18-year-old Kazakhstani wins intl competition and secures a job at a South Korean company

At a recent international Korean-language public speaking competition in South Korea, 18-year-old Kazakhstani Marhabat Smayil  won the top prize. Delivering her speech in Korean, she emerged as the best among intl participants from 26 countries. Notably, Marhabat has been teaching herself the language since childhood. Today, she speaks several languages fluently and works for a South Korean company. In this article El.kz tells the story of how Marhabat achieved this success.

Marhabat Smayil is originally from Talgar District in Almaty region. Until the 9th grade, she attended School-Lyceum No. 18 named after Baktybai Zholbarysuly in Taldykorgan. Then she enrolled at the Linguistic College of Abylai Khan Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages, where she specialised in English and Korean translation.

Marhabat developed an interest in foreign languages at the age of nine. As a child, she preferred spending time alone to being in noisy company and often used her free time to think about the future. She would imagine what she might become and what she would want to do when she grew up.

One day, while visiting her elder sister, she heard a song in Korean. She was captivated by the sound of the unfamiliar language and asked her sister what language it was.

“My sister was listening to a Korean song. I was fascinated by the sound of the language. I asked her what language it was and learned a little about Korea. I still remember writing down the words I heard in a small notebook that I carried with me. When I returned home, I began learning more about the language and culture of the country,” Marhabat said.

After that, she began listening to Korean songs, watching television series and learning new words. Gradually, she became interested in Korean customs and communication etiquette. She was particularly drawn to the way respect is expressed towards older people in Korea.

Over time, Marhabat began dreaming not only of mastering the language but also of visiting South Korea. However, not everyone understood her enthusiasm. Some advised her to pursue other interests, while others doubted that her dream would ever come true.

“At that time, Korean was more than just a hobby for me. I felt that learning the language was bringing me closer to the future I wanted. There were people around me who did not believe in me, but I decided to see what I had started through to the end,” she says.

Top Prize Among Participants from 26 Countries

On October, 8, 2026, the 30th World Korean Language Speech Contest was held in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province. The event marked the 580th anniversary of the creation of Hangul, the Korean alphabet, and was held ahead of Hangul Day, observed on October,9.

The competition took place at the Yeongneung Royal Tomb complex, where King Sejong the Great, under whose initiative the Korean alphabet was created, and his wife, Queen Soheon, are buried.

For Marhabat, delivering a speech in Korean at this historic site was particularly meaningful.

“Standing on a stage in a place so closely connected with the history of the language I have been studying for several years was an incredibly moving experience. Speaking Korean at the burial site of King Sejong, under whose initiative the alphabet was created, was a great honour for me,” she says.

Marhabat was selected to participate in the international competition through the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kazakhstan.

Previously, she had taken part in various cultural events organised by the Embassy as a translator and volunteer. She had also won prizes in several competitions.

In 2025, Marhabat took first place in a Korean-language public speaking competition organised by the KT&G Scholarship Foundation. In 2026, she came second in a speech contest organised by the Korean Education Centre in Almaty.

In addition, she received a first-degree diploma and the grand prize at the 15th International Olympiad in Korean Studies in Central Asia.

Marhabat believes that her previous achievements and community involvement may have contributed to her selection for the international competition.

This year, participants from 26 countries gathered for the world contest. Many were young people who had studied Korean for years and had experience in public speaking.

Marhabat was among the youngest contestants. According to her, most participants were in their twenties or around 25 years old.

“Many of the participants from other countries were older and more experienced than I was. Nevertheless, we became good friends despite the age difference. We got to know one another and exchanged views. We had come from different countries, but we were united by a common language — Korean. For me, the competition was not just a contest but also a valuable opportunity to connect with people from other cultures,” Marhabat says.

She also expressed her gratitude to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Kazakhstan for its support.

“Language Is Passed on Through the Heart”

At the competition, Marhabat delivered a speech entitled “Language Is Passed on Through the Heart.”She spoke about the importance of promoting the Korean language in Kazakhstan and the Kazakh language in South Korea.

Her choice of topic was informed by her own experience. Learning Korean had enabled her to discover another country’s culture, acquire knowledge and gain professional experience.

“I believe that language serves a purpose beyond the exchange of information. Every nation’s language preserves its history, culture and worldview. When you make an effort to understand another person’s language, you begin to understand not only their thoughts but also their outlook on life. That is why learning a foreign language opens the door to a nation’s culture and soul,” she says.

In her speech, Marhabat also emphasised that respect for one’s native language and an interest in other languages are not mutually exclusive.

“I am proud to be Kazakh and have great respect for my native language. At the same time, Korean occupies an important place in my life. It has helped me learn more about myself and look to the future with confidence. Therefore, I believe everyone should value their native language, history and culture while also respecting other languages,” Marhabat says.

According to her, the central message of her speech was that an interest in language brings people closer together and helps different nations understand one another better.

“I believe that language is passed on through the heart. A genuine love for a language is passed from one person to another. This helps nations get to know and understand one another better. That is exactly the message I wanted to convey at the competition,” she explains.

“On Stage, I Looked the Jury Members Directly in the Eye”

Marhabat had participated in various competitions before, but this was her first appearance at an international event of this scale. Moreover, most of the audience members were Korean.

“Of course, I was nervous because it was a great responsibility. Most of the audience were local residents, and I wanted to communicate the full meaning of my speech to them. When I stepped onto the stage, I tried to speak while looking the jury members directly in the eye. I believe that public speaking is about more than simply reciting a memorised text. The audience needs to understand what you want to say and what you feel as you say it,” she recalls.

During her speech, Marhabat paid attention not only to the content but also to her intonation and delivery. The encouragement she received from fellow participants and audience members gave her confidence. When she finished, the audience applauded.

At the award ceremony, Marhabat’s name was announced among the recipients of the highest award in the international participants category.

“When I heard that I had won, I was overjoyed. Taking part in the competition itself had been a valuable experience. Winning the grand prize made me feel that years of hard work learning Korean had paid off. The organisers also came over to congratulate me and offered kind words. It is a moment I will remember for a long time,” Marhabat says.

Participants were assessed in several categories, including local participants, Korean school students, primary school pupils, ethnic Koreans from overseas and international contestants.

Marhabat received the Best Prize in the international participants category. She was presented with a certificate, a trophy, books and commemorative gifts.

According to Marhabat, winners in some categories received cash prizes, but these were not available to international participants. However, the organisers fully covered their airfare and accommodation expenses.

Marhabat travelled to Korea alone on this occasion as well. Her parents and other family members were unable to accompany her, but her friend Madina, who studies at Korea University, travelled specifically to support her on the day of the competition.

“Having someone familiar by your side on such an important day means a great deal. My friend Madina made a special trip to support me. I am very grateful to her for making time for me and being there,” Marhabat says.