The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Minister CHAE Hwi-young, MCST) will begin to accept nominations for the Sejong Culture Award from December 15 through January 15, 2026. The Sejong Culture Award is an honor that celebrates King Sejong’s extraordinary achievements, promotes his spirit of compassion, independence, practicality, and action, and encourages the creative development of Korean culture. The awarding ceremony will take place during the official commemoration event of the 629^th anniversary of King Sejong’s birth on May 15, 2026.

Presidential citations and KRW 25 million prizes to be awarded across four categories: Korean language & Hangeul, Cultural Arts & Humanities, Cultural Welfare & Diversity, and Cooperation in Cultural Exchange & Globalization

The 2026 Sejong Culture Award will honor individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements across four categories: Korean language & Hangeul, Cultural Arts & Humanities, Cultural Welfare & Diversity, and Cooperation in Cultural Exchange & Globalization. Each awardee will receive a presidential citation and a prize of KRW 25 million.

Eligible nominees include individuals who have contributed to enhancing public literacy and enriching modern life by reinterpreting the principles behind the creation of Hangeul and the value of the Korean language (Korean language & Hangeul category); those who have advanced creative convergence and technological innovation in cultural arts, preservation of traditional culture, and promotion of the humanities (Cultural Arts & Humanities category); those who have put into practice inclusive cultural welfare as well as supported cultural diversity, humanitarian values, and the public good (Cultural Welfare & Diversity category); and those who have significantly contributed to the increased presence and influence of Korean culture by building cooperative international relations through cultural exchange and cooperation activities (Cooperation in Cultural Exchange & Globalization). Individuals or organizations, both domestic or international, including foreign nationals, may be nominated.

Established in 1982, the Sejong Culture Award marks its 44^th year and has recognized a total of 207 recipients. Past awardees include Lee Dae-ro, Director of the Hanmalgeul Culture Association (2025, Korean language & Hangeul category); the Korean Traditional Music Orchestra of the Blind (2025, Cultural Welfare & Diversity); Ri Kimi, Head of the Association of Belarusian Koreans (2024, Korean Culture); the Asia Human Rights Culture Solidarity (2020, Cultural Diversity); Joseph Clinic (2016, International Cooperation & Service), Professor Alexandre Guillemoz of the School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences in France (2015, Korea Culture); Hannah Chang, conductor and cellist (2012, Arts); and the Korean Studies Institute (2008, National Culture).

The Ministry plans to actively promote the award program to relevant institutions, schools, and overseas diplomatic missions to actively identify and recognize those who have contributed to the advancement of Korean culture. MCST also plans to operate a Nomination Committee for the award. Any individual, institution, or organization may submit nominations through official electronic documents, emails, or registered mail. Nomination templates and further details on the award program are available on the MCST website: www.mcst.go.kr.