The winners of the fourth Seoul National University of Education-Korea Herald English Contest were awarded in a ceremony held Monday at the British Ambassador’s residence in central Seoul.

A total of 16 students took the top prizes in their respective categories, sorted by age and period of time spent overseas. Out of some 3,000 participants, 400 students received awards.

The biannual contest, hosted by Herald Corp. and SNUE, was sponsored by the British Embassy.

“Participants of the contest are leaders who will carry the future of Korea on their shoulders. They should have pride in themselves,” said Herald Corp. CEO Lee Young-man.

Shin Hang-gyun, president of SNUE, said he hoped the contest would serve as an opportunity to enhance English education in Korea.

The event seeks to assess students’ ability to write in English and prompt the students’ interest in developing writing skills, which will ultimately establish a stronger foundation in English education, organizers said. Officials from the contest expressed their ambition to make the contest the most reputable English competition in East Asia.

The next contest is slated to take place on Nov. 11. Those who wish to enter can submit their application between Aug. 25 and Oct. 12.

By Yoon Min-sik (minsikyoon@heraldcorp.com)