PTPI Korea at 60: a first for the network
A national office celebrates six decades, and the President who made history.
The 2026 edition of Hanuri Peoples, PTPI Korea’s own magazine, has a special cover. Volume 67 features Kim Gil-yeon (김길연), President of PTPI Korea, in the year the organisation marks its 60th anniversary.
She was chosen for a simple reason. She is the first woman to lead PTPI Korea in its 60-year history. She served as President from 2014 to 2017 and returned to the role in 2024 at the members’ request. She is PTPI Korea’s 28th President.
Why Korea matters to the PTPI story
PTPI’s journey outside the United States began in Korea. The Chuncheon Club became PTPI’s first chapter abroad in the mid-1960s, and the PTPI Korea National Headquarters followed in 1972.
That makes PTPI Korea one of the most active parts of our global network.
When PTPI Korea marked its 50th anniversary in 2015, it published a 50-year history of PTPI in Korea. Mary Jean Eisenhower, granddaughter of PTPI founder President Dwight D. Eisenhower, attended the celebration.
What is inside this issue
Volume 67 is a full record of PTPI Korea’s year. It includes:
- a message from the President
- the 60th anniversary 53rd Annual Convention and International Friendship Night
- the General Assembly
- a study tour and cultural visits for international students from countries that took part in the Korean War, supported by the Korean Ministry of the Interior and Safety
- news from PTPI Korea Headquarters, from chapters in Korea and from chapters around the world
- 2026 in pictures
Understanding in action
The student programme is a good example of PTPI at its best. International students studying in Korea, from the countries that came to Korea’s side between 1950 and 1953, visit historic sites together and learn about each other’s cultures.
Shared history becomes a shared experience.
PTPI Korea also invests in its own members and in the places it meets. In September 2026 it held a joint training programme for new and existing members in Pocheon. Alongside it, PTPI Korea gave 5 million won (about €3,200 or US$3,700) to Pocheon City through Korea’s Hometown Love donation scheme, which lets people and organisations support a local community of their choice.
What your chapter can take from this
Tell your own story
Hanuri Peoples has reached Volume 67. A regular record of what a chapter does, in its own language, builds memory and pride.
Celebrate firsts
Every chapter has people who opened new doors. Tell us about yours.
Help us rebuild the archive
We are gathering past PTPI news, magazines and event reports from across the network. If your chapter has publications, please send copies to office@ptpi.network.
Send your congratulations
Congratulate PTPI Korea on 60 years
Chapters and members are warmly invited to send congratulations to PTPI Korea on its 60th anniversary and to President Kim Gil-yeon. Contact PTPI Korea at ptpikorea@naver.com, and copy office@ptpi.network so we can share your messages with the network.
Send congratulationsSpotted something we should correct? This story is based on PTPI Korea’s published information. We warmly welcome corrections from PTPI Korea and from anyone who knows more. Please write to office@ptpi.network and we will update it quickly.