results sharing event.
Held at the Park Yeon Cultural Center, the event brought together organizers, participants, and citizens to celebrate projects that connected the region and the world through Korean language and culture.
From exhibitions and performances to awards and networking, the event reflected the results of the past year and the vision for the year ahead.
Starting the Event at Park Yeon Cultural Center
On December 23rd, the results sharing event for the Korean Language Cultural City took place at the first-floor lobby and the second basement floor space known as Nuri-rak.
The first floor welcomed visitors with displays that allowed them to understand the year’s activities and outcomes at a glance.
Experiences and Exhibitions Celebrating 2025
To honor everyone who contributed to the Korean Language Cultural City throughout the year, a photo zone and a hands-on experience booth were prepared.
Visitors could make keyrings using recycled bottle caps, reflecting both creativity and sustainability within the cultural programs.
The exhibition area highlighted projects that connected the world through Korean, including international cultural exchanges, exhibitions, tourism programs inspired by King Sejong, citizen artist training, and children-focused Korean language contests.
Programs that Filled Sejong with Korean Language
The achievements also showed how deeply Korean language and culture spread throughout Sejong City.
Projects included support for Korean content creation, cultural competitions, commemorative events for King Sejong’s birthday, public lectures, festivals, and large-scale participatory events.
Among them, the Korean Run stood out, with 15,000 participants running 10.9 kilometers. Notably, around 60 percent of the runners came from outside the region, helping spread Sejong’s cultural identity nationwide.
Recognition and City Branding Achievements
In November, Sejong City received an award in the city branding category at an event hosted by the Korea Public Brand Promotion Agency.
This recognition reflected the impact of the Korean Language Cultural City project and the consistent efforts of the Sejong City Cultural and Tourism Foundation throughout 2025.
After the first part of the event, participants enjoyed a warm networking dinner with catering, sharing conversations and reflections.
Main Ceremony at Nuri-rak
The second part of the event took place at Nuri-rak on the second basement floor, where guests were welcomed by a red carpet.
The program included opening remarks, congratulatory speeches, performances, participant reflections, project presentations, and award ceremonies.
Many individuals who played key roles in shaping the Korean Cultural City gathered to celebrate this meaningful moment together.
Performances, Reflections, and Looking Ahead
The event was hosted by announcer Um Ji-in, who guided the ceremony with energy and warmth.
After welcoming and congratulatory speeches, the audience enjoyed a medley performance by the a cappella group TuneAid.
Reflections from project participants followed, including memorable remarks from Song Jung-woo, the youngest participant and winner of the Children’s Korean Language King Contest, and Putri, winner of the Foreign Student Korean Speaking Contest.
As the year was reviewed, discussions turned toward the direction Sejong will take in the coming year.
The ceremony concluded with awards presented to two individuals who made significant contributions to the development of Korean culture.
Toward a Cultural City that Connects the World
The event closed with sincere gratitude to everyone who supported and contributed to the Korean Language Cultural City in their own ways.
Looking ahead to the new year, Sejong aims to strengthen its role as a cultural city that connects the world through even more diverse Korean language and cultural events.
Continued interest and support will play a vital role in shaping this journey forward.
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