VANK has teamed up with the King Sejong the Great Foundation to expand the global interest in the Korean language and Hangeul, extending beyond just language learning to the significance of Hangeul and the love for the people that inspired King Sejong to create it.

On December 14, 2023, VANK signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the King Sejong the Great Foundation (Chairman Choi Hong-sik) to strengthen their collaboration. The two organizations aim to promote King Sejong and Hangeul both domestically and internationally through various online and offline campaigns, produce educational materials, and train young Koreans to become ambassadors who will raise awareness about King Sejong and Hangeul worldwide.

The King Sejong the Great Foundation, founded on October 9, 1956, at the Hangeul Day ceremony, is a nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the achievements of King Sejong and his legacy, while contributing to the advancement of Korean culture.

Through this partnership, the King Sejong the Great Foundation emphasized, “King Sejong is the most respected figure in our country and our greatest teacher. Together, we will work to spread the value of King Sejong and Hangeul globally, making his legacy known far beyond Korea.”

Additionally, the Foundation shared exciting news for 2024: “Next year, the Hunminjeongeum, the script created by King Sejong, will be printed on Korea’s finest hanji paper. We will showcase this through the woodblocks of the Hunminjeongeum Haerye and Eonhaebon, a prized national intangible cultural heritage, to spread this heritage worldwide.”

VANK also reflected on the significant recognition King Sejong received in its “5,000 Years of Korean History and Hallyu Stars” project, where he was selected as the ultimate Hallyu star. VANK aims to further the “Sejong Hallyu” through its continued collaboration with the Foundation, hoping to ignite global enthusiasm for King Sejong and his contributions to Korea and the world.

Previously, VANK has undertaken numerous initiatives to promote Hangeul and King Sejong globally, including its “Ilhoom” platform, which offers Korean names to international Hallyu fans. Through this service, over 50,000 people worldwide have received their own Hangeul names, helping spread the culture of Hangeul.

Additionally, VANK is leading the “We Are the 21st Century Korean Language Ambassadors” project, educating global audiences about the Hunminjeongeum and its historical significance. Through these ongoing efforts, VANK aims to further solidify Hangeul’s place in the global cultural landscape.

VANK has launched an ambitious project to promote Korea’s history and culture to 7.5 million overseas Koreans across the globe.

This campaign targets Korean youth, next-generation leaders, and teachers of Korean schools worldwide, aiming to enhance their pride in Korea’s history, culture, and identity. VANK’s initiative also includes a special effort to appoint overseas Koreans as cultural ambassadors, showcasing Korea’s achievements in democracy and economic development to the world.

To further these goals, VANK signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korean Schools of Northern California (KSNC) on September 4, 2023. The KSNC, founded in 1991, is a coalition of Korean schools in Northern California, focusing on education in Korean language, history, and culture. The organization consists of around 60 schools, 300 teachers, and 3,800 Korean-American students.

The partnership between VANK and KSNC aims to foster Korean pride and identity among Korean-American youth and educators through an ambassador training program and collaborative efforts to enhance Korea’s image in the United States.

The key initiatives include:

1. joint development of the Global Korean Ambassador appointment program for teachers and the youth affiliated with KSNC
2. mutual cooperation to ensure accurate representation of Korea in U.S. textbooks, encyclopedias, and tourism publications
3. VANK providing promotional materials on Korean history and culture to schools within the KSNC network
4. KSNC assisting VANK by identifying inaccuracies about Korea in U.S. textbooks
5. launching campaigns to spread the knowledge of Korean history and culture across the U.S., leveraging the rising popularity of Hallyu
6. a campaign to boost sense of pride and identity in Korean-American youth in regards to their heritage
7. transforming 7.5 million overseas Koreans into active Korean cultural ambassadors
8. a global campaign to elevate the national brand and image of Korea among 170 million Hallyu fans worldwide

VANK’s partnership with KSNC marks a significant step toward increasing awareness of Korea’s cultural and historical contributions, empowering the next generation of overseas Koreans to take pride in their roots.

On August 31, 2023, at the 74th Memorial Ceremony for Dr. Homer Hulbert at the Centennial Memorial Church in Seoul, VANK and The Hulbert Memorial Society pledged to promote the legacy of Dr. Hulbert globally.

Dr. Hulbert, a key figure in Korea’s independence movement, spent 50 years advocating for Korean sovereignty from the 1895 Eulmi Incident to liberation in 1945. Despite persecution and financial hardships after returning to the U.S. in 1907, he dedicated his life to Korea’s independence. He authored 20 books and over 300 articles to educate the world about Korean history and culture.

The organizations introduced their three-pronged global campaign.

1. Advocating for a Higher National Honor
The campaign urges the Korean government to reassess Dr. Hulbert’s Order of Merit for National Foundation, initially awarded in 1950 with limited documentation. VANK and The Hulbert Memorial Society argue that his recognition should be elevated to the highest grade, the Republic of Korea Medal.

2. Building Memorials in the U.S.
To honor Dr. Hulbert’s contributions, plans include installing a plaque at his birthplace, erecting a statue, and establishing a Korean Independence Movement History Center in the U.S. These initiatives aim to educate Americans about Korea’s independence struggle and strengthen Korea-U.S. relations.Inspired by similar efforts, such as the upcoming statue of Ernest Thomas Bethell in Bristol, UK, VANK seeks to commemorate Dr. Hulbert as part of the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance.

3. Recovering Korea’s Stolen Royal Funds
VANK and The Hulbert Memorial Society will work with like-minded organizations to recover the royal funds of Emperor Gojong, illegally seized by Japan and deposited in Shanghai’s Deutche Asiatic Bank.

On August 4, 2023, the Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK) and Metaro, led by CEO Yoo Jin, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at VANK’s Seoul office to collaborate on “Digital Metaverse Diplomacy.” This partnership aims to empower Korean youth with the skills to promote Korea’s rich history and culture globally while establishing a metaverse platform dedicated to accurately presenting Korea to the world.

Under this agreement, VANK and Metaro will develop a metaverse platform for education, exhibitions, and cultural exchanges. They plan to create new metaverse spaces, expand them internationally, and manage the platform while also developing a mentoring system for youth careers. The goal is to cultivate young Koreans as digital metaverse diplomats and Korean cultural ambassadors.

VANK previously signed an MOU with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 6, 2022, to advance digital public diplomacy. Since January 31, they have trained the first and second cohorts of “Digital Metaverse Diplomats,” who have built metaverse exhibition halls and created digital content to share Korean history and culture with a global audience. They are also engaging in global issue advocacy through the petition platform www.bridgeasia.net.

Metaro, specializing in 2D metaverse map creation using a 3D rendering system, has been collaborating with public institutions, schools, governments, and companies since 2021 to develop metaverse environments.

Together, VANK and Metaro will build a metaverse platform covering Korean history, culture, Hallyu’s historical roots, Dokdo, the East Sea, and independence activists. This initiative will allow Korean youth and VANK members to accurately represent Korea, foster international exchanges, and engage in global problem-solving.

VANK emphasized that with over 170 million Hallyu fans worldwide, interest in Korea is at an all-time high. They expect this metaverse initiative to further enhance global engagement with Korean history and culture, serving as a crucial stepping stone for broader international outreach.

On July 13, 2023, Cyber Diplomacy Organization VANK and Ulleung County signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote the global recognition of Ulleungdo and Dokdo.

Historically, Ulleung County administers Dokdo, the easternmost island of the Korean Peninsula. The county and VANK recognized the potential of Ulleungdo and Dokdo as ecological tourism destinations with unique natural heritage and global appeal, especially in light of the increasing number of global Hallyu fans. The MOU aims to raise international awareness of Ulleung County and its iconic islands.

The agreement outlines several key initiatives, including:

– a global promotion campaign for Ulleungdo and Dokdo, alongside the creation and distribution of promotional materials and digital outreach
– highlighting and promoting Ulleung County’s value as an ecological tourism city
– offering ambassador training for local middle and high school students about Ulleungdo and Dokdo
– acquiring and utilizing historical photos, videos, and documents related to Ulleungdo and Dokdo to promote these islands as world-class tourist destinations

Ulleung County has been developing its infrastructure for eco-tourism, having completed the Ulleungdo Circular Road in 2019, introduced a new passenger ferry in 2021, and is set to host the “4th Island Day” national event on August 8, 2023. By 2025, Ulleung County plans to open its first airport.

The county is also continuously developing attractions and activities, such as exploring the marine space, natural heritage, and offering various experiences for tourists.

VANK has long been committed to promoting the correct names and history of Ulleungdo and Dokdo. The organization has distributed over 1.88 million copies of 137 historical documents and maps to educate the world on the accurate information about these islands. VANK is also addressing and correcting misrepresentations of Ulleungdo and Dokdo in foreign materials, while campaigning against Japan’s unjust claims and historical distortions regarding Dokdo.

Ulleung County Mayor Nam Han-gwon stated, “Ulleung County is rich in ecological, geological, and geographical values, from rare plants and animals to primeval forests, rocks, and volcanic landscapes. We will work with VANK to showcase these attractions to the world and help Ulleung residents and students reach a global audience.”

Park Ki-tae, Director of VANK, added, “Ulleungdo, the island that embraces Dokdo, boasts countless coastal sceneries like Daepunggam, Elephant Rock, and Songgot Mountain, along with pristine waters. We will promote these attractions to make Ulleungdo an internationally beloved island, beyond Korea.”

VANK has unveiled an ambitious plan to promote and globalize Taekkyeon, a traditional Korean martial art.

On June 27, 2023, VANK announced a partnership with Korea Taekkyeon Association and the Taekgyeon Preservation Society to push forward with this initiative. The key points of the agreement include promoting and educating the public about Taekkyeon’s global appeal and using social media platforms to spread Taekkyeon culture worldwide.

VANK has long been dedicated to training young Koreans as diplomats and global ambassadors, while also educating the world about Korea’s rich history and culture. The Taekgyeon Preservation Society, led by Living National Treasure Jeong Gyeong-hwa, is the only organization in Korea recognized under cultural heritage laws for preserving and passing down Taekkyeon techniques.

The Korea Taekkyeon Association, based in Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, has been actively working to expand the reach of Taekkyeon. The association played a key role in the successful UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage listing of Taekkyeon in 2011.

Park Ki-tae, Director of VANK, remarked, “Taekkyeon is a hidden Hallyu star in our history. We are determined to promote it to a global audience through a range of exciting projects.”

Moon Dae-sik, President of the Korea Taekkyeon Association, emphasized, “Together with VANK and the Taekgyeon Preservation Society, we will work to showcase Chungju, the birthplace of Taekkyeon, to the world.”

On June 21, 2023, VANK (Voluntary Agency Network of Korea) signed a partnership agreement with the Geumsan Ginseng & Herb Development Agency to promote the globalization of Korean ginseng.

Under this agreement, both organizations will investigate misinformation about ginseng, take corrective action, and create educational materials to help people understand ginseng more accurately. They also plan to launch a global campaign to raise awareness and work toward adding the term “Insam” to major English dictionaries worldwide.

During the event, VANK’s director, Park Ki-tae, delivered a special lecture to 30 institute employees on strategies to leverage global interest in Korea—particularly from 170 million Hallyu fans—to promote the country internationally.

Meanwhile, Shin Ji-won, senior researcher at VANK, and Kim Bong-soo, researcher at VANK, conducted lectures for 40 students from the “Dokdo Keepers” club at Geumsan Girls’ High School. Shin discussed ways to build global friendships and introduce Korea accurately, while Kim focused on raising awareness about Dokdo and the East Sea.

Agency director Kim Young-soo expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Through this partnership with VANK, Geumsan Ginseng, with its 1,500-year history, has gained a powerful ally for globalization. We will do our best to inform the world of ginseng’s incredible benefits and solidify its status as Korea’s top specialty product.”

VANK’s Park Ki-tae added, “For over 20 years, we have worked to correct global misconceptions about Korea. Now, using our expertise, we will collaborate with the Geumsan Ginseng & Herb Development Agency to properly introduce Korean ginseng to the world. In this era of 170 million Hallyu fans, we aim to make ginseng a historical Hallyu star.”

Since its founding in 1999, VANK has trained young Koreans as cyber diplomats and global ambassadors, working to correct historical inaccuracies in foreign textbooks, maps, and websites. The organization has also played a key role in getting Korea’s cultural heritage recognized in major dictionaries like Oxford and Collins.

On June 16, 2023, the Korean Geographical Society (President Jung Sung-hoon, Professor at Kangwon National University) and VANK (Director Park Ki-tae) signed an agreement to strengthen Korea’s geographical sovereignty, correct map-related misinformation, and enhance public awareness of geography’s importance.

Through this partnership, the two organizations will:
✅ Correct errors in Korean geographical information and place names in global knowledge sources (textbooks, maps, encyclopedias)
✅ Secure Korea’s presence in digital geographical spaces
✅ Expand Asia-centered geographical knowledge beyond Western-centric perspectives
✅ Promote the establishment of a national “Map Day” to highlight the importance of maps

Founded in 1945, the Korean Geographical Society leads Korea’s geography research through academic journals, conferences, and policy forums. It also focuses on key issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and digital geographic education.

VANK, established in 1999, has been actively correcting misinformation about Korea and promoting Korean culture worldwide. Since 2020, it has been leading a campaign to properly represent Korea’s maritime territory through accurate maps and geographical information.

President Jung Sung-hoon stated, “It is inspiring to collaborate with VANK, an organization driven by civic spirit and love for our country, to proactively safeguard Korea’s territorial and geographical sovereignty. The Korean Geographical Society will work with VANK to pioneer digital territorial expansion, innovate digital geography education, and create new job opportunities in this field.”

VANK Director Park Ki-tae added, “With the expertise, data, and 77 years of experience of the Korean Geographical Society, we aim to overcome the Western-centric geographical framework and expand Korea and Asia’s presence in global geography. We will also push forward efforts to establish Korea’s geographical sovereignty in advanced fields such as AI and the metaverse.”

Moving forward, VANK and the Korean Geographical Society will collaborate on securing Korea’s digital geographical sovereignty, promoting the ‘Map Day’ initiative, and ensuring accurate representation of Korea’s geography in global knowledge platforms.

On June 7, 2023, VANK (Director Park Ki-tae) and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) (President Kim Chun-jin) signed an MOU at the aT Center in Yangjae, Seoul, to globalize Korean food (K-Food) and promote a culture of global carbon neutrality.

Through this partnership, the two organizations will:
✅ Promote the excellence of Kimchi and Korean cuisine worldwide
✅ Advocate for the establishment of “Kimchi Day” in more countries to enhance Korea’s global food brand
✅ Expand the “Green Food Day” campaign to encourage sustainable, low-carbon dietary habits

Since its founding in 1999, VANK has actively corrected misinformation about Korea and promoted Korean culture. It has led various K-Food campaigns, including the global distribution of Korean food postcards (2015) and the Correct Korean Food Name Campaign (2018).

aT, as Korea’s leading food trade agency, has been spearheading efforts to establish “Kimchi Day” globally. The initiative has already succeeded in California, Virginia, New York, Washington D.C., and is currently under review in the U.S. Congress. Additionally, on May 12, the São Paulo City Council in Brazil passed a resolution to designate “Kimchi Day,” pending the mayor’s approval.

Furthermore, aT leads the Green Food Day campaign in collaboration with 500 institutions across 25 countries, advocating for lower greenhouse gas emissions throughout the food supply chain, contributing to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives and global carbon neutrality efforts.

VANK Director Park Ki-tae stated, “With over 170 million Hallyu fans worldwide, interest in Korea is at an all-time high. Through this MOU, we aim to elevate global awareness of K-Food while also contributing to environmental sustainability through the low-carbon food movement. Since food is central to identity, promoting Korean cuisine and Kimchi Day will also unite 7.5 million overseas Koreans.”

aT President Kim Chun-jin emphasized, “This agreement solidifies Korea’s status as the origin of Kimchi and strengthens global efforts toward carbon neutrality. Together, we will showcase the excellence of Korean food worldwide and address urgent global issues like climate change and food security.”

Moving forward, VANK and aT will collaborate on expanding K-Food’s global brand, advocating for carbon-neutral lifestyles, and launching worldwide awareness campaigns.

On May 31, 2023, VANK and UT Plus Interactive (CEO Yoo Tae-yeon) signed an MOU at VANK’s office in Bomun-dong, Seoul, to collaborate on building and expanding a metaverse platform that enables Korean youth to promote Korea’s history and culture on a global scale.

Through this partnership, the two organizations will:
✅ Develop a metaverse platform for education, promotion, exhibitions, and cultural exchange related to Korea
✅ Provide training programs for youth to manage and expand Korean-themed metaverse spaces internationally
✅ Equip young Koreans with the skills to become digital ambassadors in metaverse environments

VANK has been at the forefront of digital diplomacy, signing an MOU with Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in December 2022. Since then, it has trained 83 Digital Metaverse Diplomats in its first cohort and is currently training a second group. These youth ambassadors create virtual exhibitions and digital content to introduce Korea’s history and culture to the world while also participating in global advocacy initiatives through www.bridgeasia.net.

UT Plus Interactive, which launched the global metaverse platform “DitoLand” in April 2021, allows users to create and share their own digital spaces and content.

With this collaboration, VANK and UT Plus will develop a metaverse platform focusing on Korean history, culture, Hallyu, Dokdo, the East Sea, and independence activists. This initiative will empower Korean youth to engage with the international community, promote Korea accurately, and contribute to solving global issues.

VANK emphasized, “With over 170 million Hallyu fans worldwide, interest in Korea is at an all-time high. This MOU will further amplify global awareness of Korea’s history and culture through the metaverse.”