Study Abroad in South Korea
Learn Korean abroad and bring your studies to a land of harmony and excitement.
There’s no denying that South Korea has become a global powerhouse that holds the world’s attention, making it an excellent study abroad destination in Asia. With a booming K-Pop music scene, modern high-rise buildings, ancient palaces and shrines, designer creations, authentic cuisine, and more, South Korea uniquely blends the old with the new!
At the heart of Korean culture, education, politics, and economics is Seoul. Whether you’re looking to apply for a summer, semester, or year-long study abroad program, CIEE’s programs in South Korea offer something that every student can enjoy. When you study abroad in South Korea, you can complete courses from business, communication, and media to Korean language, culture, philosophy, and more. You may choose to study in Korean or complete courses in English -- or both!
When you study in Korea, you may enhance your academic experience by completing a full- or part-time internship. This unique opportunity allows students to gain real-world international work experience, expand their professional networks, and develop valuable skills that complement their studies. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, manufacturing, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
In South Korea, CIEE gives students access to homestays, internships, volunteering opportunities, an international buddy program, and direct enrollment options with added cultural clubs, activities, and excursions that provide a uniquely immersive international experience. Come write your story of South Korea with CIEE and learn Korean abroad.
New Programs Coming Soon!
- Engineering, Technology, and Science – Coming Fall 2025
- Intern + Study Abroad – Coming Summer 2025
Study Abroad Programs in South Korea
- Seoul, South Korea
- Study Program
- Full-Time Internship
Diversifying your resume with international experience in a city that never sleeps.
- Big City
- Study Program
Spend your winter break in the South Korea’s captivating capital, Seoul! During this exciting three-week program, you’ll discover the city’s special blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations.
- Big City
- Study Program
Spend your summer in Seoul, a city that seamlessly blends antiquity and modernity.
- Big City
- Seoul, South Korea
- Study Program
Explore culture, business practices, and Korean language
- Big City
- Host Institution
- Seoul, South Korea
- Study Program
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
Get to know Seoul on your terms by customizing your study abroad experience through the Open Campus Block program.
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Study Program
Seoul is full of intrigue and inspiration for students
- AACSB-Accredited
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Host Institution
- Volunteering
- Study Program
Welcome to Seoul, where the pulse of modern life harmonizes with ancient culture and traditions. Regardless of your area of study, Hanyang University offers something for everyone.
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Host Institution
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend a semester studying abroad in Seoul, a vibrant, modern metropolis that seamlessly blends cutting-edge technology with rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks.
- ASU Courses
- Big City
- Host Institution
Study Abroad in South Korea Blog
Pop-Up Culture in Seoul
Being from the US, I’ve never really experienced anything like the pop-up culture that is active in Seoul. With pop-ups designed by makeup companies to luxury brands, these stores are... keep reading
Spontaneity in Seoul: From Rock Themed Bungeoppang Cafes to Ear Piercings in Hongdae
Having a list of destinations to visit in Seoul is always great to keep in the back of your mind, but I will say that some of the best experiences... keep reading
A Hanbok Cultural Experience
While exploring the beautiful palaces of Korea, I was fortunate to rent a hanbok, a traditional Korean dress known for its vibrant colors, flowing lines, and elegant design. Wearing a... keep reading
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re wondering how to study abroad in Korea, students can complete a few simple steps:
- Search our study abroad programs in South Korea
- Connect with your campus study abroad office
- Start your application
For more information, check out: Study Abroad in South Korea: The Ultimate Guide
South Korea offers students a unique opportunity to experience a highly developed Asian nation that values its history and traditions. When students study in Korea, they’ll learn about a new culture and improve their Korean language skills, all while completing relevant coursework in their areas of interest.
South Korea has much to explore, from its glowing cities and exciting nightlife to areas outside of its cities with large mountain ranges, temples, shrines, hot springs, and more.
Read more: Why Study Abroad in Seoul: Top 3 Reasons
South Korea is a great study abroad destination for students looking to experience the city, but also explore more remote, historic areas. Where else can you travel to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, belt K-Pop songs in karaoke rooms, wear a traditional hanbok, eat fresh kimchi and bibimbap, and visit temples with thousands of years of history?
By studying in South Korea, students will have access to an international buddy program, university clubs, and cultural excursions that create an immersive international experience like none other.
If you're wondering whether to study abroad in South Korea or Japan, you may want to consider the similarities and differences between both countries. For one, South Korea and Japan speak different languages, so if you should ask yourself whether you'd like to study Korean or Japanese.
Next, you may want to consider CIEE's program offerings in both locations. CIEE South Korea programs are located in Seoul and include Open Campus, Internships, J-term, Korean Studies, and more. CIEE Japan programs are located in either Kyoto or Tokyo and include J-term, Summer Global Internship, Japanese Studies, Arts + Sciences, and more. We encourage you to explore each individual program to determine what courses, locations, and extracurriculars interest you most.
Read more: Where Should I Study Abroad: 7 Tips to Help You Decide
The cost of studying abroad in South Korea varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual South Korea study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in South Korea 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!
Yes! You can absolutely study abroad in South Korea without knowing Korean. In fact, we encourage students with little to no knowledge of a language to challenge themselves by going abroad to the respective country.
If you're looking to brush up before your travels to South Korea, check out our blog post: Top 20 Korean Slang Words and Phrases You Must Know