AYFN Winter Korean Culture Camp 2026 | Scholarships available
- Omran Aburayya
- Oct 16
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 16
If you’re looking to deepen your cultural horizons, expand your worldview, and experience South Korea up close, the AYFN Winter Korean Culture Camp 2026 could be just the opportunity you’re waiting for. Applications are now open for this immersive cultural‐exchange program, offering fully funded support to qualified participants. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you understand everything you need to know — from eligibility and benefits, to application strategy and tips.
Program Summary
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Organizer: AYFN Academy (ASEAN Youth Friendship Network)
Duration: 6 days, 5 nights (tentatively 1 February – 6 February 2026)
Type: Fully funded cultural camp / exchange
Target Participants : Youth aged 17–40, all nationalities
Fields / Focus: Culture, language, youth exchange, leadership & soft skills
Award / Coverage:
Program fee waiver (100%)
Travel grant (tiered)
Accommodation, local transport, meals, cultural activities, etc.
Application Deadline: 20 November 2025
Selection Timeline:
Phase 1 (shortlist) announcement: ~1 December 2025
Interviews: 10–15 December 2025
Final results: 20 December 2025
Start Date (Camp begins): ~1 February 2026
🧭 Program Overview
The AYFN Winter Korean Culture Camp 2026 is designed as a short but intense cultural exchange experience. It combines Korean language learning, deep cultural immersion, historical site visits, and social exchange to give participants a holistic understanding of Korea’s heritage, modern society, and the dynamics of cultural connection.
Key components be included:
Pre-departure orientation / online language intro: Many past AYFN camps provide an online class or orientation before arrival to help participants hit the ground running.
Korean language classes (beginner level): Basic conversational skills, greetings, expressions, practice through interaction.
Cultural workshops & hands-on experiences: Examples include making kimchi, wearing hanbok, traditional arts, calligraphy, etc.
Heritage & historical tours: Visits to iconic sites such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Namsan Tower, Insadong, and possibly excursions outside Seoul (e.g. Nami Island)
Cultural immersion & exchange activities: Interaction with locals, theme nights, cultural sharing, group discussion, social events
Reflection & presentation sessions: Participants may present what they’ve learned, share their experience, or document the journey
E-Certificate & closing ceremony: All participants receive an e-certificate upon successful completion
Because the program is short, it’s intensive and designed to maximize engagement in a compressed timeframe.
🎁 Funding & Coverage
One of the most attractive aspects of this camp is that it is fully funded for selected participants. Here is what’s typically covered — and what expenses remain the participant’s responsibility:
✅ What the Scholarship / Grant Covers
Program fee waiver (100%): Participants will not pay the standard program cost.
Travel grant / flight subsidy: Depending on scholarship tier (Gold / Silver) the travel support will vary.
Accommodation (6 days / 5 nights): Usually shared rooms (double or triple) in a hotel or guesthouse
Meals during program: Breakfasts, lunches (as per schedule)
Cultural & educational activities: All workshops, excursions, local experiences
Local transportation (metro, buses, etc.) during the program
In-country coordination & administrative costs
E-Certificate of completion
⚠️ What is Not Covered
Visa application fees
Airfare exceeding the travel grant limit
Personal expenses: travel insurance, extra meals, laundry, local SIM / internet, souvenirs
Additional nights’ accommodation outside the official program dates
Any health / medical costs not covered by insurance
It’s always wise to budget a modest personal buffer for unexpected costs.
🏅 Funding Tiers (Gold / Silver)
Based on descriptions from AYFN and opportunity aggregators:
Gold Tier
100% program fee waiver
Travel grant up to USD 750
Silver Tier
100% program fee waiver
Travel grant up to USD 250
✅ Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for AYFN Winter Korean Culture Camp 2026, applicants must typically satisfy the following:
Age requirement: Between 17 and 40 years old
All nationalities are eligible (no restriction by country)
Passion for culture, travel, and youth engagement / leadership
Active participation in youth, social, or community activities
English proficiency (for communication during the program)
Ability to travel to South Korea in the given dates
Physically and mentally fit to engage in program activities
Willingness to document and share the experience (photos, posts, reflections)
No requirement for IELTS or standardized tests
📝 Application Procedure
Here’s a step-by-step outline:
Purchase the required e-book: Applicants are required to buy the e-book Beyond Borders: Embracing the Global Network (USD 10–20) as part of eligibility. Submit the purchase receipt.
Fill the online application form: Complete the application form on AYFN’s official site.
Submit required documents (in English):
Curriculum Vitae (Europass format or similar)
Motivation Letter (≈ 250 words): “Why I need this scholarship / why I deserve it”
Essay (≈ 250 words) on “Youth Empowerment” or similar theme
Self-introduction video (max 2 minutes)
E-book purchase receipt
(Sometimes) Passport scan or National ID
Receive confirmation that your application is received
Shortlist / Phase 1 announcement (~1 December 2025)
Interview stage (10–15 December 2025)
Final selection announcement (20 December 2025)
Pre-departure instructions, visa processing, travel arrangement
✏️ Additional Useful Notes
When preparing your motivation essay / video, focus on how participating will enable you to act as a cultural bridge, what you will contribute to the cohort, and how this aligns with your goals.
Use concrete examples of leadership, community service, cultural interests.
Check the official AYFN website regularly for updates or changes to the 2026 program page.
Prepare your passport, visa, travel documents in advance — Korea tourist visas may need processing time.
Budget extra for insurance, incidental expenses, meals outside the program, souvenirs, airport transfers.
Reach out to former participants (e.g. via AYFN alumni) for insights and tips about attending the camp.