The Korea Germany Network, also known as Alumninetzwerk Deutschland-Korea (ADeKo), recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the German Embassy in Seoul. The goal of this agreement is to create a student exchange program that enhances educational and cultural connections between the two countries.
The event, held at the National Assembly, was attended by members of the Korea-Germany Parliamentary Friendship Association, including lawmakers Kim Hee-jung and Kim Young-bae, as well as German Ambassador Georg Schmidt and ADeKo Chairman Kim Hyo-joon.
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According to the deal, the student exchanges will commence in 2026 involving around 200 students from 10 schools participating in week-long reciprocal visits. The program is anticipated to increase to 1,000 students by 2028 and could potentially extend into a semester-based structure.
“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 says.
He added that “our goal is to expand the exchange to around 1,000 participating students within the next few years.”
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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.
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Further discussions are planned on teacher recruitment, German language education support and administrative procedures needed to build a long-term exchange framework.