credit: klsc.koreatimes.co.kr

The Korea Times will hold its 3rd Korean Language Speaking Contest.

This event aims to recognize and reward non-Korean nationals who have a deep interest in Korean language and culture, and encourage them to continue exploring and engaging with the country.

As part of our mission, The Korea Times is committed to expanding the global presence of Korean language and culture, as well as Korea’s influence on the international stage.

Benefits for participants

Summer internship opportunity: One winner who is currently enrolled in a university or graduate school in Korea will be selected for a summer internship at The Korea Times.

Certificate of participation: Upon request, applicants who submit an entry will receive a certificate of participation.

How to apply

Step 1. Choose your category

A. Speaking

Topic: Create a video by choosing either a free topic or one of the organizer’s suggested topics.

Free topic: Daily life, hobbies, personal experiences, etc. (Creative formats such as impressions, parodies, etc., are allowed.)

Suggested topic: “What is my favorite K-?”

* “K-” refers to anything related to Korea, including cultural elements that represent Korea. Examples include K-pop, dramas, films, literature, beauty, etiquette and lifestyle, food, traditional culture, cities, places, TV programs, idols and more.

Field: Judging criteria and awards may vary, depending on the category you choose.

[Long-form] 2 minutes to 3 minutes 30 seconds

[Short-form] Up to 1 minute

B. Pronunciation

For the Korean Pronunciation Challenge, choose one of the provided Korean tongue twisters and film yourself reading it within 30 seconds. Applicants in the Speaking category are also welcome to participate.

Click to see the Korean Pronunciation Challenge script

Step 2. Upload your video

Please upload your video publicly to one of the following platforms: YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook or Bilibili.

Include the required hashtags in the video title or description: #thekoreatimes #koreanspeakingagent

Step 3. Submit your application

Complete the online application form and submit it by clicking “Apply.”

You may edit your submission or reapply during the application period.

Apply here!!

Eligibility

Foreign nationals

Overseas Koreans who are not native Korean speakers

Schedule

Application period: Feb. 26 to May 7

Announcement of winners: May 26

Awards ceremony: Thursday, June 4 (tentative)

Publication of winners: Winners will be announced in The Korea Times (print and online) and on the Korean Speaking Agent YouTube channel.

Prizes

* Award titles and additional benefits may be subject to change depending on operational circumstances.

Judging Criteria

Long-form

Content 30

Language use 30

Delivery 30

Video quality 10

Short-form

Content 40

Language use 30

Delivery 20

Video quality 10

Pronunciation

Accuravy 40

Delivery 40

Pronunciation stability 20

Host

The Korea Times

Sponsors

Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

Ministry of Education

National Institute for International Education

King Sejong Institute Foundation

Korea Cyber University

Future Education Center

FAQ

Q. What are the format and time limits for short-form and long-form videos?

A. There are no restrictions on video format. Short-form videos must be 60 seconds or less, and long-form videos must be between 2 minutes and 3 minutes 30 seconds. There is no time limit for the Pronunciation Category.

Q. Can I apply to multiple fields in the Speaking Category? What about the Pronunciation Category?

A. You may apply to only one field in the Speaking Category (either short-form or long-form). However, you may also apply to the Pronunciation Category even if you applied to the Speaking Category. If one participant is selected as a winner in both categories, the award will be granted only for the category with the higher prize amount, and duplicate awards will not be given.

Q. How is the internship candidate selected?

A. One winner who is currently enrolled in a university (or graduate school) in Korea will be selected from the winners of the Speaking and Pronunciation categories for a The Korea Times Summer Internship. Interviews will be conducted with winners who wish to apply, and the final selected candidate will work as an intern for approximately two months.

Q. What cases will result in a deduction of points?

A. Points will be deducted only in the following cases:

• Short-form video exceeds 1 minute, or long-form video is under 2 minutes or exceeds 3 minutes 30 seconds
• Reading directly from a script while filming (except for the Pronunciation Category)
• Excessive cut editing that is deemed to interfere with evaluation
• Using an AI-generated voice in the video

Q. Can we apply as a team?

A. Yes. Team applications are allowed for up to three (3) people, and all team members must appear in the video. Each member must also submit an individual application form.

Q. How is a team’s score calculated?

A. The team’s speaking score is calculated as the average of the individual scores of all members. For example, if A scores 90 and B scores 70, the team score will be 80.

Q. Can I apply with my face covered?

A. Applications with a covered face (e.g., wearing a mask) are allowed only for religious or personal reasons. However, if you are shortlisted as a potential winner, you may be required to complete an additional identity verification and Korean proficiency confirmation process by revealing your face to the organizers only, to ensure a fair evaluation.

Q. What is the deadline for video submission?

A. The submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. (KST) on May 7 (Thursday).

Q. Is attendance at the award ceremony mandatory?

A. Yes. Attendance is mandatory. Participants residing in Korea must attend in person, and participants residing overseas must attend online. If you cannot attend due to unavoidable circumstances, your award may be revoked.

Q. Do winners need to submit additional documents?

A. Yes. Winners must submit supporting documents and required information for prize payment. If any false or fraudulent information is found, the winner’s eligibility will be revoked.

Q. When and how can I receive the Certificate of Participation?

A. Certificates will be sent in a batch via Gmail in June, after the award ceremony, to applicants who requested them. If you entered an incorrect email address on the application or cannot receive Gmail, it may be difficult to receive the certificate individually. We appreciate your understanding.

Q. What happens in cases of plagiarism or copyright issues?

A. In the event of plagiarism or copyright infringement (including plagiarism from other speaking contests), all responsibility (including legal disputes) rests with the participant, and the award may be revoked even after winners are announced.

YouTube @Korea Speaking Agent

For more information, call (02) 724-2347 or contact eldorado@koreatimes.co.kr

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Winning Entries

Check out the winning entries of the 2025 Korean Speech Contest for Foreigners

Check out the winning entries of the 2024 Korean Speech Contest for Foreigners