Fulbright at 75, Reform at 30: Celebrating US–Korea Educational Exchange

By Kai August 20, 2025
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South Korea is marking two major milestones this year; the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Programme in Korea and the 30th anniversary of the 5.31 Education Reform. Together, these anniversaries highlight the enduring importance of international collaboration and domestic transformation in shaping the country’s education system.

The Fulbright Programme in Korea, established in 1950 and relaunched after the Korean War in 1960, has become one of the most significant bilateral educational exchanges in the world. Jointly funded by Seoul and Washington, the programme supports over 200 grants annually and has produced more than 7,600 Korean alumni across fields ranging from policymaking to science. English teaching assistants and graduate fellows remain central to its mission of fostering academic excellence and cross-cultural understanding.

At the same time, the 5.31 Education Reform, introduced in 1995, sought to modernise South Korea’s education system through globalisation and digital innovation. The reform expanded university flexibility, encouraged international collaboration, and enhanced research competitiveness. Initiatives such as Brain Korea 21 and the University Restructuring Plan later reinforced these goals, driving Korea’s universities into higher positions on global rankings.

The United States has been a crucial partner in this journey. More than 43,000 South Korean students were enrolled in American higher education in 2023/24, making Korea one of the top three sending nations. Conversely, growing numbers of US students now study in Korea, with more than 5,900 recorded in 2022/23. Joint institutions such as the Incheon Global Campus, which hosts American universities, further strengthen this academic exchange.

Despite challenges, including demographic shifts in Korea and rising education costs in the US, experts argue that educational diplomacy remains vital. Both nations are encouraged to invest in scholarship funds, hybrid learning models, and transnational collaboration to ensure resilience in future exchanges.

As Fulbright Korea turns 75 and education reform reaches 30 years, the milestones underscore how bilateral cooperation has not only advanced higher education but also reinforced the strategic partnership between the United States and South Korea.

Source: THE PIE NEWS

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