The Overseas Koreans Agency (Director Lee Sang-deok) announced on June 17 that approximately 2,600 young overseas Koreans from over 70 countries will visit their homeland to experience its history and culture, fostering a sense of identity and pride through the “2025 Overseas Korean Youth Homeland Invitation Program.” Organized by the Overseas Koreans Cooperation Center (Director Kim Young-geun), an affiliate of the agency, the program will be held nine times through August 17, divided into sessions for teenagers and young adults.

The opening ceremony for the first session, held at the Hyatt Hotel in Yeongjongdo, Incheon, welcomed around 270 young overseas Koreans from 25 countries. Over the course of seven days and six nights, participants will visit sites such as the Independence Hall of Korea and the Seodaemun Prison History Museum to reflect on the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation and honor the legacy of independence fighters. They will also explore Baekje’s historical culture in Gongju, tour the Incheon Maritime Museum, and visit historic sites in Gangneung.

Additionally, participants will observe Korea’s industrial advancements by visiting key sites, including the Samyang Ramen factory, known for its globally popular Buldak Hot Chicken Flavor Ramen, the Incheon Bio Cluster, a hub for cutting-edge biotechnology, and the Hyundai Motor Studio, a center for mobility innovation. The program also offers opportunities to network with Korean youth, fostering connections.

This year’s program, marking the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, is designed around three core values: Koreanity (cultivating pride as Koreans), Globality (strengthening bonds between overseas Koreans and the homeland for mutual progress), and Connectivity (enhancing global Korean capabilities and contributing to humanity). These values aim to nurture participants into future global leaders.

In his opening remarks, Director Lee Sang-deok noted, “The 7 million overseas Koreans have not historically had networks as strong as those of Jewish, Chinese, or Indian diasporas. However, thanks to South Korea’s prosperity and the hardships endured by immigrant ancestors, you have grown remarkably.” He urged participants to “build strong ties with the homeland to amplify the influence of the Korean diaspora,” pledging the agency’s ongoing support.

Center Director Kim Young-geun encouraged participants, saying, “Through this program, I hope you will see, hear, and experience Korea’s history and strength, deepen your understanding of the homeland, and grow into global leaders with pride as Koreans.” Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, in a video message, welcomed the program, which began in Incheon—a city tied to Korea’s first official immigration history—and expressed hope that it would be a meaningful time for learning about the homeland.