The East-West Center is pleased to announce the 2026 Korea-United States Journalists Exchange.
Theme: “Navigating the Evolving US-ROK Relationship: Trade, Investment, and Security Cooperation”
Dates: September 8-18, 2026
Korea Destinations: Seoul, Busan, and the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea
US Destinations: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi and Washington, DC
All participants will convene in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi for a two-day concluding dialogue
The Korea-US Journalists Exchange was launched by the East-West Center in 2005 to increase public understanding through news media of the United States, Korea, and their relationship, through a 10-day dialogue, study, and travel program.
The 2026 Exchange marks the continued importance of the Korea-US relationship. With a focus on “Navigating the Evolving US-ROK Relationship: Trade, Investment, and Security Cooperation,” this 18th exchange, scheduled to take place September 8-18, 2026, will look at the current issues related to security cooperation, strategic trade and investment, and the economic security alignment between the US and the Republic of Korea, including the Korea-US alliance, the state of the US-Japan-ROK relations, bilateral trade and investment, and the continued threat from North Korea. Six Korean journalists will travel to Washington, DC and Honolulu, Hawaiʻi; and six US journalists will travel to Seoul, Busan, and the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea to meet with government and business leaders, academics, non-governmental organizations, media, and others. Following these study tours, all of the journalists will convene for a two-day final dialogue at the East-West Center in Honolulu, to report on their travel experiences and perspectives, and exchange opinions on how media coverage of US-Korea issues can be improved.
Who should apply?
Ideal candidates are print, broadcast, or online journalists working for a United States or Korean media organization, or are based in either country, that possess a minimum of 5 years of professional journalism experience.
Preference will be given to journalists who clearly articulate the relevance of the program and its theme to their areas of coverage and how they intend to use the knowledge gained to enhance the perspectives of viewers, readers, and listeners. Journalists are encouraged to generate content during and after the program in the form of formal print and broadcast stories, blogs, and social media communications.
Applications must be submitted by 11:59pm Hawai'i Standard Time on May 26, 2026.
Application Guidelines:
- Complete all required fields below marked with a red asterisk (*) in the online 2026 Korea-US Journalists Exchange Application Form.
- Letter of Interest (maximum 3 pages, double-spaced) outlining a brief description of your news organization, job duties and experience; what you expect to accomplish and what issues you want to explore during the program, including specific story ideas; the relevance of the theme to your audiences and areas of coverage; and how participation in this Fellowship will benefit your work as a journalist.
- Current resume or curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages).
- An employer's statement of support completed by the applicant's supervisor/employer indicating that the applicant has the support of their media organization to attend the Fellowship. (Does not apply to freelance journalists. May be submitted after application deadline, if needed.)
- One (1) professional reference with a letter of recommendation.
ALL US participants are responsible for paying a program fee of $700.00, as well as covering the cost of their own health insurance, airline baggage charges, and all applicable visa-related expenses.
Journalists working in Korea, please contact the Korea Press Foundation to apply (www.kpf.or.kr)