By Honorary Reporter Helia Nikzaddinan from Iran
Photos = King Sejong Institute

The Korean Embassy in Iran on Jan. 5 held a ceremony for graduates of King Sejong Institute in Tehran.

Vaccinated graduates were allowed to visit the embassy and attend the ceremony in person, and the event was also simultaneously shown online to students of other levels.

Graduates who scored the highest grades at King Sejong Institute talk with Ambassador Yun Kang-hyeon about their learning of Korean and feelings about graduating.

The main ceremony began when Ambassador Yun Kang-hyeon delivered a speech to congratulate students for learning Korean. 

"I want to thank and congratulate all of you who worked hard to study Korean during these challenging times of the pandemic," he said. "As 2022 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Iran and Korea, King Sejong Institute students in Iran play a vital role in enhancing bilateral relations between Korea and Iran."

The graduates with the highest grades received a certificate of appreciation from the ambassador for their efforts and exemplary scores. Maryam Salehi, the winner of the institute's speaking contest in Iran, received praise on behalf of the King Sejong Institute Foundation for her success.

The graduating students also received a certificate of completion from Chang Woo-hee, director of the institute's Tehran branch. A memorial gift was given to 30 participants who watched the ceremony online.

Works of students are displayed at the ceremony hall.

Graduates sounded off on their experiences in learning Korean. Mahdiye Ahmadkhani said, "No matter how tired I was due to my work or personal issues, the vibe of our teacher and our class gave me an unstoppable power to attend every session, and I didn't miss a single class."

Mohaddeseh Goudarzi said, "I had the chance to meet people who shared the same dream as me, and this helped us get closer to our dreams easier than before," adding "I also gained many opportunities after learning Korean."

Zahra Meshkin Zad, who studied for four consecutive years at the institute, said she went from being unable to read the Korean alphabet Hangeul to communicating with native speakers of Korean and understanding K-dramas without subtitles.

Mahsa Hajibabaei said, "At first, I started learning Korean since I was into K-dramas, but after studying at King Sejong Institute I realized that my passion for Korea goes beyond entertainment." 

Graduates pose in a group photo to celebrate their graduation at the Korean Embassy in Tehran.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.