Korea, Germany sign MOU to launch student exchange program

From left, Rep. Kim Young-bae, ADeKo Chairman Kim Hyo-joon, German Ambassador to Korea Georg Schmidt, and Rep. Kim Hee-jung pose for a photo after signing a memorandum of understanding to launch a Korea-Germany student exchange program at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of ADeKo.

The Korea Germany Network, or Alumninetzwerk Deutschland-Korea (ADeKo), signed a memorandum of understanding with the Embassy of Germany in Seoul on Wednesday to establish a student exchange program aimed at strengthening educational and cultural links between the two nations.

The ceremony, which took place at the National Assembly, brought together lawmakers Kim Hee-jung and Kim Young-bae of the Korea-Germany Parliamentary Friendship Association, German Ambassador Georg Schmidt, and ADeKo Chairman Kim Hyo-joon.

Under the agreement, exchanges will begin in 2026 with about 200 students from 10 schools taking part in weeklong reciprocal visits. The program is expected to grow to 1,000 students by 2028 and may later expand into a semester-based model.

“The firsthand exposure is essential for building lasting connections between young people in both countries,” Schmidt said. He added that “a single student’s experience often influences entire families and social circles,” calling the exchange “a foundation for long-term stability in bilateral relations.”

ADeKo Chairman Kim Hyo-joon said the organization will take the lead in coordinating the program’s development. “ADeKo will take the lead in planning, coordination and implementation so the program can settle as a stable and sustainable platform,” he said. He added that “our goal is to expand the exchange to around 1,000 participating students within the next few years.”

Lawmaker Kim Hee-jung said the initiative will help future generations grow into global citizens who understand and respect each other’s cultures. She noted that Korea and Germany “share historical experiences and a deep belief in education,” making youth exchange particularly meaningful.

Rep. Kim Young-bae said youth-level engagement remains crucial at a time of rapid global change, calling person-to-person exchanges “one of the most resilient forms of bilateral cooperation.”

Although the memorandum of understanding is not legally binding, both sides view it as an important first step toward institutionalized cooperation. Further discussions are planned on teacher recruitment, German language education support and administrative procedures needed to build a long-term exchange framework.