News and Updates -- March 2026

H.R. 5221 - Peace Corps Volunteers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025...a call to action

Update from the National Peace Corps Association -

On September 19, 2025, Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN) and Rep. John Rutherford (R-FL) introduced the bipartisan bill H.R. 5521 titled Peace Corps Volunteers Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2025. The bill, based on draft text recommended by NPCA, will honor nearly 240,000 RPCVs and all active Peace Corps Volunteers in service through December 31, 2026 with the prestigious Congressional Gold Medal.

To date, we only have 21 Republican and Democrat cosponsors for the bill, but we need a total of 290 cosponsors in the House of Representatives to pass H.R. 5521. NPCA Advocacy staff are working to obtain support in the Senate for a companion bill and the required 67 cosponsors so the bill can be passed in the Senate. See NPCA’s Action Center website for assistance with Congressional contacts.

What can you do? Contact your Representative in Congress and ask them to become a cosponsor of H.R. 5521. Click on the buttonbelow to download a sample statement that you can use to encourage your Member of Congress to become a cosponsor of the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. You are welcome to edit the text, as needed.

Call for Nominations for the O'Donnell Award



Friends of Korea is accepting nominations for the O'Donnell Award which recognizes individuals distinguished by their accomplishments that are consistent with the mission of Friends of Korea: fostering cultural awareness and friendship between Americans and Koreans. To learn more about the process and past honorees, visit the FoK website. Nominations are due July 31st.

Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art

This remarkable exhibit of national treasures is part of a collection donated to the Korean nation by the family of Lee Kun-Hee, late chairman of the Samsung Group. Spanning ancient times to the present, the 200 works featured in this exhibition embody the depth and diversity of Korea’s artistic legacy.

The exhibit was previously at the National Museum of Asian Art in Washington, DC before moving to the Art Institute of Chicago where it will be on display from March 7th through July 5th. for more information on the exhibit, click here.

If you missed the Korea Society's December talk with the curators of this exhibit, you can stream it here.

This is a quarterly periodical established in 2022 and edited by alumni of the global Fulbright program - the latest issue can be accessed here. The journal is independent, open access and they are looking for articles. To learn more about how to submit an article, click here.

The Peace Corps Park - We are all builders now

Read the February update here

To learn more about the Peace Corps Park in Washington DC and how you can get involved, click on the button below. To date, Peace Corps Korea RPCVs have contributed nearly $40,000 towards the construction of the Park.

Intensive Summer Korean Language Program Available

The Korean Summer Language Institute at the University of Maryland, College Park offers Korean language and culture study for Junior or Senior high school students, undergraduate or graduate students, as well as working professionals. Participants are immersed in a Korean-speaking environment, simulating an immersion experience on campus. In addition to language learning, cultural competence is a significant aspect of the institute, with a great deal of focus on the culture and history of Korea. Classes are offered at Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.

From true beginners to heritage speakers looking to refresh their skills, this is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning about Korean language and culture.

Have you ordered your copy?

Looking for a perfect gift? This might be what you are looking for!

Paths of Grass and Stone - A Journey 

Through the Korean Countryside

Click here to learn more and to order.