The National Institute for Unification Education (NIUE) of the Ministry of Unification of the Republic of Korea proudly presents the Emerging Leaders Fellowship (ELF) program for mid-career professionals who are interested in Korean affairs. This fellowship invites prospective experts from around the world to learn about Korea and discuss issues relating to peace, prosperity, and unification of the Korean Peninsula. Since hosting its first class in 2013, the Fellowship has so far attracted 237 mid-career professionals from 51 countries, each of whom contributes to fostering international awareness on Korean unification and creating ideas to help Korea and the region to steer towards peace. If you wish to partake in the 2025 cohort, please read the details below.

Objective

The Fellowship aims to foster understanding on the ROK Government’s policy towards North Korea and develop a vision for Korean unification. It also serves as a platform for participants to network with colleagues from all around the world, as well as prominent figures and counterparts in Korea.

Overview

1. Period: July 8th ~ 17th (10 days)
2. Average number of cohort: 15
3. Curriculum: Lectures, discussions, field trips, academic conference etc

   < Example >

   Lecture/Discussion Subjects	- ROK’s Unification Policy and Vision for Korean Unification - Understanding North Korea: Dialogue with North Korean Refugees - Dialogue with High Policy Officers of Ministry of Unification
   Field Trip	- DMZ tour, Inter-Korean Transit Office etc - Unification and Security related visiting sites
   Academic Conference	All participants should participate in the full-day Academic Conference either as a presenter or discussant.

Eligibility

We are looking for candidates who are interested in Korea and Korean unification. Candidates who meet one of the following criteria are usually considered as a strong candidate.

1. A mid-career professional with more than five years of professional experience in the government, international organizations, non-government organizations, and the press, preferably with a M.A or higher degree.
2. A mid-career scholar or researcher at universities, institutes, think-tanks in relevant fields, preferably with a Ph. D.
3. Language Requirements: All events will be in English; therefore, command of English in the professional sense is mandatory. Proficiency in Korean is desired, but not a prerequisite.

Supports

NIUE provides the following supports to ELF fellows:

1. Round-trip airfare (economy class)
2. Accommodation during the fellowship
   - Stays before and after the official fellowships are to be paid at one’s own expenses.
3. Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
4. All fees and expenses during field trips
5. Transportation during the program
6. Travel insurance

* Participants are expected to cover personal expenses, such as visa fees, excess baggage charge, travel expenses within their respective home countries, travel expenses between airport to hotel in Korea, charges for items and services other than complimentary goods provided by the venue of accommodation.

Application Documents

1. Application Form and Personal Statement (Attached)
2. Resume or Curriculum Vitae

Submission: globaledu@unikorea.go.kr

Application Deadline: 18:00 April 9 (Wed), Korea Standard Time

Notification Date

Decisions will be emailed individually in May.

Contact info

Tel: +82 2 901 7036
Email: globaledu@unikorea.go.kr
Address: National Institute for Unification Education, 123, 4.19-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul 01018, South Korea