London Sejong Institute launch takes place at Richmond

Promoting the culture and language of Korea

A number of special guests took centre stage at an opening event this week to celebrate the opening of the London Sejong Institute, a joint initiative between Richmond, the American International University and the King Sejong Institute Foundation, to promote the culture and language of Korea.

The event, which was held at the University’s Richmond campus, included a plaque unveiling for the London Sejong Institute, with speeches given by Professor Phil Deans, President and Vice Chancellor of the University, Consul General Seung-shin Lee of the Korean Embassy and  Dr Jungwoo Lee, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre UK.  The guests also enjoyed Korean canapés and musical performances provided by Seongju Kim and Margarita Letitchevski.

Following a successful trial over the last year, the London Sejong Institute will be running Korean language courses for the University’s students, staff and faculty as well as the local community.  There will also be a regular programme of Korean cultural events.

Professor Phil Deans, President and Vice Chancellor of the University, said: “Korea has many remarkable stories to tell the world, about change and continuity, and struggle and success, about its past and its future.  I am delighted and honoured that, with the excellent work of the Sejong Institute, Richmond the American International University can play a part in telling this story.”

Consul General Seung-shin Lee of the Korean Embassy, commented, “Since I came to the UK two years ago, I have been able to witness the rapid increase in popularity of the Korean culture in the UK.  This fever for Korean culture naturally led to people being interested in the Korean language.  I believe that the London Sejong Institute will be a great example of Korean learning in the UK and also deepen understanding between the UK and the Republic of Korea.”

The King Sejong Institute Foundation is a public institution backed by the Korean Government under the Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and was established to promote Korean language education and culture around the world. 

Richmond the American International University is the UK’s pioneering liberal arts university, with two locations in London in Richmond and Kensington.  As the University is moving to a new campus in summer 2022 in Chiswick Park, west London, the London Sejong Institute will be relocating there with the University.

One of the students currently studying Korean at Richmond, Dr Michael Flynn, shared his thoughts, “The Korean language course at the London Sejong Institute has been a great experience. I have been really impressed by the dedication and professionalism of the teaching staff and find myself each week very much looking forward to the next lesson. I also find myself increasingly appreciating the logic and beauty of the Korean language.  I am looking forward to continuing to the next course in 2022.”