Korean culture stories written by Colegio Coreano de Barcelona
[Interview] Sin Jeong-a, Principal of Colegio Coreano de Barcelona
Founded in 1991, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, leading the spread of Korean language and culture to foreigners
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We visited Colegio Coreano de Barcelona, which has been promoting Korean culture and continuing its value for the long span of 35 years.
At the site filled with the fervent heat of learning Hangeul, we talked with Principal Sin Jeong-a of Colegio Coreano de Barcelona about the path the Korean school has taken and the future it dreams of.
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△Sin Jeong-a, Principal of Colegio Coreano de Barcelona.
Please introduce Colegio Coreano de Barcelona in Spain.
Colegio Coreano de Barcelona was founded in 1991 and celebrates its 35th anniversary this year. Recently, fueled by the spread of the Korean Wave, interest has grown significantly not only among children of Korean residents but also among foreigners (locals), and the number of students wanting to learn Hangeul and Korean culture has been steadily increasing. In the new 2026 school year that started this September, 145 students enrolled, the highest number ever. We currently operate 8 classes for preschool and elementary students and 5 classes for foreigners.
For children of Korean residents, we teach Hangeul along with our history, and we hold the school's representative event, the 'Seollal Traditional Games Experience,' every year. It is the largest cultural experience venue involving the entire student body; students wear hanbok and enjoy various traditional games like yutnori and jegichagi, learning Korean culture naturally.
What role does identity education at the Korean school play for students growing up in the local Spanish educational environment?
There are differences between the local educational method and the Korean one. It is difficult for students born and raised here to naturally accept and understand Korean culture. Our school helps students systematically understand Korean culture and history, and plays a role in instilling pride and identity as Koreans. Above all, I feel great reward when I see how, through learning, they feel proud of their roots and grow into wonderful members who connect Korea with the local society.
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△'2026 Completion and Graduation Ceremony' of Colegio Coreano de Barcelona.
How much interest is there in the Korean language and culture in local Spain?
In line with the Korean Wave craze, we have been offering Korean language courses for foreigners for about 15 years. In the early days, the students were mainly middle and high school students and university students, but now people from various age groups, from their 20s to their 60s, come. Students do not just learn the language; they show very active enthusiasm, such as visiting Korea directly or participating in language exchange programs.
Our school also provides various opportunities to experience Korean culture with all five senses, such as the 'Korean Food Making Experience' held every year, so that this enthusiasm can continue.
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△Kimchi-making experience event held for local residents.
What is the meaning and role of the Korean school in the local Korean community?
The Korean school is a solid shelter and a key educational institution for the Korean community. Korean parents consistently come to ensure their young children learn Hangeul firmly and develop a proper identity as Koreans. In particular, with the recent increase in children from multicultural families, the importance of early education to help them not forget their mother tongue has grown. Amid these changes, the Korean school faithfully performs its role as a central point connecting the Korean language and culture.
I believe that in the future, when students who grew up here enter society and work in Korean-related fields or start businesses, the language and cultural assets built at school will serve as a solid bridge connecting Korea with the local society.
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△Students learning Korean culture through drawing.
What are the future and goals that Colegio Coreano de Barcelona dreams of?
The most important goal of the Korean school is to firmly instill in students a sense of pride and identity as Koreans. So that students do not forget their roots no matter where in the world they are, and grow into wonderful talents who proudly promote Korea, we will continue to provide solid and authentic Korean language and culture education.
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