– A two-week intensive program (August 3-14) for university students pursuing opportunities on the international stage –

The Korea National Diplomatic Academy (KNDA) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the completion ceremony for the 2026 Public Academy for Diplomacy’s “9th class of Diplomacy Course for Undergraduate Students” on Friday, August 14.

The two-week intensive program, held from Monday, August 3 to Friday, August 14, marked its ninth edition this year. Designed for undergraduate students with a keen interest in diplomacy and international affairs, the course featured expert lectures on international affairs and diplomatic issues, complemented by practical exercises led by serving diplomats and grounded in real-world diplomatic cases. Since its inception in 2021, the program has provided Korean undergraduate students with opportunities to broaden their understanding of diplomacy and international affairs while gaining meaningful insights into prospective career paths.

This year’s course brought together 50 students representing 50 universities in Korea and abroad. Through lectures, discussions and practical exercises, participants explored a broad spectrum of timely diplomatic issues, including ▲the evolving international order in the Trump 2.0 era, ▲future-oriented cooperation between Korea and Central Asia, ▲strategic cooperation between Korea and ASEAN, ▲cognitive warfare in the age of artificial intelligence, ▲international development cooperation, ▲international etiquette and diplomatic protocol, ▲the protection of Korean nationals overseas, ▲a special lecture on diplomatic English, and ▲Korea-U.S. cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence.

Participants also had the opportunity to engage directly with serving diplomats and gain first-hand insights into the diplomat selection process, as well as the realities and challenges of diplomatic work in the field.

Launched in 2021, the Public Academy for Diplomacy is a diplomacy education program for the public. Through a diverse range of differentiated and experience-based programs, the Academy serves as an open platform for communication and engagement with the public. Its tailored programs cater to a broad range of participants, including youth, undergraduate and graduate students, professionals in international affairs, and members of the general public, offering opportunities to develop a deeper understanding of diplomacy through real-world cases and practice-oriented learning.

The Public Academy for Diplomacy’s programs include the Youth Diplomacy Course, Diplomacy Training Course for Undergraduate Students, Future Leaders Course, International Relations Practitioners Course, and Special Lectures for the Public, among others.

The KNDA will continue its efforts to strengthen the public’s diplomatic capacity through a diverse range of programs offered by the Public Academy for Diplomacy, including the Diplomacy Training Course for Undergraduate Students. Further information on the Public Academy for Diplomacy’s programs is available on the Academy’s website (www.knda.go.kr/academy).