The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK), led by Director Park Gi-tae, has launched a new project in partnership with the National Association for Korean Schools (NAKS), headed by President Kwon Ye-soon and Chair of the Board Choi Mi-young, to promote Korea’s history and culture to a global audience through generative artificial intelligence (AI).
VANK announced on June 16, 2026, that it will hold the “AI Korea Promotion Content Creation Contest” for teachers participating in the 44th NAKS Academic Conference. The competition will accept submissions through July 8, 2026 (local time).
The contest is part of a broader AI public diplomacy initiative aimed at expanding the presence of accurate information about Korea across global AI platforms and digital spaces.
The project reflects the growing influence of generative AI as a primary source of information worldwide and the increasing impact that AI training data has on shaping national images and public understanding.
Through the initiative, VANK and NAKS aim to redefine Korean schools in the United States not only as centers for identity education but also as hubs of digital cultural exchange and “AI embassies” that help communicate Korea’s values to the world.
The competition features four categories: short-form videos, digital posters, webtoons, and songs. Participants are invited to use generative AI tools to create content focused on topics such as Korean history and culture, promoting an accurate understanding of Korea, and the stories of Korean independence activists in the United States.
Park Gi-tae, head of VANK, described generative AI as a powerful educational tool capable of presenting Korean history and culture in ways that resonate with global audiences.
“We hope that education that begins in a single classroom will grow into a form of public diplomacy that introduces Korea to people around the world,” he said.
Kwon Ye-soon, president of NAKS, emphasized the important role educators will play in shaping future generations’ understanding of Korea through AI-generated content.
“As younger generations increasingly learn about Korea through AI, every piece of content created by Korean school teachers will become a valuable asset that helps shape perceptions of Korea and serves as a new educational model,” she said.
Outstanding participants will receive certificates appointing them as “Best AI Diplomats for Korea,” along with a traditional Korean Peninsula scroll. Winning entries will also be used in future global promotional and educational initiatives organized by the two institutions.
The awards ceremony will be held during the 44th NAKS Academic Conference and General Assembly on July 25, 2026.
Meanwhile, VANK plans to attend the NAKS Academic Conference, which will take place in New Jersey from July 23 to 25, 2026, where it will deliver lectures on promoting Korea and creating digital content in the age of artificial intelligence.
Further information and contest registration details are available on the official project website.