High-Fives and Hanbok: ROK, U.S. children build friendships at PIEFriends Summer Camp

"The bowling was fun, but the best part was making three new American friends while playing."

Yoo, Yechan, student, Minse Elementary School in Pyeontaek, was not alone in building these new bonds. His experience echoed across 50 Korean and 50 American children participating tin the 2026 PIEFriends Summer Camp. Hosted by the Pyeongtaek International Exchange Foundation (PIEF) from Aug. 5 to 7, the three-day event united students across the Korean-English language barrier, turning hesitant greeting into high-fives and laughter.

The following day's cultural activities at the Paengseong International Exchange Center offered a deeper chance to connect. Standing face-to-face, the children followed instructions to tie traditional Hanbok ribbons, using the close moments to learn each other's faces and names. When an American student missed the beat during a K-pop routine, the group abandoned the choreography. Breaking into a freestyle dance and erupting in laughter, they washed away any remaining awkwardness.

"It was rewarding to see the kids play so freely and become genuine friends so effortlessly, despite their different backgrounds," said Kim, Yu-kyung, team manager, PIEF.

Friday's mini-Olympics at a Camp Humphreys gymnasium tested these new friendships through teamwork. Waiting for a plush dice as big as themselves to reach their side of the tarp, teammates exchanged glances before launching it upward in perfect sync.

After an active morning, the group headed to a nearby military dining facility. Many children piled their trays with classic American staples like pizza, snacks and burgers. Sharing these meals on base, after enjoying traditional Korean dishes like Bulgogi and Bibimbap off-installation the previous day, provided a true two-way cultural exchange.

Returning to the gym, the energy remained high. For the military children, these immersive activities offered a unique chance to step outside their usual routines and connect with their host nation.

"My dad wanted me to experience something I wouldn't normally get to do here in Korea," said Anne Bowler, student, Humphreys Middle School. "The shoe toss game was hilarious and had me laughing."

Those shared moments of laughter were exactly what organizers intended. By focusing on interactive games rather than formal instruction, the camp created an environment where children connected across language barriers.

The three-day journey culminated Friday evening, Aug. 7, with a graduation ceremony. Korean and American families laughed together at a highlight video and cheered as one when the children received their medals.

Acknowledging the event organizers, U.S. Army Col. Kristin E. Steinbrecher, commander, U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys, thanked PIEF for providing a valuable opportunity for the children to experience each other's cultures firsthand.

"You are the future leaders of the ROK-U.S. alliance," Steinbrecher said during her closing remarks. "As you continue to learn from one another and grow in mutual understanding and respect, I am confident that the alliance between our two nations will remain strong."

As the event drew to a close, the children lingered in the hall, gathering for final photos, sharing last high-fives, and exchanging contact information.

"We didn't speak the same language, but I realized we could be a perfect team," Bowler said. "I definitely want to come back next year and make even more Korean friends."