Korea Centre Essay Competition 2025

The Korea Centre, in collaboration with the UniKorea Foundation, is delighted to announce the Essay Competition 2025. This competition is open to students across India, offering a platform to showcase their analytical and creative skills while exploring themes related to Korea.

Essay Themes

Category 1: School Level (14-18 years)

Theme: “The Korean Wave: How Korea Inspires You”

Dive into the vibrant world of Hallyu! Share how Korean music, dramas, film, and culture have inspired you. Explore the values, ideas, and passions sparked by the Korean Wave. You may also explore how the Korean cultural impact extends beyond personal enjoyment, inspiring values of innovation, community, and global citizenship. Show how K-pop, dramas, and film can spark positive change, foster cultural exchange, and contribute to a stronger, more connected community and nation. Share your vision!

• Word Limit: 1500 words

Category 2: Undergraduate/Postgraduate Level (18-24 years)

Theme: “Bridging Cultures and Ideas: What Can India Learn from Korea?”

Uncover how Korea’s extraordinary rise from one of the world’s poorest country to a global leader in technology, culture, and economy can inspire India’s future. Explore lessons in rapid development, cultural branding, and innovation. How can India adapt these strategies in manufacturing, soft power, and community development to build a stronger, more influential nation? Share your thought!

• Word Limit: 2500 words

Eligibility Criteria

• Category 1: Students enrolled in schools (14-18 years).
• Category 2: Students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies (18-24 years).

* Participants must submit proof of enrollment from their institution.

Essay Submission Guidelines 

• Language: Essays must be written in English.
• Essays must be submitted by June 30, 2025.
• Submission should be made on the Korea Centre Website  (Submission link will be available on this page from early May  to June 30, 2025)

General Formatting:

• Typed: Essays must be typed, not handwritten.
• File Format: Essays must be submitted in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) format.
• Style: Times New Roman, font size 12 point, Double-spaced, Standard margins

Content and Originality:

• Original Work: Essays must be original work.
• No Plagiarism: Plagiarism is strictly prohibited. Any essay found to contain plagiarised content will be immediately rejected.
• No AI-Generated Content: The use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Bard, etc.) to generate any part of the essay is prohibited. Essays must be the sole work of the author.

Awards

Category 1 (14-18 years):

• 1st Prize: ₹15,000/-
• 2nd Prize: ₹10,000/-
• 3rd Prize: ₹5,000/-

Category 2 (18-24 years):

• 1st Prize: ₹20,000/-
• 2nd Prize: ₹15,000/-
• 3rd Prize: ₹10,000/-

For more details, contact at kcmgu.essay@gmail.com