Pune: Learning Korean can open doors to numerous opportunities for Indian students, said Consul General of Republic of Korea in Mumbai Yoo Dong-Wan. He was addressing students at the Korean speaking contest hosted by King Sejong Institute Pune in Balewadi on Sunday. Emphasising the power of language as a cultural bridge, he said such initiatives strengthen ties between India and South Korea and equip students for diverse global careers, including diplomacy and roles in top Korean companies.Speaking to the media after the event, Yoo highlighted plans to further deepen Indo-Korean connections through cultural events in Mumbai, such as street festivals and collaborations between Bollywood and the Korean film industry. He added that continued cultural exchanges would help both nations understand each other better and create new pathways in tourism, entertainment, and education.The event, held at King Sejong Institute Pune’s Balewadi campus, celebrated Korean language and culture as part of a global initiative by the King Sejong Institute Foundation (KSIF) under Korea’s ministry of culture, sports & tourism. Supported by the Korean Consulate and sponsored by LG Electronics, the competition attracted over 300 enthusiastic attendees.Fifteen talented finalists showcased their Korean language skills and cultural knowledge, impressing the audience and jury alike. Ananya Anand won first place, earning a fully sponsored trip to Seoul to represent India in the global finals, including a week-long Korean cultural immersion programme. Vaishnavi Gaikwad and Shreeya Revankar secured second and third places respectively, while Zainab Bi Shaikh and Prachi Bhagat received consolation prizes.Yoo Dong-Wan said, “This kind of competition builds bridges between cultures and tears down barriers. It offers great opportunities for students to pursue roles such as diplomats or high-level positions in Korean companies. Such initiatives deepen our understanding of a rapidly changing world.” He also encouraged students to keep learning and self-reflecting.Hee Ok, managing director of LG Electronics in India, emphasised the broader significance of language learning. “Studying a language is not just about academics, it’s about building bridges between India and Korea,” she said, commending the dedication shown by the students.
