Ewha Language Center Hosts 60th Anniversary Ceremony and the 29th Korean Speaking Contest
- 작성처
- Date2022.10.19
- 9117
Ewha Language Center (ELC) hosted the “Ewha Language Center’s 60th Anniversary Ceremony” and “29th Korean Speaking Contest for Foreigners” on October 7 (Fri.).
The ELC was initially founded in 1962 as “Language Lab” and has since developed into a professional language education institute by supporting the foreign language education for students. The center launched Korean language programs for international students in 1988 and has pioneered Korean language education by publishing a series of Korean education textbooks focusing on communicative skills for the first time among Korean language education institutions. Currently, more than 2,000 international students each year learn Korean and Korean culture through the ELC language programs.
The ELC’s 60th anniversary ceremony began with a pre-event ceremony prepared by its students, followed by a commemorative speech by ELC Director Eun-Joo Lee, a screening of congratulatory video messages by Ewha President Eun Mee Kim and distinguished guests in Korea and abroad, and a cake-cutting ceremony to celebrate the occasion.
The event itinerary continued with the “29th Korean Speaking Contest for Foreigners,” which is an event that has been held annually since 1991 in an effort to encourage international students who are learning Korean. However, it had been cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 and resumed this year after a hiatus of two years. Around 400 language training students attended the event.
Six students from eight countries including Morocco, France, the U.S., Bolivia, Thailand, and Japan competed for the contest. Students who advanced to the final round demonstrated their outstanding Korean speaking proficiency with speeches about their experiences in and relationship with Korea, and received a warm round of applause from the audience. The first prize went to Wiwatdirekkul Parichat from Thailand, who gave a speech titled “Mother’s Tears.” To celebrate the event’s first return in three years, ELC students gave congratulatory performances such as K-pop dancing, singing, and instrumental performances.