U.S. Congress – Republic of Korea National Assembly Exchange Program

Our 2026 Application is now live! Apply by Friday, April 24 at 11:59 PM EDT in order to be considered for the Summer 2026 program.

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The U.S. Congress – Republic of Korea National Assembly Exchange Program strengthens U.S.-Korea diplomacy by equipping tomorrow’s leaders with global insights and fostering cross-cultural understanding through immersive exchange. The annual program is designed to broaden the perspectives of Korean and American young people on the legislative process, the history of U.S. - Korean relations, and current economic, political, and security aspects of the bilateral relationship.

The program was first created in 1981 by U.S. Representative Ben Gilman and his counterpart in the Republic of Korea National Assembly David Pong and is jointly funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Republic of Korea National Assembly. The U.S. portion of the program is developed and implemented by Meridian International Center.

About the Program

This joint exchange program combines professional meetings, briefings from government officials and private sector specialists, peer interaction, and cultural activities. Eight Korean university students and young adults and a group leader from the Republic of Korea National Assembly will participate in the U.S. program and an equivalent group from the U.S. will participate in the U.S. and Korea program.

The U.S. delegation consists of 8 American students and young adults between the ages of 21 and 27, selected through a competitive application process. For additional information please check "Qualifications and Responsibilities”.

The Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee of the Republic of Korea National Assembly nominates and selects the Korean students to travel to the U.S.

Funding

This is a program funded by the U.S. Department of State, administered by Meridian International Center. Funding for the U.S. delegation includes domestic flights to and from the delegates’ hometowns, international flights to and from Korea, and hotels, meals, and local transportation while in Washington, DC.

The Republic of Korea National Assembly’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Unification will cover all program costs for the U.S. delegation in Korea, including accommodations, meals, and local transportation to scheduled meetings and events, as well as entrance fees for planned cultural events, museums, musical performances, etc.

Other incidental expenses, such as gifts, souvenirs, free time activities, and meals outside those included as part of the program are the responsibility of the individual participants.

2026 Program

The 2026 program will take place from July 12-29, 2026. Both delegates will be present in Washington, DC from July 12 to July 19. On July 19, U.S. delegates will fly to Seoul while ROK delegates will fly to a secondary city, remaining there until returning to Seoul on July 24. The joint Korea program will take place from July 25-28, with U.S. delegates returning home on July 29.

Our 2026 Application is now live! Apply by Friday, April 24 at 11:59 PM EDT in order to be considered for the Summer 2026 program.

In addition to the application questions, you will be prompted to submit:

• 1-2 page (single-spaced) personal statement
• Signed recommendation letter, due at application deadline
• Copy of a valid U.S. passport or government-issued photo ID
• Single-page resume

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Qualifications and Responsibilities

Minimum Requirements

Participants in the program are required to meet the following requirements:

• Active and demonstrated interest in the U.S. government, U.S. foreign policy, and/or U.S. - Korea bilateral relations;
• A minimum of two academic years at an accredited institution of higher learning;
• American citizen, preferably between the ages of 21 and 27, with a valid U.S. passport;
• Enthusiasm for travel and experiencing different cultures and traditions; and
• Recommendation letter from a supervisor, colleague, or professor.

Responsibilities for U.S. Delegates

• Demonstrate willingness to experience Korean culture and participate in cross-cultural exchange;
• Represent the U.S. and your community as an "Ambassador" to Korea;
• Act as host to your Korean counterpart during the Washington, DC portion of the program;
• Fully familiarize yourself with provided reading materials and program itinerary;
• Actively participate in discussions during professional appointments with questions and analysis in both Washington, DC and Korea; and
• Demonstrate professionalism and respect for all participants and hosts throughout the program.

Post-Program Requirements

• A one-page memo is due one week after the completion of the program summarizing the participant’s experience on this program.
• Respond to the post-program survey.
• Attend a virtual seminar on U.S. Department of State alumni opportunities.

We encourage program alumni to remain engaged with Meridian and the U.S. Department of State so that you can be connected with wider networks to further your professional interests.

Important note: this program is not geared for U.S. applicants who have already had significant opportunities to travel or live in Korea. All American applicants must participate in the full duration of the Washington, DC and Korea program, including all meetings and cultural activities.