Africans, Americans, Asians, Australasians and Europeans gathered in the Yonsei University amphitheater. Though they all looked different, the 1,500 foreigners shared one thing in common: their love for the Korean language. Sponsored by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the National Institute of the Korean Language, Yonsei University’s Institute of Language Research and Education (Director Choi Moon-Gyoo) Korean Language Institute held the 16th Annual National Korean Language Writing Contest on October 8, the day before the 561st anniversary of the Hangeul Proclamation Day, which celebrates the birth of the Korean alphabet. University President Jung Chang-Young addressed the contestants. “Language is the most important tool for closing the distance between cultures and learning to respect and cooperate with each other. We hope to see the Korean language contribute to bringing the world together, regardless of nationality or culture.” 1,500 Participants from 59 Countries Qi Pei of China Takes First Place 1,509 people from 59 countries, including second and third generation Korean expatriates, tested their achievements in the Korean language. The topic for this year’s poetry contest was “Stars,” while contestants for prose writing were given “Travel” as their topic. This year’s first place honor went to Qi Pei of China, who studies at Seoul Women’s University. She expressed her longing for her family in a poem that delightfully employed the metaphor of the stars. Qi Pei was awarded the Minister of Culture and Tourism Award. Second place honors (the Yonsei University Presidential Award) went to Honda Sae of Japan (poetry), studying at Ewha Womans University, and Chen Po-Chen of Taiwan (prose), attending Seoul National University. The National Institute of the Korean Language Director’s Award went to Kamila Niekoraniec of Yonsei University (poetry) and Malik Ekaterina (prose) of Kyung Hee University. 25 participants were awarded certificates and trophies. A Taste of the Korean Culture and Spirit While the entries were being evaluated, the contestants were treated with traditional Korean music performances, including the Samulnoli, highly contagious music performed on four percussion instruments, and the Pansori “Chunhyangga.” a popular folk ‘opera’ that depicts the vicissitudes of two young lovers who face daunting class restrictions and ultimately find a happy ending. Many participants also participated in traditional Korean pastimes such as Jegichagi (shuttle kicking without letting it fall) and Tuho (throwing contest that tests accuracy).