KOREA FOUNDATION

[Review] Journalists from Major US Media Visit Korea

Eight US journalists working for leading American media outlets visited Korea from March 31 through April 6 on the Atlantic Council Korea Journalist Fellowship program. The program was sponsored by the KF and organized by the Atlantic Council.
   The Fellowship program, which was begun this year, is comprised of round tables in the United States on “A Way Forward for the Peaceful and Denuclearized Korean Peninsula” and a visit to Korea. The invitation program is expected to produce a considerable long-term effect through the journalists’ continued delivery of news and information about Korea in the United States.
   The group drew attention for its inclusion of next-generation journalists specializing in diplomacy and international security topics at major US media, including ABC News, CBS News, CNN, USA Today, and the Washington Post.
   The group visited government offices, including the Blue House, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Unification, and Ministry of National Defense, as well as the National Assembly and related institutions. They were briefed on crucial diplomatic issues pertaining to Korea and the government’s unification and defense policies, after which members had discussions. They also paid a call on Chung-in Moon, the Special Advisor to the President for Unification, Foreign Affairs and National Security, and US Ambassador to Korea Harry Harris for in-depth discussions about diplomatic policies on the Korean Peninsula.
   The journalists also held a meeting with their counterparts from major Korean media and foreign correspondents in Korea. Through such meetings, they were able to expand their network while discussing important issues in and around the Korean Peninsula and relevant media coverage. In addition, the journalists learned about the Korean economy and its major industries by taking tours of SK Telecom and Hyundai Motor. They talked about the present and future of Korean industries with officials at both companies, broadening the scope of their understanding of Korea by touching on not only diplomacy and security but more diverse issues.
   KF President Sihyung Lee welcomed the group at a luncheon meeting and said he hoped the visit would enhance the next-generation American journalists’ understanding of Korean policies and Korea-related issues. Lee also expressed his wish for the expansion of journalists’ exchanges between the US and Korea.

US Major Journal Visit_KoreaInvitation Press Broadcasting