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TOPIK Meets New Continents
The map of test-takers for the Korean language proficiency exam, TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean), is shifting fast. Traditionally dominated by Asian countries like China, Japan, and Vietnam, this test is now expanding its footprint into Africa and Latin America. Countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Ethiopia in Africa, along with Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia in Latin America, are seeing a sharp rise in Korean learners and TOPIK applicants.
This trend carries more weight than just numbers. It confirms a virtuous cycle where K-pop and K-dramas, transcending language barriers, seep into people’s daily lives globally and spark motivation to learn Korean. Stories of starting Korean to understand favorite idol lyrics or watch dramas without subtitles are coming in from São Paulo and Lagos alike.
K-Culture Plants the Seeds of Language Learning
The most direct cause behind the growing demand for Korean learning in Africa and Latin America is the spread of K-culture. Through YouTube and Netflix, K-pop music videos and Korean dramas have begun filling the screens of young people in these regions, creating a path from content consumption to language learning. Since fan devotion is at the core of this motivation, the demand is likely to persist alongside the content, not fizzle out as a short-lived fad.
The role of language learning apps can’t be ignored either. Korean consistently ranks among the top popular languages on global platforms like Duolingo, and with just a smartphone, you have access to structured Korean learning. For Africa and Latin America, where offline Korean education infrastructure is relatively scarce, mobile learning is becoming an especially vital channel.
Expansion Through Universities and Official Institutions
Along with the rise in individual learners, there’s growth at the formal education level. Korean language majors are launching at universities in Nigeria, and King Sejong Institutes are being established at key universities in Brazil, providing institutional support. Educational aid programs through KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) are also contributing to building Korean education infrastructure in these regions.
The increased entry of the Korean government and companies into Africa and Latin America is another factor boosting demand for Korean. Practical motivations—like learning Korean for job and business opportunities—are combining with K-culture fan passion to pull up learning demand from two different directions.
Challenges in Improving TOPIK Test Access
Demand is growing fast, but supply-side challenges remain. TOPIK test locations in Africa and Latin America are still concentrated in big cities, and test opportunities can be limited. There’s ongoing discussion about introducing an online exam, but it’ll take time before that becomes a full reality.
Korean language textbooks and content translated into local languages are also lacking. English-based learning materials are increasing, but resources in Swahili, Portuguese, and Spanish are still scarce. The immediate challenge is getting infrastructure to catch up with the pace of demand.
A New Korean Language Map Is Being Drawn
The spread of Korean into Africa and Latin America fits into the broader picture of Hallyu’s geographical diversification. The fact that people are wanting to learn Korean not just in specific regions or language groups but across the globe signals a shift in the language’s status.
The speed at which the TOPIK test-taker map is changing speaks volumes about this transformation. Just a few years ago, Africa and Latin America were the fringes of Korean language education. Now, they’re the fastest-growing markets. With a new Korean language map being charted, how far those lines stretch is the point to watch going forward.
Sources: KBS World·Industry insights, 2026.
