About IYCEF

Young people who meet the world,
grow together.

The International Youth Culture Exchange Federation (IYCEF) is a non-profit incorporated association in Korea, founded on 13 February 2008 and registered under the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. Through international volunteering, cultural activities, global education and hands-on experience, we help young people — with and without disabilities, from every background — grow into members of the international community.

IYCEF volunteers at the ESG Green Planet campaign with the Korean Red Cross, 2024

Our mission

Beyond borders,
beyond differences

Our purpose is to guide and nurture young people who think and act as members of the international community — beyond race, education, disability and income — through cultural experience and education from around the world.

We help young people exchange cultures with the global community, develop an international mindset and character, and grow into the talent that international cooperation needs.

What we do

Three core programs

01

Hope Tree Academy

A Korea experience journey for Koryo-in (ethnic Korean) and multicultural youth. Participants explore the history and culture of Korea first-hand, so they can stand proudly as members of Korean society and grow into diplomats who bridge two countries.

  • Korea experience trips
  • Cultural exchange with Koryo-in communities, China, Vietnam, Nepal, Mongolia and Japan
  • International student community linked with embassies in Korea
  • Campaigns

02

Together

The IYCEF SDGs Youth Conference: students research global issues, choose a focus among the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, run a year-long project with peers abroad, and present it — including at events held at the National Assembly of Korea.

  • SDGs Youth Conference
  • Together Choir — multicultural youth, people with disabilities, seniors, a youth orchestra and Koryo-in singers, reducing social division through music

03

Education

Global education programs that help Korean students learn, write and study abroad with confidence.

  • U.S. Department of State exchange student program (J-1)
  • ELTIS preparation
  • AI film-making and essay writing
  • Camps and study-abroad guidance

At a glance

Key facts

Name
International Youth Culture Exchange Federation (IYCEF) · (사)국제청소년문화교류연맹
Founded
13 February 2008, Seoul
Status
Non-profit incorporated association; registered non-profit civil organization (No. 23)
Network
Overseas branches in China, Cambodia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Nepal; regional chapters across Korea
International
Listed in the UIA Yearbook of International Organizations (Type G); Korean headquarters partner of WPIAF (USA)
Partners
Korean Red Cross and public institutions in Korea

Contact

Get in touch

AddressRoom 120, Korean Council on Foreign Relations Bldg., 33 Nambusunhwan-ro 294-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06759, Korea
Phone+82 2-516-6225

Fax +82 50-4050-1869

Instagram@iycefunngo

Open in Google Maps한국어 홈페이지

Partner with us

Let young people
meet the world.

We welcome schools, youth organizations, embassies and companies who want to run exchanges, volunteering or SDGs projects with Korean youth.