Study Abroad in Seoul
College Study Abroad
Explore Seoul with CIEE
Feel the electric energy of a city that never sleeps when you study abroad in Seoul, South Korea, where ancient palaces stand alongside futuristic skyscrapers. Whether you're wandering the lively streets of Insadong, sampling street food at Gwangjang Market, or exploring the stunning Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palaces, every day brings new discoveries. Catch a K-pop concert, join a local festival, or unwind at a traditional tea house tucked away in a quiet alley. With so much to explore and learn, Seoul study abroad offers an immersive experience that will challenge, inspire, and transform you.
While abroad, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Seoul, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, arts, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Top Activities in Seoul with CIEE
Every CIEE study abroad program has frequent cultural excursions and a study tours uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In Seoul, past study tours and excursions have included:
- Discovering the meaning of lions in Buddhism at Hwaeomsa Temple, where you'll see ancient carvings and learn about sacred teachings
- Visits to the notorious Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), visiting key sites like the Third Infiltration Tunnel and the Joint Security Area
- Lessons to learn taekwondo or K-Pop dance or a Korean cooking class and street food tour
About CIEE Seoul
Located in the vibrant heart of downtown Seoul, the CIEE Center in Jonggak offers a cozy and convenient space for students. Just steps from Jonggak Station (Line 1, Exit 10), CIEE Seoul features comfortable lounges, quiet study areas, and fast, reliable Wi-Fi. CIEE's central location in Seoul's Jongno district places students in one of the city’s most dynamic areas, with easy access to Seoul’s extensive public transportation network. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the city's quaint cafés, delicious restaurants, diverse shops, and iconic cultural landmarks, like Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Whether studying at the CIEE Center, meeting up with classmates, or exploring the city’s historic sites and modern attractions, students will find Jonggak an ideal home base for an immersive and unforgettable study abroad experience.
Where You'll Study in Seoul
CIEE Seoul
CIEE Seoul is located on the campus of Yonsei University, less than 20 minutes from downtown Seoul.
Yonsei University
Yonsei University is the most prestigious private institution of higher education in Korea with 18 graduate schools, 21 colleges, and a student population of more than 30,000, including more than 14,000 students from 35 countries. With Yonsei University summer programs, Korean language programs, and more, Yonsei University provides students with opportunities to expand their knowledge and language skills.
See for yourself, check out a Yonsei University Campus Tour!
CIEE Seoul Mates
Connect with local Korean students through our Seoul Mates program. Get to know the city, language, culture, and customs with the help of students trained by CIEE. CIEE Seoul Mates help study abroad students in Seoul with orientation, organize social events, host workshops, and more.
Internships & Volunteering in Seoul
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship in Seoul or volunteer. In Seoul, students can connect with members of local communities by teaching English to refugees or seniors, helping at schools for students with disabilities, or caring for orphaned infants.
Study Abroad Programs in Seoul
- Seoul, South Korea
- Study Program
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Seoul, South Korea
- Study Program
- Study Program
- Seoul, South Korea
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Seoul, South Korea
- Full-Time Internship
- Seoul, South Korea
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Seoul, South Korea
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Seoul, South Korea
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
- Seoul, South Korea
- Study Program
- Seoul, South Korea
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
- Seoul, South Korea
- Study Program
- Seoul, South Korea
- Study Program
Currency
Won
Spoken Languages IN Seoul
Korean
Available Transportation
Subway, taxi, bus
Famous Local
Jung HoYeon, famous fashion model and actress from Netflix's "Squid Game"
Climate
Cold, relatively dry winters and hot, humid summers with an average temperature of 55°F
Places to Explore
N Seoul Tower – a 500 meter high communications and observation tower perched on the side of Mount Namsan.
Airport
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Social Norms
Support your right forearm with your left hand to show respect when shaking hands
What to Pack
Portable charger, Korean dictionary, stylish clothes, a small day bag
Frequently Asked Questions
With 14 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (e.g. Jeju Volcanic Island, Hwaseong Fortress, Changdeokgung Palace) and 3 million international residents, Seoul, South Korea, is a vibrant city with a unique blend of culture, history, and people.
Seoul is a great study abroad destination for students interested in history, culture, Korean language, arts, sciences, and more!
If you’re looking to study in Seoul, CIEE offers two programs: Arts + Sciences and Summer Korean Studies. Both programs allow students to choose from a variety of courses, learn Korean, and connect with local Korean students through our Seoul Mates program.
While a student’s packing list for Seoul is heavily influenced by the season and weather they will experience, we generally recommend that students on spring and summer programs pack light weight clothing like shorts, t-shirts, and dresses. For fall and winter programs, students will experience cooler weather, so we recommend that students pack heavier clothes, including winter jackets, sweaters, scarves, and gloves.
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Your Study Abroad Packing List (10 Essential Items!)
Through CIEE’s program offerings, students can select courses taught in English or Korean at our partner school, Yonsei University, as well as CIEE Seoul. Whether it’s a Yonsei University summer or semester program, students are able to complete their studies at a top-ranked Korean university.
The simple answer is no, you don't have to speak Korean to go to college or study abroad in Korea! While having an existing knowledge or interest in learning Korean language may make it easier for you to navigate South Korea, it isn't a requirement for our students to know any bit of Korean before studying abroad on one of our study abroad programs in South Korea.
In order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in Seoul.
For more detailed information on diversity in Seoul, visit our Diversity in Seoul page.
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Seoul with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, healthcare, public policy, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in Seoul. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Seoul to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study abroad scholarships fall under 3 categories: Need-Based Scholarships, Merit Scholarships, and Other Scholarships.
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
Talk to a Student Who's Lived it...
Reach out to one of our Student Ambassadors to learn what CIEE Study Abroad is really like from alums who've lived it! Address any questions you may have about Seoul, from your academic interests and travel planning to housing and cultural differences.
@seoulciee on Instagram
Seoul Study Abroad Blog
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