Apply Now: Korea-United States Journalists Exchange Program

This year the East-West Center and Korea Press Foundation celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Korea-US Journalists Exchange. With a focus on “Internal uncertainty amidst external challenges: US-Korea relations in 2025,” this exchange will look at the current issues related to US-Korea relations.

Six Korean journalists will travel to Washington DC and Atlanta, Georgia; and six US journalists will travel to Seoul, Busan, and the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea to meet with government officials and policymakers, business and community leaders, academics, security officers, civil society leaders, media colleagues, students, and others.

Following these study tours, all of the journalists will meet for a one-day final dialogue in South Korea to report on their travel experiences and perspectives, and exchange opinions on how media coverage of US-Korea issues can be improved.

Costs Covered 

• The following costs will be covered:
  • Ground transportation and airport transfers
  • Lodging in each of the study-tour destination cities
  • Program-related meals
  • Cultural activities and networking opportunities
  • Speaker honoraria and meeting rooms
  • Interpretation services
  • Experienced escort and professionally organized program of meetings and visits, often with unique access to speakers and communities.

Eligibility Criteria

• Ideal candidates are print, broadcast, or online journalists working in the United States and Korea 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.

Application Requirements

• Applicants must submit each of the following documents to be considered:
  • 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.)
  • One professional reference with a letter of recommendation.

For more information, visit East-West Center.