The King Sejong Foundation was established in 2007 with the goal of teaching the Korean language to foreign learners. Today, it has over 250 branches in 88 countries, with more than 200,000 students participating in in-person or online classes. This vast and diverse network of learners and supporters forms a global community united by a shared passion for the Korean language and culture. On November 20th, a group of members from this global community, including 45 graduates and alumni, as well as 12 representatives from supporting institutions and universities, gathered at the Novotel Ambassador in Seoul for the foundation's third annual event, held under the theme, “The Dream of the Sejong Foundation, Shining Together.”

Moreover, as a part of the event, a booklet was distributed to attendees, its cover emblazoned with the word "Dream." This booklet features stories of former Sejong students who have achieved significant positions in Korea, despite being from foreign backgrounds. Reading this booklet—whether in full or briefly—can serve as an inspiring source for anyone who dares to dream big.

Under the inspiring theme of “dreams” that was central to the event, the winners of the first-ever Sejong Foundation alumni contest, “Experiences of King Sejong Foundation’s Learners Living in Korea,” were also present. These winners, representing a variety of nationalities, shared their unique stories through written or video submissions, impressing sponsors with their exceptional Korean language skills and the deep connection they had with Korean culture. As several of the winners spoke towards the end of the ceremony, their words clearly conveyed admiration. Ms. Yu-jin Seon from the Hangul Nuri Foundation expressed her amazement at the passion and brilliance of foreign learners who had mastered the Korean language. She highlighted the extraordinary courage they showed in approaching Korean, despite being fluent in their native languages, much like a child starting a new language journey. She also acknowledged the incredible resilience these learners displayed, managing to shine in Korea despite the challenges of being away from home and missing their families.

In the continuation of this article, the interview with the first-place winner of the video content creation contest is presented. Rula, a cheerful young Palestinian with a warm and friendly demeanor, was a truly engaging person to talk to, making the interview an unforgettable experience.

To begin, would you mind telling our readers a bit about yourself?

Hello, everyone! My name is Rula Alzughayyar, and I am a proud Palestinian GKS scholar studying in Korea. Currently, I am pursuing a master’s degree in International Studies with a focus on International Development at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. I began my journey in Korea in September 2022, and now, with only one semester left, I can’t believe how quickly time has flown. Living and studying in Korea has been an incredible experience, filled with personal growth, academic achievements, and unforgettable memories.

You won  a valuable prize in the competition for creating a video based on the life experience of Sejong language learners in Korea. How do you feel about that?

Winning the Sejong Institute video competition has been one of the most rewarding milestones of my journey. At first, I couldn’t believe I had taken first place—it felt surreal! I’m incredibly honored and humbled by the recognition. This achievement has inspired me to approach life in Korea with even greater enthusiasm and energy, reminding me that dedication and hard work truly pay off.

Could you please tell us how you got acquainted with the Sejong Institute and what your experience of learning the language there has been like? 

I first became acquainted with the King Sejong Institute during the pandemic in late 2021. Though I missed the chance for in-person interactions that could have made the experience more dynamic, the online format proved highly effective in strengthening my grammar and listening skills. Before joining the Sejong Institute, I had a casual exposure to Korean, primarily through watching K-dramas and listening to K-pop. However, the structured curriculum at Sejong provided me with a solid foundation, organizing my knowledge and deepening my understanding of the language. It became a stepping stone in my journey to mastering Korean.

My journey with the Sejong Institute was closely tied to my aspirations for the GKS (Global Korea Scholarship). In March 2021, I applied for the scholarship for the first time but was not accepted. Determined, I used that year to improve my language skills, completing two courses at the Sejong Institute. With renewed confidence, I reapplied in March 2022 and was overjoyed to be accepted, which enabled me to begin my master’s studies in Korea in September 2022.

You created an energetic and vibrant piece of content highlighting the experience of Korean cuisine. What inspired you to choose this theme for your video?

What inspired me to choose this theme was my genuine love and passion for Korean cuisine. As a self-proclaimed foodie, living in Korea feels like a dream come true, with its rich and diverse food culture. For the contest, I wanted to create something that truly reflected me; something close to my heart and enjoyable to work on. I also knew that many people could easily relate to this theme because, honestly, who wouldn’t love the delicious and flavorful world of Korean food?

After winning first place in the competition, you mentioned in your speech that this victory was not only a personal achievement but also a triumph for your country, Palestine. Could you expand on what this feeling means to you?

Winning this contest was an incredibly meaningful opportunity for me to not only celebrate a personal achievement but also uplift my country’s name. Despite the difficult times we face, with the ongoing occupation of Palestine and the devastating war in Gaza, this victory feels like a small yet significant triumph for my people. It gives me immense joy to know that through my success, I can shine a positive light on Palestine and its resilience. For me, any opportunity to raise my country's name in the international arena is an absolute win, and this contest provided a platform to do just that. 

How has life been for you in Korea, and what are your plans for the future?

Living in Korea has been a transformative journey of personal growth, meaningful friendships, and unforgettable adventures, where the country’s natural beauty and warm culture have truly made it feel like a second home. As someone passionate about fostering cultural understanding, I aspire to use my education to build bridges between Korea and Palestine through initiatives in development, language, and cultural exchange. Beyond academics, I’ve fallen in love with exploring Korea’s breathtaking nature and vibrant food culture, which have made this journey even more special. It has been a privilege to represent my country in Korea, and I hope to continue strengthening the ties between our nations in the future. Throughout my journey in Korea, I have always aspired to be a representative of my people, sharing our culture and story with the world. My ultimate goal is to remain in Korea after completing my master’s degree and one day work at a Palestinian embassy here. I dream of using my Korean language skills to build stronger connections between Korea and Palestine, fostering understanding and friendship through culture, language, food, and the universal language of kindness and love.

Wishing all the best for kind-hearted Rula and hoping for a world filled with peace, we eagerly look forward to hearing more stories of dreams and the brilliance of King Sejong Foundation's learners. May their journeys continue to inspire us, thanks to the invaluable efforts of the foundation.