The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, in partnership with the City of Philadelphia, is organizing an outbound delegation to South Korea scheduled for the approximate dates of October 30 – November 6, 2026. The delegation will culminate in a capstone performance by the Philadelphia Orchestra in Incheon on November 5, as they launch their Asia tour in our Sister City of Incheon.

This delegation comes at a significant moment for Philadelphia-South Korea relations. South Korean companies have a growing presence in Pennsylvania (there are currently 39 South Korean companies operating in the Commonwealth), and Hanwha Ocean’s recent $100 million acquisition of the Philadelphia Shipyard underscores the increasingly important relationship between our two regions. Philadelphia and Incheon also share a more than 40+ year Sister City relationship, established in 1938.

This delegation is being developed around key areas of shared interest between Philadelphia and South Korea, including: business, trade and investment, workforce development and workforce training initiatives, shipbuilding and related industries, arts and culture, and youth education and exchange. The delegation will be based in the Incheon/Seoul area with an optional visit to Geoje City, the headquarters of Hanwha Ocean’s shipbuilding operations. Delegates will have opportunities to engage with local government officials, civic leaders, business and economic development stakeholders, educational and cultural institutions, and other partners. The itinerary is expected to include business and civic meetings, cultural activities, and opportunities for relationship-building and exchange, with some time built in for down time and independent exploration. Multiple tracks will be developed to accommodate diverse interests.