• Record-high 858 applications received from 232 cities across 15 countries
• Five-night, six-day program to take place in Gimhae, Namhae and Tongyeong from July 9
• Partnership with the Global Tourism Open University expands youth exchange and generates new ideas for local tourism

The Tourism Promotion Organization for Global Cities (TPO) officially launched the 2026 Korean Culture & Language Immersion Program (K-CLIP) with an opening ceremony in Gimhae on July 9.

K-CLIP is TPO’s flagship global talent development program for young people from Korea and abroad who are interested in the culture and tourism of TPO member cities. Participants take part in Korean language and cultural education, local tourism experiences, team projects and cultural exchange activities, broadening their understanding of Korea and TPO member cities.

This year’s program attracted a record 858 applicants from 232 cities across 15 countries. Following a document screening process, TPO selected the final group of international participants. From July 9 to 14, participants will visit Gimhae, Namhae and Tongyeong, where they will experience the distinctive cultural and tourism resources of each destination.

K-CLIP 2026 is being organized in partnership with the Global Tourism Open University, further strengthening exchanges between Korean and international youth. Twenty Korean university students majoring in tourism will also join the program alongside the international participants. Together, they will take part in collaborative activities and team projects focused on local tourism.

In addition to visiting major tourist attractions and experiencing local cultural content, participants will develop and present ideas for revitalizing tourism in each destination through group projects. The program is expected to provide participants with practical experience in tourism and opportunities to strengthen their international collaboration skills, while enabling TPO member cities to identify new tourism ideas and promotional content from the perspective of young people from around the world.

“K-CLIP is an international exchange platform where young people from around the world can experience Korea’s local culture and tourism firsthand, exchange perspectives and ideas, and grow together,” said Kang Da-eun, Secretary General of TPO. “TPO will continue to expand cooperation with its member cities and tourism education institutions, strengthen its global youth network, and develop diverse programs that promote the tourism appeal of our member cities worldwide.”