Peace Corps Volunteers gather in Seoul, possibly for last time
Korea was in a much different state of development when U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) arrived in Korea for the first time, on Sept. 16, 1966. Sixty years later, 17 members of this first cohort, classified as K-1, returned to Korea to celebrate the mission's "hwangap," or 60th birthday. "Sixty years ago, you came to Korea as young volunteers," Song Guido, president of the Korea Foundation…
Sixty years ago, in 1966, the United States Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) set foot in Korea for the first time. At that time, Korea was undergoing significant changes in its development. Six decades later, 17 members of this original group, known as K-1, returned to their homeland to commemorate the mission's 60th anniversary. They gathered at The Plaza Seoul hotel, where they were welcomed by Song Guido, president of the Korea Foundation, and joined by family members, former Korean colleagues, and members of Friends of Korea (FOK), a nonprofit organization established by PCVs in 2002.
The PCVs arrived in Korea with a mission to teach and work, but they also formed lasting friendships and became an integral part of various communities. This connection, which has endured for the past 60 years, was highlighted by Yoon Young-kwan, a former foreign minister of Korea. He shared how his friendships with three former PCVs shaped his perception of America.
The Peace Corps Volunteers have played a crucial role in fostering human connections during a pivotal moment in Korea's history, and the efforts of FOK have helped sustain these bonds across generations.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- Peace Corps Volunteers gather in Seoul, possibly for last time koreatimes.co.kr
