The application period for the 2026 program has closed.
The Program
The state of affairs on the Korean Peninsula is in a downward spiral. North Korea continues to prioritize its military ties with Russia over its economic ties with China, while remaining unmoved by South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's signals for reduced inter-Korean tensions. US President Donald Trump's offers for renewed Track I talks have gone unanswered. Both the US and the DPRK are preventing US humanitarians from delivering aid to the North. Meanwhile, a vigilant Kim Jong Un is closely watching as events unfold in Latin America and the Middle East, and his next steps - as well as the future of US-North Korea relations - have become impossible to predict.
To better understand the future, it is imperative to draw upon the past - especially when studying North Korea. The National Committee on North Korea’s “Knowing North Korea” (KNK) workshop seeks to provide graduate-level scholars and young professionals with a window into North Korea’s past and present to better equip them to face the challenges of the future.
Over the course of two days, the workshop supplies participants with a comprehensive overview of critical topics related to North Korea, as well as an introduction to practical skill sets that can accelerate a career in North Korea-focused analysis and research. Participants will also have the opportunity to network and engage in discussion with expert practitioners, policy professionals and US government officials. While the 2026 agenda has not yet been released, we plan to cover hot-button topics that include North Korea's relationship with Russia, traditional and unconventional paths for US-DPRK diplomacy, prospects for humanitarian engagement, and North Korea's nuclear ambitions.
Selected participants may be eligible to receive domestic roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations for the duration of the two-day program. Participants who are US citizens residing outside of the United States may also be eligible to receive a participant support stipend meant to partially offset the costs of travel. Scholars and young professionals from outside of the Washington D.C. metro area are particularly encouraged to apply.
About NCNK
The National Committee on North Korea (NCNK) is a non-governmental organization of persons with significant and diverse expertise related to North Korea. NCNK and its members support principled engagement with North Korea as a means to promote peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and to improve the lives of the people of North Korea. NCNK also works to provide policymakers, the academic and think-tank community, and the general public with substantive and balanced information about developments in North Korea. NCNK was founded by Mercy Corps, a global aid and development organization, in 2004.
Participant Selection Criteria
NCNK seeks a robust, varied cohort of participants and we encourage all who are interested to apply. However, qualified applicants are expected to have one or more of the following:
- A master's degree either recently completed or in-progress with a focus on Asia, the Korean Peninsula, international relations, security, etc. Exceptional applicants with a completed bachelors degree and substantive, relevant professional experience may be considered.
- Demonstrated interest in the Korean Peninsula, Northeast Asia, or related subject matter.
- An academic or professional background in Korean affairs, as shown by coursework, academic research, publications, internships, language training, etc.
- A planned career trajectory that includes an emphasis on Korean affairs or more broadly on issues such as nuclear nonproliferation, economic development and human rights pertaining to Northeast Asia.
We would particularly welcome applicants who:
- Have a demonstrated record of support for principled engagement as a means of addressing security, humanitarian, and other issues on the Korean Peninsula.
Are based outside of the Washington DC metro area or who otherwise haven’t had the opportunity to gain extensive experience working or studying in and around DC.
Please note that this workshop is designed for emerging scholars and young professionals. Applicants at the PhD level or those who have had a substantive career in North Korea/Northeast Asian studies are welcome to apply but may be a better fit for a more advanced program.
How to Apply
Applications must include all of the following to be considered:
- A completed Application Form
- A resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
- A Letter of Interest that addresses the following (500 words max):
- Why are you interested in participating in this workshop?
- What are your career goals and/or main areas of research or professional interest in North Korea and/or Northeast Asia?
- One letter of recommendation, submitted directly to [email protected] by the recommender.
Applicants should send all completed application materials in PDF format to [email protected] by Friday, March 27, 2026. In your submission email, please use the subject line “2026 KNK Workshop Application – First and Last Name”. Any inquiries regarding the program or the application process should be sent to [email protected].