Where Can I Learn Korean at King Sejong Institute in 2026?
So, you’ve decided to finally dive into the beautiful world of Hangeul and the Korean language. Maybe a K-Drama inspired you, or perhaps you’re planning your big move to Seoul. Either way, the King Sejong Institute (KSI) is the gold standard for learning Korean globally!
Named after the Joseon Dynasty king who created the Korean alphabet, KSI is a cultural outpost on the frontline of spreading Korean language and culture. And the best part? It’s growing faster than a K-Pop rookie group!
In 2026, the global reach of the King Sejong Institute is nothing short of incredible. Let’s look at the numbers and see where you can find a piece of Korea, no matter where you live!
The Global Snapshot: 2026’s Massive Network
As of the latest announcements in 2025, the King Sejong Institute network has expanded to an impressive total of 252 branches located across 87 countries worldwide.
That’s a phenomenal number, reflecting the true power of the Hallyu (Korean Wave). It means that from the Americas to Asia, and Africa to Europe, Korean language classes are becoming a global fixture.
The 2026 Expansion: Meeting the Demand Surge
The most exciting news for students is the expansion! In 2025, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism designated 11 new branches in nine different countries to keep up with the overwhelming demand. This shows where Korean language interest is truly booming.
These are the nine countries that got a brand-new KSI location in 2026:
Africa
Egypt (2 new locations): They added two branches due to massive waiting lists—one at Ain Shams University and another at Alexandria University. Talk about high demand!
Asia & Middle East
China (2 new locations)
Uzbekistan (1 new location): Added to meet the surging demand for Korean language courses needed for employment and studying abroad.
Malaysia (1 new location)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) (1 new location)
The Philippines (1 new location)
Europe
Germany (1 new location)
Italy (1 new location)
Hungary (1 new location)
The World is Your Classroom: Key Regions with KSI
While the 2026 additions are exciting, the majority of KSIs are distributed across major continents, making Korean education accessible almost everywhere.
Asia: This region holds the largest number of KSIs. You’ll find strong presences in countries like Vietnam (a huge number of branches!), India, Indonesia, Mongolia, and Thailand. The interest here is often driven by both cultural appeal and career opportunities.
Europe: From Russia (which hosts several branches) to France and Poland, Korean studies have become a recognized academic pursuit, often supported by growing Hallyu fandom.
The Americas: Strong institutes are found in the United States, Canada, and across Central and South America (e.g., Brazil, Mexico). The designation of the first-ever KSI in Cuba in recent years also highlights the expanding geographical reach.
Africa and Oceania: While expansion is ongoing, KSI centers exist in countries like Morocco, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Australia, bringing the Korean language to diverse communities far and wide.
Why You Should Choose KSI
The King Sejong Institute isn’t just a language school; it’s a window into Korea.
Quality Control: All KSIs use standardized, government-approved curriculum and textbooks, ensuring high-quality education no matter where you are.
Culture First: Classes often integrate cultural elements, teaching you everything from how to bow correctly to how to make basic kimchi.
Affordability: As a government-sponsored organization, the tuition fees are generally very affordable compared to private language academies.
If you’re serious about learning Korean, checking the official King Sejong Institute Foundation website for the exact location nearest you is your best first step! The world is getting smaller, and thanks to King Sejong the Great’s legacy, Hangeul is truly going global.