The Korea Youth Summit (KYS) 2027 is an international cultural exchange and leadership programme organised by Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB) Foundation in Seoul, South Korea, from 5 to 9 April 2027. It is open to all nationalities, with a Junior category for ages 11-17 and a Senior category for ages 18-40. Fully Funded places are limited and registration for them closes on 20 November 2026; Self Funded delegates can register until 5 March 2027. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the official summit pages, and every detail is set out below.
Not an Erasmus+ or ESC Programme: Read This First
This summit is not part of the Erasmus+ programme or the European Solidarity Corps (ESC). It is a paid-registration event, so it works differently from Erasmus+ and ESC projects, where participants do not pay a participation fee. Every fee is listed in the sections below. For a general picture of how to recognise projects that ask for payment, see our guide on how to spot a real Erasmus+ or ESC project and avoid fake offers.
What Is the Korea Youth Summit 2027?
Korea Youth Summit (KYS) 2027 is an international cultural exchange and leadership programme organised by Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB) Foundation. The summit is dedicated to inspiring emerging leaders to push beyond their limits, collaborate across cultures and develop innovative strategies that drive sustainable change while preserving cultural heritage.
📌 Type: international cultural exchange and leadership summit
🏙️ Location: Seoul, South Korea
🗓️ Dates: 5-9 April 2027 (5 days)
🏢 Organiser: Youth Break the Boundaries (YBB) Foundation
The 2027 Theme: "Connecting Cultures, Inspiring the Future"
Under the 2027 theme, "Connecting Cultures, Inspiring the Future," KYS highlights the vital role of young leaders in safeguarding cultural identity while fostering forward-thinking solutions for global challenges. The summit serves as a dynamic platform where youth from diverse nations, disciplines and backgrounds come together to:
💬 Exchange ideas
🎯 Strengthen leadership capacity
🛠️ Co-create impactful initiatives
The summit's tagline is "Living Culture, Lasting Legacy." KYS 2027 goes beyond conventional networking: it aims to create a transformative experience where young leaders not only celebrate cultural diversity but also translate innovation into sustainable impact. By preserving heritage while embracing progress, KYS continues its mission to nurture globally minded changemakers who are prepared to shape a brighter and more sustainable future.
How the Summit Connects to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
At the heart of KYS is its strong alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which guide global development efforts following the conclusion of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015. The summit particularly emphasises four goals:
📚 SDG 4: Quality Education
💼 SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
🏭 SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
🏘️ SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Through panel discussions, expert-led sessions, cultural immersion activities and collaborative community projects, participants critically explore sustainable development strategies within the interconnected areas of education, economy, industry, innovation, infrastructure and sustainable communities.
Skills You Build as a Delegate
Delegates are encouraged to engage in cross-cultural collaboration, enhancing essential leadership competencies such as:
🧠 Critical thinking
🧩 Problem-solving
🗣️ Intercultural communication
🤝 Teamwork
By fostering meaningful dialogue and global networking opportunities, KYS equips participants with the confidence and practical insights needed to implement transformative initiatives within their communities.
Who Can Apply to Korea Youth Summit 2027?
🧒 Junior category: ages 11-17
🧑 Senior category: ages 18-40
🌐 Nationalities and backgrounds: open to all nationalities and academic backgrounds
⚖️ Conduct: applicants must never have been convicted of any criminal offence
🚫 Affiliation: applicants must not be affiliated with any extremist or violent group
Fees: What You Pay to Take Part
The summit charges a registration fee, and Self Funded delegates also pay a programme fee:
🧾 Registration fee, Self Funded: USD 15
🪪 Registration fee, Fully Funded: USD 10
🏨 Programme fee, Self Funded: USD 890 in total, paid in two instalments: USD 490 by 5 January 2027 and USD 400 by 5 February 2027
🎓 Programme fee, Fully Funded: none; Fully Funded participants do not pay a programme fee
The Fully Funded option covers the registration fee only on the participant side, and flights, visa and personal expenses are not included (official FAQ). The official fee details are published on the summit's fees page, listed in the Links section below.
Fully Funded vs Self Funded: Which Track Fits You?
Fully Funded places are limited and depend on an essay and an interview. Delegates who are not selected for Fully Funded can still take part as Self Funded participants. The two tracks have different registration windows:
⏳ Fully Funded: registration and payment 5 September 2026 to 20 November 2026
🗓️ Self Funded: registration 3 September 2026 to 5 March 2027
Self Funded participants must pay both the registration fee and the programme fee, based on the selected batch schedule. Fully Funded participants pay the registration fee only.
How to Apply
🖥️ Create an account on the official summit website
📝 Complete the application form from your dashboard
💳 Pay the registration fee for the track you choose
📤 Submit the application
Why Apply
For young people who want an international leadership experience built around culture, education and sustainable development, KYS offers five days in Seoul with participants from different countries. Because the cost depends on the track, compare the Fully Funded and Self Funded options carefully before you pay, and remember that the Fully Funded track still leaves travel and visa costs with you. If you are comparing this kind of paid summit with fully funded European options, our guide on the hidden costs of fully funded projects shows what to budget for. Find more events like this in the Others category on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Korea Youth Summit 2027 part of Erasmus+ or the European Solidarity Corps?
No. The summit is organised by YBB Foundation and is not an Erasmus+ or ESC activity. Participants pay a registration fee, and Self Funded participants also pay a programme fee.
When and where does the Korea Youth Summit 2027 take place?
It takes place in Seoul, South Korea, from 5 to 9 April 2027, over five days.
How much does it cost to take part?
The registration fee is USD 15 for Self Funded and USD 10 for Fully Funded delegates. Self Funded delegates also pay a programme fee of USD 890 in total: USD 490 by 5 January 2027 and USD 400 by 5 February 2027. Fully Funded delegates pay no programme fee.
Does Fully Funded cover flights and visas?
No. According to the official FAQ, flights, visa and personal expenses are not included in the Fully Funded option.
How are Fully Funded places chosen?
Fully Funded places are limited and are awarded on the basis of an essay and an interview. If you are not selected, you can still join as a Self Funded participant.
What is the age limit?
There are two categories: Junior, ages 11-17, and Senior, ages 18-40.
Can applicants from any country apply?
Yes. The summit is open to all nationalities and academic backgrounds.
What is the deadline?
Fully Funded registration and payment close on 20 November 2026. Self Funded registration is open until 5 March 2027.
Deadline
⏳ 20 November 2026
Links
🔗 Official website and registration: https://koreayouthsummit.com
