The Korean Education Centre in France, Germany and the United Kingdom are jointly organising the 2026 Europe-Wide Korean Language Competition to encourage Korean language learning and promote a greater understanding of Korean culture among university students across Europe.
1. Competition Overview
| Competition Title | Concours européen de langue coréenne 2026 |
| Organisers | Korean Education Centre in France Korean Education Centre in Germany Korean Education Centre in the UK |
| Format | Online video preliminary round → In-person final in Paris |
| Competition Process | Application → Preliminary Round (video assessment) → Final Round (live performance) |
| Date & Venue of the Final | 12 December 2026, 13:00–16:30 Maison de la Corée, Cité internationale universitaire de Paris |
| Number of Finalists | 7 individuals or teams per category (Speech and Singing) |
2. Eligibility
The competition is open to undergraduate students enrolled at higher education institutions in Europe whose native language is not Korean.
– The following individuals are not eligible: South Korean nationals, Overseas Koreans, Individuals with at least one parent of Korean origin, Native Korean speakers
– Finalists must provide proof of eligibility (certificate of enrolment, documents confirming parentage, etc.).
※Candidates who fail to submit the required documents by the deadline set by the Education Centre in France will be deemed to have withdrawn from the final. Their place will be offered to the next eligible candidate in the ranking
3. Competition Categories and Themes
| Category | Round | Themes | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speech | Preliminary Round | Self-introduction (max. 30 seconds) + My Favourite Korean Word (e.g. 벗, 하늘, 우정) | Video (max. 4 minutes) |
| Final Round | Self-introduction (max. 30 seconds) + Tell Us About Your Own K-OOO (e.g. My K-drama, K-trip) | Live performance (max. 4 minutes) | |
| Singing | Preliminary Round | Self-introduction (max. 30 seconds) + A Korean song of your choice | Video (max. 4 minutes) |
| Final Round | Self-introduction (max. 30 seconds) + Perform a song with rewritten Korean lyrics telling your own story (Korean song or pop song) | Live performance (max. 4 minutes) |
※ Singing category: Finalists must provide their own instrumental backing track (MR). Live instruments are permitted, but no additional amplifiers or sound equipment will be provided.
※ The singing category allows teams of up to 3 members. The speech category is open to individual contestants only
※ Seven contestants or teams per category will be selected based on their submitted videos. Finalists will be notified individually.
※ The judging focuses primarily on Korean language proficiency and creativity rather than vocal ability
4. Application Procedure and Required Documents
| Application Period | 3–23 November 2026, until midnight (Paris time) |
| How to Apply | By email |
| Documents Required for the Preliminary Round | Application form Preliminary round video Speech script (or song lyrics) |
| ambcoree-edu@mofa.or.kr |
5. Final Round Programme
| Time | Programme |
|---|---|
| 12:40–13:00 | Participant check-in and briefing |
| 13:00–13:15 | Opening ceremony, welcome remarks and explanation of judging criteria |
| 13:15–14:10 | Presentations by 7 contestants/teams and Q&A |
| 14:10–14:40 | Break, special performance and judges’ deliberation |
| 14:40–15:35 | Presentations by 7 contestants/teams and Q&A |
| 15:35–16:00 | Judges’ deliberation and awards ceremony |
| 16:00–16:30 | Group photo |
6. Prizes
| Category | Award | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| Each category (Speech / Singing) |
1st Prize | Return flight ticket from Europe to Korea |
| 2nd Prize | Samsung Galaxy tablet | |
| 3rd Prize | Bluetooth speaker | |
| Across all categories | Audience Choice Award | JBL wireless earbuds |
※ Flight tickets will be issued after the final, once the winners’ departure cities and travel dates have been confirmed.
※ The Audience Choice Award will be decided by a vote of the audience.
7. Travel Expenses for Finalists
| Departure Location | Maximum Reimbursement Amount |
|---|---|
| Travelling from outside France | Up to €250 |
| Travelling from outside the Île-de-France region (within France) | Up to €150 |
Note: Travel expenses will be reimbursed up to the specified limits upon submission of supporting documents.
※ Travel expenses will be reimbursed to finalists only, after the competition and upon submission of proof of payment
※ Teams: For two-member teams, up to €250 per person; for three-member teams, up to €500 per team
※ For teams, reimbursement will be made in a single payment to one designated member
8. Special Prizes and Audience Activities
– All audience members will receive a small gift.
– Audience members who vote for the Audience Choice Award will be entered into a prize draw, with prizes including a laptop and a BTS Korean learning set with an audio pen.
– A special performance and refreshments will be provided during the competition break.
– The competition is open to the public, including family and friends of contestants.
9. Important Information and Enquiries
– False declarations or failure to meet the eligibility requirements may result in disqualification from the final or forfeiture of any prize awarded.
– For enquiries: ambcoree-edu@mofa.or.kr
Important Notice: As our website is currently experiencing technical difficulties, please contact us at ambcoree-edu@mofa.or.kr to receive the application form and event poster.
