Students of the King Sejong Institute Zagreb, which operates within the Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, attended a formal reception held on 6 October 2026 at the Westin Hotel in Zagreb to mark the 580th anniversary of Hangeul, the Korean writing system devised in the 15th century under King Sejong the Great.

The event was organised by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Republic of Croatia and H.E. Lee Seung-buhm, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Croatia, who has held the post since May 2025.

The ceremony brought together senior government and diplomatic officials, representatives of various institutions, and numerous guests involved in strengthening Croatian-Korean relations and promoting Korean culture in Croatia.

Representing the Faculty of Croatian Studies were Dean Assoc. Prof. Dario Vučenović, PhD, and Vice-Dean for Operations Asst. Prof. Vlatko Smiljanić, PhD, who also serves as Director of the King Sejong Institute Zagreb. Particularly significant was the participation of the Institute’s students, whose presence and active involvement in marking this important anniversary represented a community in Croatia that continues to grow alongside increasing interest in the Korean language and culture.

Since its establishment at the Faculty of Croatian Studies, the King Sejong Institute Zagreb has developed into a recognised centre for Korean language education and the promotion of Korean culture in Croatia. The strong interest shown by participants in its language and cultural programmes, together with their involvement in various cultural and public events, reflects the Institute’s success and the importance of its activities.

The work of the Institute also contributes to the international visibility of the Faculty of Croatian Studies and to the strengthening of academic, educational, and cultural ties between Croatia and the Republic of Korea. The Faculty will continue to support the development of the King Sejong Institute Zagreb as a place of encounter between Croatian and Korean cultures, education, and mutual understanding.