Finding a summer program that offers more than a simple field trip is not always easy, especially for U.S. military families overseas still getting used to a new city. Pyeongtaek’s Korea-U.S. youth exchange camp is one option worth looking into.

The program hosted by Pyeongtaek Youth Culture Center (PTYCC), brings Korean and American youth together through cultural activities, outings and group experiences. Each session includes 20 Korean and 20 foreign participants. For American teens, it offers a chance to meet Korean peers for cultural exchange and an opportunity to learn more about Korean culture.

The program is open to foreign youth ages 10 to 15 and participants from the U.S. military community in the Pyeongtaek area are especially welcome. Participation is free and includes meals, lodging and activities, though participants may still want to bring some pocket money for snacks or personal spending. As spots are limited, applicants who apply by the deadline will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Selected participants will be contacted by text message. The program is staffed by adult Koreans who speak English and help guide participants.

This summer, PTYCC is offering two different options: an overnight camp and a one-day session. Take a closer look below, and don’t hesitate to contact the center if you are interested.

• Location: 392 Hapjeong-dong, Pyeongtaek-si, https://naver.me/xNLIWhpB

• Phone number: 031-646-5434

• Eligible participants: Children ages 10-15 living in Pyeongtaek from English-speaking backgrounds. Eligible age groups vary by session.

• Website: https://www.ptycc.kr/ptycc/mainPage.do

- Overnight camp

The overnight camp is divided into three sessions: two for elementary students and one for middle school students. Each session is limited to 40 participants total.

Before each camp, all participants must attend a mandatory pre-orientation at Pyeongtaek Youth Culture Center. The session includes a program overview, safety briefing and introductory activities, giving participants a chance to get to know one another before the actual camp begins.

During the camp, participants travel to Seoul on Day 1 to ride the Namsan cable car, visit N Seoul Tower and explore the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan. After returning to Pyeongtaek, they stay overnight at Mubongsan Youth Training Center where the evening includes additional activities such as a K-Pop performance and a hands-on program. On Day 2, participants take part in Korean cultural craft activities before heading home.

How to apply: Online applications close May 14 at 6 p.m. If spots are still available after the first round, additional applications will open on the announcement page of the Pyeongtaek Youth Culture Center website and stay open through May 27. For questions, call 031-646-5434.

Application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScSyHeeaJT65Ssi4FYvRo07uyKQWpdfY2dWSspy_Ep4s5wXmQ/viewform?pli=1

Elementary session 1

• Eligibility: Grades 4–6 (20 foreign participants)

• Pre-orientation: June 7 (Sun.), 2p.m.–6 p.m.

• Camp dates: June 13 (Sat.)–14 (Sun.)

Elementary session 2

• Eligibility: Grades 4–6 (20 foreign participants)

• Pre-orientation: June 20 (Sat.), 2p.m.–6 p.m.

• Camp dates: June 27 (Sat.)–28 (Sun.)

Middle school session

• Eligibility: Grades 7–9 (20 foreign participants)

• Pre-orientation: July 4 (Sat.), 2 p.m.–6 p.m.

• Camp dates: July 11 (Sat.)–12 (Sun.)

- One-day session

Pyeongtaek Youth Culture Center also offers a one-day session for children ages 9 to 12 (grade 4-6). Like the overnight camp, it is open to both Korean and foreign children with 20 participants from each group. The program includes summer-themed crafts, bingsu (Korean shaved ice) making and water activities such as water-balloon games and water-gun play.

How to apply: The application form will open on the announcement page (공지사항) of the Pyeongtaek Youth Culture Center website on July 14 or a few days earlier. For questions, call 031-646-5434.

• Eligibility: Grade 4-6

• Application period: July 14–25

• Camp date: Aug. 7 (Fri), 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

• Location: Pyeongtaek Youth Culture Center

This story was written in coordination with the Pyeongtaek SOFA Support Center, which serves as a bridge between the local community and the U.S. military community in Pyeongtaek. The center is operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Camp Humphreys

Osan Air Base

USAG Yongsan