Korean Dream Writing contest: Envisioning a Free & Unified Korea
The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) and Alliance for Korea United USA (AKU USA), with United Press International (UPI) as a media partner, are hosting a Writing Contest to inspire young minds to engage in critical discussions on the future of a free and unified Korea. This contest offers students a platform to explore key challenges and opportunities in Korean unification, denuclearization, economic integration, human rights, and cultural exchange, supporting GPF’s Korean Dream 10 Million Campaign.
Contest Available For:
Undergraduate college students in the USA
Graduate students in the USA
Writing Topics
Participants may submit on one of the following themes:
Korean Unification
Denuclearization Solutions
Strategies for achieving a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula
Economic Integration
Policies for merging North and South Korea’s economies
Transitional Justice
Addressing human rights abuses and accountability post-unification
Human Rights
Pathways for improving North Korean human rights conditions
Sports and Culture as Unification Tools
How cultural exchange and sports diplomacy can foster unity
Technology and Innovation for Unification
Leveraging tech solutions to bridge divides and support a free & unified Korea
What Role Can the U.S. Play in Korean Unification?
Exploring the how and why of American involvement
Content Length: The writing should be between 1000 –1500 words
Contest Timeline
Contest Launch Date
April 15th, 2025 (Tuesday)
Winners Announcement
September 15th (Monday)
(Published on GPF and UPI platforms)
Submission Deadline
August 15th (Friday)
Washington, D.C. Leadership Program
October 20th ~ 24th, 2025
All submissions must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on the deadline date
Awards & Incentives
A total of $2,500 in cash prizes will be awarded to outstanding participants:
First Place
$1,000
Second Place
$600
Third Place
$300
Creative Idea Award
$200
(For an innovative and unique perspective)
Pragmatic Solution Award
$200
(For a most feasible and realistic plan)
Creative Idea Award
$200
(For a powerful and compelling story)
Winning writing pieces will be published on UPI’s platform, providing international exposure for the participants
Post-Contest Leadership Development Opportunity
To further invest in the next generation of Korean unification advocates, GPF and its partners will invite the winners and selected student leaders to participate in a one-week Future Korea Leadership Program in Washington, D.C.
Program Highlights:
Workshops on peacebuilding, policy innovation, and leadership development.
Networking opportunities with global scholars, policymakers, and Korea experts.
Hands-on discussions on crafting a peaceful and prosperous vision for a unified Korea.
This immersive experience will provide students with real-world exposure to international policymaking and help them grow as strategic thinkers and advocates for peaceful Korean reunification.
The Korean Dream Writing Contest is more than just a writing competition—it is an investment in the emerging voices who will shape the future of Korea. By engaging talented students through critical writing, publishing their ideas, and immersing them in leadership training in the heart of U.S. policy making, this initiative expands global awareness, inspires bold thinking, and strengthens the momentum for a free and unified Korea.
We look forward to your support and collaboration in making this contest a powerful catalyst for peace and reunification.