The first semester of 2025 has officially begun at the Korean Cultural Center in Brazil. Once again, the Brazilian community has shown tremendous enthusiasm for the Center’s courses offerings, with all available spots across various programs filled within minutes of registration opening.

Korean language classes are offered in partnership with the Sejong Institute and are divided into eight levels, providing customized instruction tailored to each student’s proficiency—from beginner to advanced. All levels at the Center’s Sejong Institute are running at full capacity this semester, a clear reflection of the local community’s growing passion for learning the Korean language.

Korean Language class

Lorena Ávila, a Level 1 student at the Sejong Institute, shared a bit about her experience, emphasizing how free courses help make language learning accessible: 

“I have the desire to become a polyglot, and I have friends from Fortaleza who learned several languages through free courses offered by the state of Ceará. I think there’s a real lack of this kind of support here in São Paulo. Not everyone can afford to pay to learn Korean as a hobby. When you have access to a language—whether through support from the state or, in this case, from Korea and the Sejong Institute—you find ways to connect with the culture and dive deeper into it, without carrying the burden of financial limitations.”.

The Sejong Choir class, led by vocalist Daniel Lee, goes beyond basic vocal training. Students learn Korean songs and gain valuable stage experience. Last year, choir students performed at Korean Culture Day and the Festival de Coros, showcasing their talent. This year, they are expected to continue performing at a variety of events.

Sejong Choir class

The Gayageum Byungchang class is offered at beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. This comprehensive arts course teaches both the traditional Korean instrument gayageum and byungchang (a form of singing while playing). Led by Gayageum Byungchang expert Yang So, the course, which previously focused mainly on instrumental performance, has been expanded this year to include vocal training, allowing students to develop both musical and vocal skills simultaneously.

K-pop dance remains the most popular course. Classes are offered by level—from beginner to advanced—and students learn the latest K-pop choreography under the guidance of professional instructors. In the very first class, every single registered student was present, once again highlighting the high level of interest.

K-pop dance class

Starting next month, the Center will also offer special courses in Korean painting, traditional Korean crafts (Gyubang Gongye), and historical Korean dramas, through which students will explore Korea’s rich history. These new additions are expected to give even more members of the local community the chance to experience Korean culture in meaningful and diverse ways.