FSI’s 24th “I am from North Korea” English Speech Contest will be held on October 10, 2026, at the Middle Auditorium (Jungangdang) of Ewha Womans University in Seoul.
This contest will be a special edition featuring eight North Korean refugees who were winners of previous FSI English Speech Contests. Returning to the stage once again, they will share their stories, offering the audience an opportunity to hear directly from North Korean refugees in their own words.
Since its launch in 2015, FSI’s “I am from North Korea” English Speech Contest has provided North Korean refugees with a platform to strengthen their English and public speaking skills while sharing their stories with audiences from Korea and around the world. Over the years, participants have spoken about their lives in North Korea, their journeys to freedom, their experiences adjusting to life in South Korea, and the new goals and challenges they have encountered along the way.
The 24th contest will bring former winners together on one stage, highlighting not only their individual stories but also how they have continued to grow since their previous appearances. We invite you to join us for this special event and hear eight powerful and unique stories told directly by the speakers themselves.