Korea is usually told as an East Asian success story: from one of the poorest countries in the world after the war, it rose to become an industrial, technological and cultural centre with global influence. Alongside Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong, Korea is one of the four Asian tigers, with the story of the “Miracle on the Han River”. But behind that miracle lie painful problems: soaring housing prices, a high suicide rate, a low birth rate, an ageing population, social inequality... This raises the questions: how have growth and economic development changed people's lives? Who has benefited, and who has been left behind? What solutions exist for the problems of today? What can Vietnam learn from Korea's development story?

The “Korea Alternatives Fellowship 2026” is a scholarship and financial-support programme attached to Vcil Travel School Korea IV: “From the Miracle on the Han River to Alternative Pathways”. We are looking for people who do not just want to visit Korea, but want to observe, ask questions, listen, look for opportunities to collaborate, widen their network, and turn what they learn into valuable stories, research, educational tools or a practical action in Vietnam.

Fellows will join Vcil Travel School Korea IV, running from 14 to 24/10/2026, on a journey through Seoul, the communities and villages of Ulsan, and Busan, meeting social initiatives and community leaders.

This is an experiential learning programme with a packed schedule, a lot of walking and public transport; accommodation is basic, possibly a dorm or communal living with the community. Participants learn through field visits, workshops and dialogue with experts, researchers, local communities and the people directly building social initiatives in Korea.

The main themes of the journey are:

• Modern history, the East Asian development model and the paradoxes of Korea's growth.
• Peace on the Korean Peninsula and social initiatives for peace.
• Grassroots social initiatives.
• Religious renewal, volunteering, simple living and community organising.
• Rural revitalisation.

Learn more about the journey: https://vcil.community/travel-school/han-quoc-102026

The fellowship is open to anyone aged 18 or over who can take part in the full field journey and complete the post-trip output. We especially encourage:

• Journalists, film-makers, photographers, podcasters, designers, independent writers or people working in in-depth media.
• Students, young researchers, teachers and curriculum designers.
• People working in communities, cooperatives, social enterprises, non-profits or social activism.
• People developing an initiative they can apply, after the Korea trip, to create impact in their community, classroom or organisation.
• People with limited financial resources, from provinces or cities with little access to international programmes, or doing community work on a low income.

You do not need a large following, a university degree, previous travel abroad or professional equipment. What matters is a clear motivation to learn, a good fit, and a realistic commitment to an output after the trip.

You should be able to use English well enough to learn, communicate and exchange ideas; this is not a strict requirement, however, and we will provide interpretation if you need it. Because the journey involves minimal living conditions and physical activity, please also consider carefully whether you are able to take part.

• Take part fully in onboarding and the journey in Korea.
• Create one in-depth main output within 4–6 weeks after the trip.
• Run one sharing or application activity in Vietnam within 8 weeks after the trip.
• Respect the consent, privacy and voice of local partners and communities; verify information and do not exploit images of communities.
• Send any draft that mentions a local partner or person for an accuracy and sensitivity check before publishing.
• Proactively share progress updates when needed.

Applications are assessed on fit with the spirit of deep learning, slow travel and community responsibility; the quality of your learning questions; your capacity or potential to create impact in a community; your ability to apply and create impact in a community, classroom or organisation; a collaborative spirit; and your need for financial support.

The application is expected to include:

• The online application form.
• A portfolio or 1–3 representative works. If you do not have a portfolio yet, you may submit a sample piece.
• A referee (optional at the application stage; may be contacted once you are shortlisted).