The '2025 Next Generation Overseas Koreans Homeland Invitation Training' program, hosted by the Overseas Koreans Cooperation Center under the Overseas Koreans Agency, is being successfully conducted, providing deep emotion and pride to Korean youth worldwide. In particular, the first session, which concluded on June 21, saw over 270 participants from 25 countries shouting "I Love Korea," expressing their deep affection for Korea and the joy of establishing their identity. This training is highly regarded as a meaningful journey that goes beyond a simple visit, allowing participants to experience the essence of Hallyu and confirm their roots as Koreans.
The Power of Hallyu, Discovered in History and Traditional Culture
"Whenever locals in my country asked me about the power of Hallyu, I was curious too, but now I understand after experiencing history and traditional culture during this training. Thanks to this, my pride as a member of the Korean people has grown." The remarks of a youth participant in this training clearly show the power of deep history and tradition hidden behind the global popularity of K-culture.
Participants visited the Independence Hall of Korea and the Seodaemun Prison History Hall to reflect on the meaning of the 80th anniversary of liberation and follow in the footsteps of independence activists who dedicated themselves to the nation's independence. In particular, by directly touring ancient palaces and museums, which they had only seen in K-historical dramas, they deepened their understanding of Korea's long history. They explored Baekje historical culture in Buyeo and Gongju, and experienced Korea's diverse cultural heritage firsthand through a tour of the Incheon Maritime Museum and historical sites in Gangneung.
Experiencing traditional crafts at the Buyeo Baekje Cultural Complex and the Sabi Craft Village, which recreated Baekje-era palaces, villages, and temples, deeply moved the participants. They were captivated by the charm of Hanok (traditional Korean houses), realizing that the traditional villages they had only seen in historical dramas were not just relics of the past but contained a philosophy of living in harmony with nature. Ms. Khergai Veronika, a descendant of Goryeoin from Kazakhstan, shared her feelings, stating that knowing the low walls symbolized communication and exchange made her "feel her heart open to the 'jeong' (affection/empathy) of our people, which she hadn't felt locally."
Establishing Identity and Fostering Love for the Homeland
The greatest achievement of this training was its contribution to establishing the identity of overseas Korean youth. By honoring the spirits of immigrant ancestors at the National 'Manghyang-ui Dongsan' (Hill of Longing) in Cheonan and learning about the history of overseas independence movements at the Independence Hall, participants felt their roots as Koreans and a strong love for their homeland. Moon Jun-young from Guatemala stated, "The Korean food I ate in its home country tasted deep and suited my palate, making me realize I am a descendant of Koreans," revealing that K-food naturally served as an opportunity for him to confirm his identity.
Throughout the training, participants not only fell in love with K-food by tasting various Korean dishes but also visited industrial sites showcasing Korea's industrial development. They visited Samyang Foods' factory, famous for its globally beloved Buldak Bokkeummyun, the Incheon Biocluster, a hub of advanced bio-industry, and Hyundai Motorstudio, a mobility industry site, directly witnessing Korea's present and future. Furthermore, through exchanges with young people from their homeland, they built networks, laying the foundation for strengthening future ties with their motherland.
28 Years of History, 15,000 Footprints: Overseas Koreans' Next Generation Growing into Global Leaders
The 'Next Generation Overseas Koreans Homeland Invitation Training,' which began in 1998 during the Overseas Koreans Foundation era, has continued its legacy with the transfer of the program to the Overseas Koreans Cooperation Center with the launch of the Overseas Koreans Agency in 2023. Although an online program was briefly operated in 2021 due to the COVID-19 situation, this program has been consistently held for 28 years, with approximately 15,000 overseas Korean youth and university students participating and experiencing their homeland to date.
The biggest achievement of this program is the strengthening of ties between the next generation and their homeland. There has been an increase in cases where participants, after the homeland training, participate in long-term Korean language programs or study at domestic universities, and many have found employment in domestic companies. Experts positively evaluate these individuals, noting that they are growing into talents who can bridge the gap between their homeland and their resident countries.
According to the 'Research on the Effectiveness of Homeland Training for Overseas Korean Middle and High School Students' report by the National Youth Policy Institute, participants showed significant increases in their understanding of Korea, Korean identity, recognition as Koreans, and desire for exchange with domestic youth after the training. The report explains that homeland visit experiences during adolescence and youth play a decisive role in establishing ethnic identity and, furthermore, instill a sense of mission to contribute to the development of the Korean people.
Embracing the Meaning of the 80th Anniversary of Liberation, Journeying Towards the Future
This year's training holds even greater significance as it marks the 80th anniversary of liberation. The program was designed based on three core values: Koreanity, Globality, and Connectivity. The focus was on fostering pride as Koreans, promoting solidarity and joint development between overseas Koreans and their homeland, and furthermore, helping them grow into future talents who can contribute to strengthening global Korean capabilities and the common prosperity of humanity.
Kim Young-geun, Director of the Overseas Koreans Cooperation Center, stated, "This training program aims to help overseas Koreans' next generation grow into future talents who have a sense of belonging to the Korean community and can contribute to the development of the Korean people and the global human community." He added, "We will continue to expand this program so that more overseas Koreans' next generation can participate." Considering that various countries, including Israel and China, actively operate similar programs to foster the identity of their citizens, the overseas Koreans homeland training is not just a simple cultural experience but a significant national investment.
Through this training, the next generation of overseas Koreans gained valuable experience in deeply understanding Korean history and culture, fostering pride as Koreans, and developing their capabilities as future global leaders. It is expected that they will admirably serve as a bridge between their homeland and their resident countries, enhancing the status of the Korean people.
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