World Journalists Conference 2026 wraps up in South Korea
SIHEUNG CITY, South Korea - After six days, the World Journalists Conference (WJC) 2026 ended on April 3 with participants tackling issues in journalism and experiencing immersion in Korean culture, technology and local governance.
A total of 41 journalists from media outlets in 30 countries, including Manila Bulletin from the Philippines, joined the conference, which started on March 30 and ended on April 3.
The conference on March 30 at the Korea Press Center in Seoul discussed the themes “Democracy and Journalism at a Crossroads: The Role of the Media in Times of Crisis” and “AI in the Newsroom: From Practice to the Next Phases.”
The WJC was organized by the Journalists Association of Korea (JAK) headed by its president, Park Jong-hyun, with the support of Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Korea Press Foundation.
The Conference I speakers were Daniel Bastard from France, Asia-Pacific director, Courrier International; Felix Lill from Germany, correspondent, Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland; Kim Eun-ji from Korea, chief political editor, SisalN; and Pattraporn Paibulsin from Thailand, head of Foreign News, Daily News.
Conference II speakers were Martin Georgiev of Bulgaria, member of the board of directors, Union of Bulgarian Journalists; Kaijun Zheng of China, director, Social Media Desk of International News Department, Xinhua News Agency; Woo Seung Ho of Korea, deputy director, Future & Strategy Department, Seoul Economic Daily; and Renata Ewa Kim of Poland, journalist, Newsweek Polska.
The farewell dinner was held on April 2 at Wave M West hotel adjacent to the Sihwa Lake, dubbed as the “miracle lake” of Siheung City, Gyeonggi Province. It was graced by Siheung City Mayor Lim Byeong-taek and JAK President Park, and emceed by JAK Vice President Hwang Seong-gyu of Gyeongin Ilbo.
Siheung City is emerging as a key hub for Korea's bio industry and a growing destination for leisure and tourism.
In his welcome address, Mayor Lim said, “It is a great pleasure to welcome journalists from 30 countries around the world to Siheung. Siheung is a major city in the Seoul metropolitan area, conveniently located near Korea's major international airports with a population of 600,000.”
Lim added, “It is also a maritime city that embraces both inner bay tidal flats and the west sea. Geobukseom Island, meaning Turtle Island in Korean, located in Lake Siwha, is emerging as a hub for marine leisure and tourism.”
He said Siheung is now specializing in “bio technology and it is now evolving into a central hub for Korea's bio industry. I hope that Siheung’s dynamic growth and bold vision leave a lasting impression on all of you, and that you will share the story of our city to audiences around the world.”
Park, the 50th president of JAK, thanked the journalists from different countries.
“During my opening ceremony remarks last Monday [March 30], I said it to you as a colleague. But today, I call you my friend. Over the few days through the conference, debate and some common activities, we showed our feelings and how we may be improved.”
“Thank you very much. My feelings and as we close the journalists conference 2026, I hope sincerely… thank you very much. Because of you, we can have the same experience and also what what do we have and our perspective and our opinion for journalism. But more importantly what should I say [about] our friendship. First it makes us more human,” he said.
Park hoped that the participants had a great time not only in participating in the conference but going to the different areas in South Korea.
“Journalism still matters more than ever. So we should still think about journalism. We do not just report to cover our world. We help people in understanding. Sometimes we change it. Like one and a half years ago, we, the Korean journalists, changed the system from a coup to a democratic [system]. I hoped you could understand our intention and we can meet again maybe next year, maybe in a few months. So thank you very much. Thank you again and safe travel and I want you to have a great time. I really hope to meet you again soon,” said Park.
During the conference, this writer was given a plaque of appreciation by the JAK.
“In recognition of your distinguished contribution to the success of the World Journalists Conference 2025, hosted by the Journalists Association of Korea in April 2025. Your exceptional efforts in expanding the global reach of the Conference and elevating Korea's standing through the Philippine media upon your return are deeply appreciated. The Journalists Association of Korea is honored to present this plaque as we invite you once again to the World Journalists Conference 2026,” the plaque, signed by Park, read.
From Seoul and beyond
The participants traveled to different places in Korea to experience Korean history, culture and government.
They visited a branch of Kyobo Book Centre, the largest bookstore in Korea, in the Gwanghwamun area in Seoul. It was a filming location for the hit 2007 Korean drama “Coffee Prince.”
On March 31, the participants traveled to the Korean DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) areas in Paju, Gyeonggi Province where they visited the Odusan Unification Tower, Camp Greaves and the Joint Security Area (JSA) Museum.
From Paju, the delegates went to Incheon and visited the National Museum of World Writing Systems, rode the water taxi and went to the 33-floor G-Tower skyscraper to learn about how AI is being used in traffic management.
On April 1, they went to the Yongin Daejanggeum Park, the largest open set in South Korea owned by TV broadcast network MBC, and Suwon where they visited the Samsung Innovation Museum and Starfield Suwon, a filming location for the K-drama “Lovely Runner.”
The following day, they went to the Gyeonggido Assembly complex in Suwon to experience how the local government worked.
The delegates traveled to Siheung and visited the Siheung Gaetgol Ecological Park and Marina Landscape Bridge.
Memories
As the journalists wrapped up the conference, they thanked JAK and staff for their experience in Korea.
“Thank you so much for having us, to Iris and JAK members, and also for awesome journalists from all over the world! I won’t forget this memorable journey and hope to see you again,” said Himawari Tsukioka from Japan.
Buddhika Lakshan of Sri Lanka said, “It was a great pleasure meeting and connecting with everyone at the World Journalists Conference 2026. I truly enjoyed our conversations and the time we spent together in Korea. Let's keep in touch and hope to see you all again soon! Also, a big thank you to the JAK team for the wonderful hospitality and for organizing such a successful conference. It was an honor to be a part of it.”
“I came to Seoul with an empty bag but I leave with a bag full of knowledge, new ideas from the conference and good memories. I walked in this country alone but now alongside me are my friends from around the globe. Thank you, Iris and JAK team, for having me and organizing such a wonderful trip. Thank you all my friends for being amazing companions on our journey in this colourful country - Korea,” said Supawit Jianrungsaeng of Thailand.
Han Yong May of Singapore said, “Gam-sa-ham-ni-da! Thanks everyone for this unforgettable journey.”
