The Department of Far Eastern Studies of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Held a Korean Essay Writing Contest

On March 13, 2026, the Department of Far Eastern Studies of the Faculty of Oriental Studies at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University organized an interuniversity Korean essay writing contest. The event aimed to develop students’ language skills, strengthen academic cooperation, and promote intercultural dialogue between Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea.

Students from leading universities of Kazakhstan participated in the contest, including Ablai Khan Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Kazakh National Women’s Pedagogical University, and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Participants demonstrated a high level of Korean language proficiency, analytical skills, and creativity in their essays.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Lee Jae Wook, lawyer and managing partner of BLJ Law&Tax, Kim Honghwan, Director of the Korean Education Center under the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, and Dina M. Shamshidinova, Director of VCA LLP. In their remarks, they emphasized the importance of learning foreign languages and promoting cultural exchange between countries.

According to the results of the competition, the winners were determined.

1st place was awarded to Anel Okanova (Al-Farabi Kazakh National University), who received a certificate from the Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Almaty.

2nd place was awarded to Anelya Kalzhan and Erkezhan Dikanbay (Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University), who received the Director’s Award (원장상) from the Korean Education Center.

3rd place was awarded to Akbota Bukharbayeva, Aruzhan Kairbekova, and Kundyz Kanapiya (Ablai Khan Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages), who received the Award of the Chairman of the Regional Chapter of the National Unification Advisory Council (민주평통지회장상).

Encouragement prizes were awarded to Symbat Kunes (Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University), Ondasyn Ashim, and Amina Yerlikbay (Al-Farabi Kazakh National University).

Such events contribute to increasing students’ interest in the Korean language and culture, as well as strengthening educational and cultural ties between Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea.