A 99-member group of American youths will visit Korea for two weeks from August 8 to 21 to participate in the “Korea-U.S. Youth Network 2010.”

The group, composed of 99 high school students selected from 33 states across the United States arrives in Korea on Sunday, August 8. During the visit, they will have an opportunity to listen to lectures on Korean society, culture and history, and discuss what they have learned with their Korean student counterparts to gain a deeper understanding of Korea. They will also experience Korean culture and industry firsthand, through a Seoul city tour, DMZ tour, Taekwondo class and visits to a Hanok village in Jeonju and Hyundai Motors factory in Asan.

The “Korea-U.S. Youth Network 2010” program is being conducted in accordance with the youth exchange initiative resulting from the 2008 Korea-U.S. Summit talks in Washington, D.C., where the two countries’ presidents pledged to support an expansion of youth exchange, as noted in their joint statement. There have been enthusiastic responses from the previous participants in this program, and afterwards some of them expressed keen interest in pursuing their studies abroad in Korea

Until 2013, approximately 170 students per year will be invited to experience various aspects of Korean society. This year’s event is being run in conjunction with Yonsei University. This project is expected to promote positive perceptions of Korea among U.S. youths who will be future leaders in the United States, and establish a future-oriented network for the next generation.