Over 200 instructors and practitioners of the Korean language convened Wednesday in Seoul for a three-day conference to share their knowledge and experience of language education.

“The Korean language is now evolving into a global language,” first lady Kim Yoon-ok said in her congratulatory remarks during the opening ceremony at the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul.

“Teaching Korean is not just teaching the language, but also teaching the culture and history of the country,” she said, reiterating the importance of the role of Korean teachers.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the state-run International Korean Language Foundation are co-hosting the annual event to boost Korean language education abroad.

This year’s event drew a total of 222 participants from 30 countries, including Japan, China and Vietnam, the organizers said.

Also attending are 67 students from 28 countries, who have excelled at learning Korean at branches of Sejong Hakdang, the state-run Korean language institute operating overseas.

During their seven-day stay, the students will have a chance to participate in various activities, such as attending taekwondo class and learning K-pop dance, the ministry said.

“The conference will provide a platform for discussion and exchange of ideas among Korean language instructors across the world. We’re planning to expand support for them,” an official from the ministry said.

The Ministry on Wednesday also appointed 20 new instructors to 14 branches of Sejong Hakdang in 11 countries, including Mongolia, Vietnam and Turkey to meet the increasing demand for Korean language teachers.

Sejong Hakdang, also known as the King Sejong Institute, was established in 2009 with 17 branches in six countries to serve the needs of Koreans living overseas.

Thanks to the growing popularity of Korean pop culture and the demand for learning the Korean language, the number of branches has now expanded to 90 in 43 different countries, the ministry said.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)