Mission

Why We Do
This

The Korea-Uzbekistan Exchange Program was founded to build genuine, lasting connections between young people from two countries that rarely appear in the same conversation — but have more in common than most realize.

From the Silk Road that once connected Central Asia and the Far East, to today's digital channels, we believe curiosity across borders is the most powerful thing a young person can practice.

"The Silk Road
didn't end.
It became us."

— Program Founding Statement, 2022

Our Values

What We Stand For

🤝

Genuine Connection

We build real relationships, not tourism. Students communicate directly, honestly, and over time.

🌐

Cultural Curiosity

We celebrate what makes each culture unique — and look for the unexpected common ground.

✏️

Student-Led

Students plan, write, pack, and lead. Adults support, but the program belongs to the participants.

Partner Schools

The Two Schools

🇰🇷

Gyeongsan Jeil High School

Gyeongsan, South Korea

Gyeongsan Jeil High School is one of the partner schools in this exchange program, bringing Korean students together with peers from Uzbekistan through letters, cultural exchange, and shared travel.

  • Active international exchange program since 2022
  • Strong focus on global citizenship and cultural understanding
  • Students participate in annual pen pal and trip exchanges
🇺🇿

Chust Specialized School

Chust, Uzbekistan

Chust Specialized School is the Uzbek partner school in the program, connecting its students with peers from Korea through handwritten letters, cultural boxes, and an annual exchange trip.

  • Teaches Uzbek, Russian, and English
  • Proud tradition of cultural exchange and global awareness
  • Students actively participate in all three program activities
How It Works

A Year in the
Exchange

Each academic year follows a structured rhythm that gives participants time to connect, create, and travel.

September — Applications Open

Students from both schools apply. Up to 20 participants selected per school.

October — Pen Pal Matching

Each student is matched with a partner from the other school and begins writing letters.

December — Cultural Box Exchange

Students pack and send their cultural boxes — arriving just in time before winter break.

February — Group Activities

Monthly online sessions where both schools meet virtually for games, cooking, and Q&As.

May — The Trip

Alternating each year: one school hosts. Students spend a week living the exchange in person.

June — Reflections & Graduation

Participants share what they learned. Alumni stories collected for the website.