Korean War Legacy Foundation

08/19/2026

Representing the National Council for the Social Studies at the 2026 World Congress of Teachers in Cappadocia, Turkey, NCSS President Joe Schmidt delivered a keynote highlighting NCSS's mission and ongoing work. He underscored the powerful partnership between NCSS and the Korean War Legacy Foundation (KWLF), emphasizing how international cooperation enriches social studies education across borders. The event celebrated cross-cultural curriculum development and meaningful global engagement.

08/07/2026

Following the World Congress in Türkiye, the Korean War Legacy Foundation traveled to Washington, D.C. to mark the 250th Anniversary. In collaboration with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of Korea, educators and students from Korea, the United States, and Canada came together for a dynamic two-day conference.

Throughout the event, participants explored KWLF curriculum resources and exchanged innovative strategies to help students connect with the enduring legacy and sacrifices of Korean War veterans. The conference concluded with participation in the 2026 International Conference on Veteran Affairs, an invaluable experience that broadened perspectives and reinforced a shared commitment to honoring veterans' stories and service.

08/04/2026

As the 7th World Congress of Teachers comes to a close, we reflect on an extraordinary several days of learning, collaboration, and friendship in Nevşehir, Türkiye. 🇹🇷

This remarkable gathering was made possible through the generous support of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, whose commitment to preserving the legacy of the Korean War continues to bring educators, scholars, veterans, government leaders, and students together from around the world. Through this shared commitment, participants united with a common purpose: to honor the sacrifices of the Korean War and inspire future generations through education.

From engaging presentations and meaningful discussions to the release of the Turkish curriculum book, In Pursuit of the North Star: Korean War and Türkiye, every moment reinforced the power of history to build understanding across cultures. New friendships were formed, lasting partnerships were strengthened, and countless ideas will now make their way into classrooms around the globe.

To everyone who attended, presented, organized, translated, volunteered, and supported this year’s Congress - THANK YOU! Your passion and dedication made this gathering a tremendous success.

The Congress may have ended, but the work of preserving the stories and lessons of the Korean War continues. We look forward to seeing the impact of this Congress in classrooms and communities for years to come.

Until next time!

08/03/2026

Sometimes, the most powerful moments of a conference happen completely unexpectedly.

One of our translators, Özge Poyraz, arrived at the 7th World Congress of Teachers knowing that her grandfather had served in the Korean War, but like many veterans, he rarely spoke about his experiences.

While preparing for her work with the conference, Özge began exploring the Korean War Legacy Foundation’s online archive of veteran interviews. To her amazement, she discovered an interview with her own grandfather - one she never knew existed.

For the first time, she was able to hear him tell, in his own words, about his experiences during the war. She learned stories he had never shared with his family and witnessed firsthand the courage, sacrifice, and humanity that defined his service. It was an emotional and unforgettable experience.

Moments like this remind us why preserving these oral histories matters. Our archive is more than a historical resource - it is a gift to families, educators, students, and future generations. Every interview ensures that the voices of Korean War veterans will continue to educate, inspire, and connect people around the world long after they are gone.

This is why we do what we do.

Özge Poyraz

08/03/2026

The Korean War Legacy Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to Prof. Dr. Erkan Dinç of Anadolu University and Prof. Dr. İsmail Acun of Eskişehir Osmangazi University for their extraordinary leadership as co-organizers of the 7th World Congress of Teachers and project leaders for the Turkish curriculum book, In Pursuit of the North Star: Korean War and Türkiye.

From months of planning and coordination to welcoming educators from around the world, their commitment, vision, and countless hours of work helped make this conference a tremendous success. Their efforts have strengthened international educational partnerships and created lasting resources that will help teachers preserve and share the legacy of the Korean War for years to come.

Thank you for your leadership, your partnership, and your unwavering commitment to history education.

08/03/2026

The 7th World Congress of Teachers concluded today’s activities with a gala dinner marking the friendship between the Republic of Korea and Türkiye.

The event was attended by Ambassador Sukjong Boo of the Republic of Korea, Governor Hüseyin Kök of Nevşehir Province, and two Turkish Korean War veterans, whose service continues to inspire educators.

A key moment featured Prof. Dr. Jongwoo Han, President of the Korean War Legacy Foundation and Shinhan Chair Professor at Yonsei University, breaking a traditional Korean onggi vessel in a symbolic gesture of unity and new beginnings, as Ambassador Boo observed. The onggi is a traditional Korean earthenware jar representing long-standing cultural heritage and craftsmanship.

The evening closed a day focused on honoring history and strengthening international partnerships that sustain the legacy of the Korean War for future generations.

08/02/2026

The Korean War Legacy Foundation was honored to welcome Governor Hüseyin Kök, Governor of Nevşehir Province, to the opening of the 7th World Congress of Teachers in Nevşehir, Türkiye.

His presence reflects the enduring friendship between Türkiye and the Republic of Korea and the shared commitment to preserving the legacy of the Korean War through education.

We sincerely thank Governor Kök for joining us and for his warm support of this important international gathering.

08/02/2026

The Korean War Legacy Foundation proudly welcomes educators from around the world to the 7th World Congress of Teachers in Nevşehir, Türkiye. 🇹🇷

We are especially grateful to the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, whose generous support has made this international gathering possible and whose continued commitment to preserving the legacy of the Korean War helps bring educators together from across the globe.

As we gather in one of the world’s most historic and breathtaking regions, we also honor the enduring friendship forged between Korea and Türkiye during the Korean War. More than 22,000 Turkish soldiers answered the call to serve, demonstrating extraordinary courage and sacrifice in defense of freedom. Their legacy continues to strengthen the bond between the two nations.

We are also excited to celebrate the release of our newest curriculum resource for educators, In Pursuit of the North Star: Korean War and Türkiye. This new publication provides teachers with engaging lessons, historical context, and primary sources that highlight Türkiye’s vital role in the Korean War while helping students better understand this important chapter in world history.

We look forward to several days of learning, collaboration, and remembrance as educators explore new ways to bring the history and legacy of the Korean War into classrooms around the globe.

07/15/2026

ATTENTION: NOW OPEN TO ALL COLLEGE STUDENTS!

Join us from August 4-8th, 2026, in our nation’s capital!

Are you, or do you know, a college/university student, age 18–24, who is interested in immersive experiences involving the legacy of our veterans?

Don’t miss Your Legacy. Our Future—a USA 250 commemorative event and unique 4-day experience in Washington, DC!
Join us as the United States marks its 250th anniversary, and connect with others as you explore the lasting legacy of the Korean War and the enduring values of service, sacrifice, and freedom that continue to shape our nation. Sign up now to be part of this unforgettable experience!

Through lectures, visits to memorials and museums, engaging discussions, and cultural exchange opportunities with South Korean university students, U.S. teachers, and South Korean teachers, participants will gain a deeper understanding of the war’s impact on both the United States and the Republic of Korea.
The Minister and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs will travel to Washington, D.C., with an official delegation from the Republic of Korea. Their participation underscores the importance of the U.S.–Republic of Korea alliance and the shared commitment of both nations to preserving the memory and legacy of Korean War veterans.

This immersive experience honors the sacrifices of Korean War veterans while building new international friendships and helping a new generation connect with their family history and the ongoing responsibility of preserving the legacy of those who served. This event is co-hosted and sponsored by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

PROGRAM INCLUDES:
* 4 nights of hotel accommodations in Washington, DC
* Meals are provided throughout the program.
* Meetings and cultural exchange with South Korean university students
* Visits to Korean War Memorials, museums, and historic sites
* Opportunities to honor and share your veteran’s story
* Networking with other descendants of Korean War veterans

Your Legacy. Our Future. is a USA 250 commemorative event is a unique 4-day experience in Washington, DC designed for young adults who are currently attending a colege or university. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, participants will explore the lasting legacy of the Korean War and....

06/30/2026

Special Opportunity fo Social Studies Teachers from August 4-7, 2026!

Join teachers from across the United States and the Republic of Korea for an extraordinary international professional development experience in our nation's capital.

The Korean War Legacy Foundation is proud to partner with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of the Republic of Korea to host the 2026 World Congress of Teachers, taking place August 4–7, 2026, in Alexandria, Virginia, just minutes from Washington, D.C.

As an America 250 commemorative event celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States, this unique gathering will bring together American educators, South Korean teachers and scholars, Korean pre-service teachers, descendants of Korean War veterans, and government dignitaries from both nations to honor the service and sacrifice of Korean War veterans while exploring the enduring legacy of the Korean War.

We are especially honored to welcome the Minister and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, who will travel to Washington with an official delegation from the Republic of Korea. Their participation highlights the enduring U.S.–Republic of Korea alliance and our shared commitment to preserving the legacy of Korean War veterans.

World Congress Highlights
Visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Keynote address by the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs
Collaborate with South Korean educators and scholars
Participate in engaging discussions on teaching the Korean War and preserving its legacy
Build lasting international professional relationships
Reflect on the shared values of freedom, democracy, service, and remembrance

Participants are provided with:
Single-occupancy hotel accommodations (August 4–7) at the Embassy Suites Alexandria
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided during the conference (August 5–6)
Breakfast provided on August 7
Travel reimbursement up to $250 for eligible transportation expenses
Opportunity to become part of future educational initiatives with the Korean War Legacy Foundation

Who Should Apply?
Applicants should:
Be current U.S. teachers whose courses include, or could include, instruction on the Korean War or its legacy.
Demonstrate an interest in learning more about the Korean War and incorporating it into classroom instruction.
Be interested in continuing their work with the Korean War Legacy Foundation after the conference.

Conference Schedule:
Tuesday, August 4: Arrival
Wednesday, August 5: World Congress
Thursday, August 6: World Congress
Friday, August 7: Departure

A $50 registration fee is required only upon acceptance. Applications are now open. We encourage interested educators to apply early, as space is limited.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs

Apply Now!

The Korean War Legacy Foundation is honored to partner with the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs of the Republic of Korea to host the 2026 World Congress of Teachers in Washington, D.C. As part of the America 250 celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, this spe...