K-Academic Diffusion Research Center, under the Center for International Studies at Inha University held the “K-Connectors 3rd Cohort Achievement Presentation” on January 15 at the International Conference Hall of the Jungseok Library. The event served as a platform to share the outcomes of student-led projects aimed at promoting Korean Studies, particularly within the social sciences, and concluded successfully.

A total of 27 participants attended the event, including students from the K-Connectors 3rd cohort and officials from the Center for International Studies. The K-Connectors program operates on a team-based structure, in which participating students independently design and implement projects. Over a six-month period, each team carried out its project and was evaluated based on both quantitative and qualitative indicators. This comprehensive evaluation framework assessed not only final outcomes but also planning capacity, execution ability, and the potential for broader dissemination.

The presentation was conducted in a hybrid format, combining poster exhibitions with presentations using PowerPoint slides and written reports. This approach allowed attendees to engage with each project from multiple perspectives, gaining a more in-depth understanding of both the research outcomes and the implementation process.

Awards were also presented to outstanding teams and individuals during the event. The grand prize was awarded to Team “KOREA: F5,” which carried out “THE MOST” project focusing on the Sakhalin Korean community.

▲ Korea: F5

The “Korus” team was selected as the Best Team for its diverse projects targeting refugee children, including “A World Built Together with Rainbow-Colored Voices.” The “Injeolmi” team received the Excellence Award for its projects “Ongigongi” and “Jettaebabttaee,” which contributed to the dissemination of Korean Studies among multicultural families as well as both Korean and international participants.

▲ Korus

▲ Injeolmi

In addition, Lee Jaeyoon (Department of English Language and Literature, third year) from the “Together, K-hada"  team and Shin Yuseong (Department of Korean Language and Literature, third year) from the “Korus” team were recognized as Outstanding Participants. They were highly evaluated for the completeness of their project planning, consistent participation, and meaningful contributions to the promotion of Korean Studies.

The selected outstanding teams and participants will take part in an academic exchange visit to Fukuoka, Japan, scheduled for February 25. During the visit, they will present the outcomes of the K-Connectors 3rd cohort on an international stage and share student-led project cases for the global dissemination of Korean Studies with overseas researchers and professionals.

Through the K-Connectors program, the Center for K-Studies Dissemination continues to promote Korean Studies in diverse ways while fostering young people as active agents in academic exchange and public diplomacy. The Center stated, “We will continue to operate the K-Connectors program and actively support and promote the academic and social expansion of Korean Studies both domestically and internationally.”