The Korean Language Institute of the Yonsei University Language Research and Education Center (연세대학교 언어연구교육원 한국어학당) held the 32nd Hangeul Writing Contest for Foreigners (외국인 한글백일장) to mark Hangeul Day. The Hangeul Writing Contest for Foreigners first started in 1992, and since then about 40,000 foreign nationals and overseas Koreans from more than 100 countries have taken part. Participants write in Korean on the day of the contest.

Applications closed on 30 September 2026, and the contest took place on 7 October.

Contest date, time, and place

  • Contest: Wednesday 7 October 2026, 09:30 to 13:00
  • Place: Korean Language Institute, Yonsei University Language Research and Education Center
  • Award ceremony: Wednesday 28 October 2026, 15:00, main auditorium of the Korean Language Institute, Yonsei University Language Research and Education Center

Categories

  • Poetry
  • Essay

All writing is done in Korean. The topic is announced on the day of the contest. Ballpoint pens and manuscript paper are handed out on the day of the contest, and bread and drinks are also provided.

Eligibility

  • Foreign nationals living in Korea whose current stay is 8 years or less (counted from the day the current stay began, not the day you first came to Korea. Foreign nationals who obtained Korean nationality through marriage or similar can also take part.)
  • Overseas Koreans living in Korea whose stay is 5 years or less
  • People aged 17 and over
  • People who have not received an award for a Korean literary work in the last 3 years

Applications (closed)

  • Application period: Wednesday 9 September to Wednesday 30 September 2026
  • How to apply: applications were accepted online only.
  • Institutions and groups taking part were asked to fill in the group application form and send it by email (yskli2@yonsei.ac.kr).

Contact