NEW DELHI — The Study in Korea Education Fair 2026 successfully concluded its two-day run at the NDMC Convention Centre in New Delhi, drawing thousands of Indian students, parents, educators, and aspiring professionals. Held on September 18 and 19, the high-profile event served as a major bridge connecting Indian academic aspirants with Korean universities, prestigious scholarship representatives, Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) alumni, educational institutions, and key industry stakeholders. The fair offered an immersive platform designed to explore higher education, academic exchange, targeted scholarships, cultural engagement, and long-term career prospects in the Republic of Korea.
Organized jointly by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea, and the Korean Education Centre in India (KEC) operating under the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in New Delhi, the event recorded a remarkable footfall of more than 4,500 visitors. The substantial turnout reflected a surging interest among Indian youth in South Korea’s advanced educational ecosystem. Throughout the two-day programme, attendees were provided with direct access to official Korean university representatives, comprehensive admission information, personalized one-to-one counseling, and specialized scholarship guidance. The overarching vision of the fair was to establish a seamless educational continuum, bridging early school-level Korean language learning with advanced higher education in Korea, and ultimately paving the way for global careers that connect India and South Korea.
Opening Ceremony Highlighted Growing India–Korea Educational Partnership
The grand opening ceremony brought together a distinguished assembly of prominent leaders, diplomats, policymakers, and representatives from both the Korean and Indian education sectors. Among the notable dignitaries present were H.E. Lee Seong-ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India; Mr. Han Sang Shin, President of the National Institute for International Education; Ms. Hojeong Ko, Director of the Korean Education Centre in India; Dr. Park Euy Don, President of the Southwest Asia Chapter Council of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council; Dr. Alok Kumar Mishra, Joint Secretary of the Association of Indian Universities; and Dr. Biswajit Saha, Director of Skill Education at the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Hojeong Ko emphasized the dual purpose of the fair. She noted that the event was meticulously designed not only to provide Indian students with practical information and personalized guidance regarding studying in Korea, but also to forge a dynamic platform for ongoing dialogue and strategic partnerships between Indian and Korean educational institutions. She placed special emphasis on unlocking new opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, collaborative joint research initiatives, and enduring institutional partnerships.
Mr. Han Sang Shin shed light on the rapidly strengthening educational relationship between the two nations, providing compelling statistical insights. He noted that since 1967, a total of 783 Indian students have been awarded the prestigious Global Korea Scholarship. Furthermore, he shared that 296 Indian GKS scholars are currently pursuing their academic endeavors in Korea, complemented by approximately 2,016 Indian students studying across various universities in the country through diverse channels.
H.E. Lee Seong-ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, underscored South Korea’s world-class university system, advanced research capabilities, and diverse career opportunities awaiting Indian graduates. He made a strong call for deepening university-level partnerships, fostering joint research projects, and expanding student and faculty mobility programs as critical pillars supporting the broader Korea–India Special Strategic Partnership.
Three-Zone Fair Created an Immersive Study-in-Korea Experience
To accommodate the thousands of enthusiastic visitors and streamline access to information, the fair was meticulously organized across three major interactive zones. Located on the ground floor, the University Zone served as the primary hub where prospective students met directly with representatives from participating Korean universities, explored undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, evaluated admission criteria, and received detailed, one-to-one counseling.
Adjacent to this was the Korea Partnership Zone, which brought together a wide array of vital organizations and institutions. This collective included NIIED and the GKS framework, the GKS India Alumni network, the Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME), the Korea Tourism Organization, the India-Korea Research & Innovation Center, the Chungnam Economic Promotion Agency, and Atomy India. This zone highlighted the multifaceted nature of bilateral cooperation, spanning commerce, research, tourism, and industry.
Adding a vibrant cultural dimension, the Korea Experience Zone offered visitors an engaging environment to experience Korean heritage firsthand. Attendees participated in traditional Hanbok fittings, specialized photography sessions, and interactive K-Food activities, which helped foster a deeper cultural appreciation alongside academic exploration.
Complementing these zones, the official schedule featured continuous university information sessions throughout both days. These interactive seminars gave students additional opportunities to engage directly with institutional delegates, ask targeted questions, and learn about specialized campus support systems designed specifically for international students.
India–Korea Education Leadership Forum: From Classroom to Career
A cornerstone event of the first day was the India–Korea Education Leadership Forum, which focused on building comprehensive education pathways and connecting foundational Korean language learning, higher education, and future professional careers.
Moderated by Prof. Satyanshu Srivastava, Assistant Professor of Korean at the Centre for Korean Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the forum featured four expert speakers representing complementary sectors. Shri K.S. Upadhyay spoke on developments in school education; Prof. Yeon Gyudeuk addressed institutional exchanges; Prof. Neerja Samajdar explored the language and academic pathway; and Mr. Phil (H.P.) Chung, CEO of Kinexin Convention Management and Executive Director of KINTEX, provided critical insights into industry demands and career opportunities.
The panel discussions delved into how early introduction to Korean language learning at the school level can progressively link with student exchange programs, higher education opportunities, GKS and TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) preparation, academic research, professional internships, and corporate career placement. Speakers placed special emphasis on creating stronger, formalized links connecting secondary schools, higher education institutions, scholarship authorities, and corporate industries.
GKS India Symposium 2026 Connected Scholarship with Global Careers
The fair also served as the venue for the GKS India Symposium 2026, themed around a "Talk Concert on Studying in Korea." Organized by the GKS India Alumni Association (GKSIAA), the two-day symposium addressed crucial themes including the soft power of Korea and India, Korean language education and employability, Korean corporate culture and workforce expectations, and sustainable career pathways for GKS graduates.
Day 1 of the symposium commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Satyanshu Srivastava, who serves as President of the GKS India Alumni Association. This was followed by an inaugural address delivered by Ms. Oh Jin-Hee, Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. Prof. Ravikesh, Registrar of JNU, delivered the congratulatory address, while Ambassador Skand R. Tayal, former Ambassador of India to the Republic of Korea, delivered the keynote address, offering deep historical and diplomatic context to the bilateral educational ties.
The subsequent session, moderated by Ms. Juhi Mendiratta, featured Mr. Kwangil Lee, CEO of SK Engineering, and Dr. Abraham Lee, MD and CEO of Atomy India. The business leaders engaged in a robust discussion concerning Korean corporate culture, professional employability, effective communication, artificial intelligence integration, corporate ownership, and cross-cultural understanding in multinational workplaces.
Day 2 shifted its primary focus toward workforce expectations and career trajectories. Following a welcome address by Dr. Satyanshu Srivastava, remarks were delivered by Ms. Hojeong Ko and Shri Jagdip Singh, Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Korea. Academic experts and industry leaders—including Dr. Srijan Kumar from Busan University of Foreign Studies, Dr. Mukesh Kumar Jaiswal from the Central University of Jharkhand, Dr. Kumkum from Kyungsung University, and Satyajeet Kumar Arun, Managing Director of Cuckoo India—participated in detailed panel sessions. These discussions were expertly moderated by Dr. Anshuman Tomar and Dr. Deepshikha, offering attendees valuable perspectives on aligning academic achievements with corporate realities.
Korean Universities Meet Strong Student Interest
Throughout the event, participating Korean universities presented their academic programmes, scholarship opportunities, and dedicated campus support services through structured promotional sessions and specialized information booths. Students actively sought guidance regarding degree structures, research grants, internship placements, and career development initiatives available beyond the standard classroom environment.
Delegates from participating institutions expressed admiration for the high level of curiosity, preparation, and enthusiasm displayed by Indian attendees. Wuikyung Shin of Cheju Halla University noted that Indian students showed particularly active interest in practical internship opportunities. Similarly, Mr. Hunil Yu of Konkuk University Glocal Campus observed that modern Korean universities have developed robust, comprehensive program offerings and support systems tailored specifically to ensure the success of international students.
A Vibrant Platform for Education, Culture and People-to-People Exchange
Beyond formal academic counseling sessions and expert-led panel discussions, the two-day fair incorporated special cultural performances, immersive activities, and four exciting lucky-draw sessions. These interactive elements contributed to a lively and engaging atmosphere for visiting students and their families. Lucky-draw prizes included official BTS merchandise, premium beauty and lifestyle gifts, Amazon gift cards, and a tablet, generously supported by participating corporate sponsors.
The Study in Korea Education Fair 2026 officially concluded on September 19. Students and parents departed with a wealth of practical information regarding Korean higher education options, financial scholarship opportunities, specific university curricula, and long-term career pathways, alongside a renewed enthusiasm for cultural exchange and deepened India–Korea educational cooperation.
The successful two-day event underscored the rapidly expanding scope of educational engagement between India and South Korea. It reinforced the vital importance of building a continuous, well-supported pathway—stretching from foundational Korean language learning and secondary school education to university study, prestigious scholarships, international research exposure, and sustainable future careers.
Rather than functioning solely as a traditional education exhibition, the fair successfully operated as a collaborative platform that brought together students, universities, educators, policymakers, alumni, and industry leaders, thereby strengthening the fundamental people-to-people and institutional foundations of the burgeoning India–Korea partnership.
