Sharjah: The Department of Government Relations (DGR) in Sharjah has announced that the King Sejong Institute, the official institute for learning Korean language and Korean culture, is establishing a new base in the UAE’s cultural capital. The branch in Sharjah will become the prestigious institute’s 85th global base.
The establishment of a branch in Sharjah comes in line with the emirate’s vision to further advance its educational and creative sectors and build cultural bridges with countries and nations around the world.
During the ceremony, Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR, and Mr. Lee Hai Young, President, King Sejong Institute Foundation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to officiate their commitment to promoting deeper cultural exchange and fostering a stronger multi-sectoral partnership between South Korea and Sharjah.
Sharjah’s cultural importance to the UAE and the region cannot be overemphasised, and amongst the emirate’s biggest cultural successes is the way our city has realised the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to build strong cultural bridges with numerous cities around the world. This new endeavour reflects the openness we want to share with our cultural counterparts from South Korea, enabling both parties a chance to learn about each other and connect at a level that will lead to the creation of meaningful partnership opportunities for both sides.
Sheikh Fahim Al Qasimi, Chairman of DGR, shared.
The emirate’s branch of the King Sejong Institute will be based within the vibrant premises of Sharjah’s University City and, starting in September, will welcome members of all age groups from across Sharjah and the UAE to enrol in a variety of language courses taken by qualified teachers, as well as partake in expert-led cultural events and intellectual discussions designed to cater to varied interests and skill sets.
The institute will also serve as a platform for hosting key cultural and literary exchanges between the UAE and South Korea and diversifying learning and development opportunities in various fields.
Mr. Lee Hai Young, President of the King Sejong Institute, welcomed bringing the institute to Sharjah, stating, “The centre plays a vital role in promoting the Korean language and culture worldwide, with 244 branches in 84 countries, and although we started with just 740 students, we now enrich over 17,000 students with Korean culture around the world. The establishment of a branch in Sharjah underscores the institute’s dedication to fostering cultural exchange and promoting the rich heritage of Korea globally.”
For his part, Mr. Moon Byung-Jun, Consulate-General of the Republic of Korea in Dubai, noted that “this marks an important milestone in the cultural exchange between the UAE and South Korea. This institute will not only serve as a platform for learning the Korean language and culture but also contribute to strengthening the bonds of friendship and understanding between our nations.”