What Peace Makers is
Peace Makers is a series of Better Globe Makers Program. Students visit a place shaped by conflict, listen to the people there, and think about what peace asks of them. Past programs were in Poland (2024) and Hiroshima (2026).
Korea is still a divided country. In July 2027, students will visit the border region, meet Korean youth, and make a peace plan to carry home.
Why Korea
Korea has been divided since 1945. The Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice, not a peace treaty. Today South Korea is one of the world's largest economies and a global culture leader. It is also changing, and the division is easy to forget.
About 1 in 4
of registered separated family members are still alive (34,368 of 134,516).
Under 40%
of South Koreans born in 1991 or later say unification is necessary. Among those born in 1960 or earlier, it is over 60%.
Born 1960 or earlier
Born 1991 or later
5%
of people living in South Korea are foreign residents or naturalized citizens, the highest ever.
Peace in Korea is no longer only about a border. It is also about how a society welcomes people who come from somewhere else. Peace Makers Korea asks students to look at both, and to decide what peace means for them.
Sources: Korea Ministry of Unification (end of 2025); Korea Institute for National Unification survey (April 2026); Ministry of the Interior and Safety (November 2024). Bars are approximate.
What students will do
Understand a Divided Korea
Explore North Korea, the history of division, and the hopes for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korean Voices
Learn about the journeys, challenges, and hopes of North Koreans rebuilding their lives in South Korea.
Youth Peace Forum
Share perspectives on peace and explore how young people can turn dialogue into action.
Explore Your Calling
Reflect on your gifts, passions, and purpose, and discover ways to serve others through your unique calling.
Experience Korean Culture
Discover Korea through its traditions, everyday life, food, and contemporary culture.
Serve the Local Community
Spend time with people who have come to Korea from other countries, and connect what you learn with practical care for others.
Specific activities, locations, speakers, and partners are being finalized.
How it works
It is a chance to learn, experience, and write about peace, and to be recognized for their own story.
1
Spring 2027, online.
Students meet online on 4 Saturday mornings during the spring semester. They learn the meaning and background of the trip, so they arrive in Korea ready to see and listen.
2
July 12–18, 2027, in Korea.
A week visiting in Korea with the group. Students visit the border region, attend a peace forum with Korean youth, and experience Korean culture, all within a faith-based worldview. Each student receives a participation certificate.
3
After the trip, reflect in writing
Back home, students reflect in writing. Each writes an essay and a research paper that turns the experience into their own story. Good writing is recognized with awards.
Program Details
The program
Student Selection
12 students will be selected from among applicants.
Program Fee: $1,200
Airfare is not included.
Discount for Missionary Kids
Children of missionaries receive 50% off the program fee.
Age Requirement
Proposed minimum age: 14 and above.
Required Online Meetings · Spring 2027
Participants must attend all online meetings, held on Saturday mornings during the spring semester.
Travel and family
Travel and meeting point
Students may fly from the U.S. with an adult companion. The departure airport and schedule can differ depending on each participant's situation. The official start is the meeting place in Korea, where the group gathers and students are picked up.
Parents as volunteers
Parents may join this trip as volunteers. Fee: $500 per person.
Siblings
A sibling who is below the age requirement may join in a limited way, only when a parent also joins the trip. Fee: $500 per person.
Leaders, partners, and supporters
Peace Makers Korea needs people who share this vision. Instructors, partners, and supporters make the week possible.
Instructors
Instructors and speakers will be announced.
Partners
Schools, service sites, and local organizations in Korea are being finalized and will be announced.
Supporters
Donations help cover the cost for missionary-kid students.
Safety and questions
Student safety
Adult leaders travel with the group. Staff meet students at the airport in Korea. Families buy their own travel insurance. A parent consent form is required.
Is this a religious program?
It is faith-based, with morning reflection and evening worship.
What happens after I apply?
A parent or guardian submits the application. We email the parent or guardian after review. An application is not an acceptance.