The East-West Center is pleased to announce the 2026 Korea-United States Journalists Exchange (KUSJE), scheduled for September 8–18, 2026.

Theme: Navigating the Evolving US-ROK Relationship: Trade, Investment, and Security Cooperation
Dates: September 8-18, 2026
US Destinations: Washington, DC and Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Korea Destinations: Seoul, Busan, and the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)
All participants will convene at the East-West Center in Honolulu 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?

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.