The 2025 Korean Language Speaking Contest, hosted by The Korea Times, aims to recognize and reward non-Korean nationals and overseas Koreans passionate about the Korean language and culture. This contest encourages participants to showcase their Korean speaking skills and share their unique experiences related to Korea. Through this initiative, The Korea Times seeks to promote Korean language learning globally and enhance Korea’s cultural influence worldwide.
Participants can compete in two categories: Long-Form (2-3 minutes) or Short-Form (under 1 minute). Winners will receive monetary prizes, global recognition, and an exclusive K-pop-signed CD giveaway.
Quick Overview of the 2025 Korean Language Speaking Contest
- Host Organization: The Korea Times
- Application Deadline: April 27, 2025 (11:59 PM KST)
- Contest Format: Video submission (YouTube upload)
- Eligibility: Non-Korean nationals and overseas Koreans who are not native Korean speakers
- Categories: Long-Form (2-3 minutes) & Short-Form (under 1 minute)
- Winner Announcement: May 14, 2025
- Awards Ceremony: May 29, 2025 (tentative)
Perks of the 2025 Korean Speaking Contest
- Cash Prizes for Winners (Up to 2.5 million KRW for top winners).
- Chance to Win a Signed K-pop CD (random draw for all participants).
- Recognition by The Korea Times (print and online media coverage).
- Opportunity to Participate in the Awards Ceremony (online option available for overseas winners).
- Engagement with Korean Language and Culture Enthusiasts Worldwide.
Prizes of the 2025 Korean Language Competition
- Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Award: 2.5 million KRW (1 winner per category).
- President’s Award of The Cyber University of Korea: 1 million KRW (1 winner per category).
- Grand Prize: 1 million KRW (2 winners per category).
- Excellence Award: 500,000 KRW (2 winners for long-form, 1 for short-form).
- Special SNS Award: 400,000 KRW (2 winners for short-form).
- Creative Award: 300,000 KRW (4 winners for long-form, 2 for short-form).
- K-pop Signed CD Giveaway: All participants will be entered into a random draw for a signed K-pop album.
Eligibility Criteria of the 2025 K-POP Contest
- Open to foreign nationals and overseas Koreans who are not native Korean speakers.
- Applicants must submit an original video in Korean.
- Dual nationals with Korean citizenship are not eligible.
- AI-generated voices or faces are strictly prohibited.
- Participants must choose only one category (Long-Form or Short-Form).
Topics for Video Submission for the International Korean Contest
- Long-Form Category (2-3 minutes):
- Introduce your favorite K-pop idol, drama, movie, actor, or webtoon.
- Share a funny or surprising experience from learning Korean or living in Korea.
- Compare Korean culture with your home country’s culture.
- Short-Form Category (Under 1 minute):
- Compare Korean culture, food, or language with your own.
- Imitate a famous character from a Korean drama or movie while introducing yourself.
- Share a unique aspect of Korean culture or Korean characteristics.
Important Dates of the Korean Speaking Competition 2025
- Submission Period: March 10 – April 27, 2025
- Winner Announcement: May 14, 2025
- Awards Ceremony: May 29, 2025 (tentative)
How to Apply to the 2025 Korean Language Speaking Contest
- Create a Video in Korean:
- Long-Form: 2-3 minutes (resolution 1920×1080).
- Short-Form: Under 1 minute (resolution 1080×1920).
- At least 80% of the video must show the applicant speaking.
- No excessive background music, images, or AI-generated content.
- Upload the video on YouTube (set to Public) and add the hashtag #howdykorea in the title.
- Submit the Online Application:
- Complete the form via Apply Here.
- Provide the YouTube video link.
- Select your preferred K-pop artist CD giveaway.
- Agree to contest terms and conditions.
- A confirmation email will be sent after successful submission.
Evaluation Criteria for the Competition in Korea
- Long-Form Category:
- Content (30%)
- Language use (20%)
- Delivery (20%)
- Video quality (20%)
- Views (10%)
- Short-Form Category:
- Content (30%)
- Creativity (30%)
- Delivery (20%)
- Video quality (10%)
- Views (10%)
Additional Information
- Winners will be contacted individually via email.
- Overseas winners can attend the awards ceremony online.
- Signed K-pop album winners will be announced separately.
- Failure to comply with video requirements may result in disqualification.
- Plagiarism or AI-generated content will lead to disqualification.
- Participants are responsible for any legal issues related to copyright claims.
For further inquiries, visit the official Korea Times website.
