back street seoul south korea
Seoul, South Korea

K-Pop Immersion

Arts & Culture

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,450

Highlights

Daily activities and excursions

Hotel

Visual project

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,450

Highlights

Daily activities and excursions

Hotel

Visual project

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Overview
Band together with other K-Pop fans to go behind the scenes of this global music phenomenon!

Delve into the diverse sounds of K-pop (Korean pop music) in South Korea’s capital. Through expert-led classes, explore a full range of musical styles and visuals, from electronic and dance-pop to hip hop and R&B. As your final project, work with other Global Navigators to plan and direct your own music video. 

Meet songwriters, choreographers, and music journalists. Get an inside look into music-making and how artists and producers collaborate. Explore modern and historic sites for music videos, dramas, and other Korean art forms. Get dolled up and go to an indie concert for a whole other side of pop music. 

Touring the city’s exciting neighborhoods, soak in Seoul’s creative spirit. Try out traditional instruments and savor Korean street food. In Sinchon and Hongdae, catch artists putting on street performances and share your favorite songs with local teens. In and out of Seoul, K-pop-inspired experiences will let you gain a fresh perspective on the music you love and the rich culture that’s inspired it!

Why Choose This Program?

Explore

Have fun discovering Seoul through K-pop's sounds and history.

Network

Meet new friends and music professionals. Build your own community.

Get Inspired

Develop skills to critique music. Collaborate on your own visual project.

Destination
  • temple and lake in seoul south korea
  • High School Summer Abroad_Seoul_Summer_Seoul
  • Platters of Korean food in Seoul

The Destination

Welcome to Seoul, the birthplace of K-pop.

It’s no surprise that Seoul is the home of genre-bending music. With its blend of traditional and modern styles, the city offers a great variety of artistic inspiration. Located on the Han River (Han-gang in Korean), this innovative city is surrounded by beautiful landscapes and natural wonders. In 2010, the city was named a World Design Capital, and over the last decade, it's become an epicenter for artists of all kinds. 

Seoul, with more than 9 million people, is a large metropolis with lots to see. Historic palaces and peaceful Buddhist temples are juxtaposed with futuristic skyscrapers and neon-lit entertainment—from Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Buckchon Hanok Village to N Seoul Tower and its many museums, theaters, and themed venues, like animal, flower, and VR cafés. Be sure to bring your appetite to this food lover's destination, too. Try traditional kimchi, dumplings, bibimbap (Korean rice), and some of the best barbeque in the world!

Cultural Awareness

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Seoul.

 
Itinerary

Sample Itinerary

Objective

You will settle into Seoul and begin to explore traditional Korean music, like pansori and minyo. You will discover the political, social, and cultural role of nationalism in Korean performance and start collaborating with your group members on your video project.

Highlights*

  • Scavenger hunt around Seoul 
  • Korean folk-art painting lesson: make a traditional fan 
  • Live K-Pop performance experience in Sinchon

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will evaluate the musical traits and development of Korean modern music throughout the 20th century. You will describe the influence of global pop music on Korean pop music.

Highlights*

  • Dance and vocal academy YGX visit with renowned instructors 
  • Lesson with Taiji Boys, pioneers of the current K-pop movement 
  • Korean street food tour in Gwangjang Market 
  • Traditional Korean mask dances

*Based on prior year itinerary and subject to change.

Objective

You will learn about the different marketing strategies K-pop musicians use to become idols. You will analyze how televised auditions and competitions have helped create K-pop's fandom. In the end, you will present your video project.

Highlights*

  • Deoksu Palace stroll
  • Visit to underground mall, Coex
  • Trip to Han River Park, filming space for movies, TV shows, and music videos

Monday–Friday

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.     

  • Breakfast at the hotel 
  • Experiential learning with expert instructors and music professionals 
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators   
  • Out and about for a cultural activity or workshop
  • Dinner at the hotel  

Weekends   

  • Overnight or day excursions to top sites    
  • Quality time with friends

Housing

  • Hotel, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program. 

Activities

Top Rated Activities

Seoul

Field Trip to Seoul Broadcasting High School

  • Imagine swapping dance tips and stories with students who are already on the path to becoming K-pop idols. At Seoul Broadcasting High School, you’ll step into the world of K-pop stars in the making, connecting with local students who are mastering dance, music, and performance. Together, you’ll learn and rehearse a musical dance routine, culminating in an exciting group performance that highlights your shared passion for K-pop and creativity.
  • This is a rare chance to learn about K-pop culture directly from Korean teenagers who are in the very heart of it. During “random dance play,” you’ll join in spontaneous routines to popular K-pop hits, creating moments of connection and cultural exchange. Some of these connections may even spark friendships that last beyond the program.
  • By learning alongside these dedicated students, you’ll deepen your understanding of K-pop and the culture that shapes it. These unique opportunities and experiences will inspire your creative ambitions and help shape your future in the arts, media, or entertainment. 
Seoul

Day trip to Jeonju

  • Stroll through Jeonju Hanok Heritage Village, where slate-tile roofs curl gently toward the sky and the birthplace of bibimbap invites you to explore its vibrant culture. The savory aroma of this iconic dish, created here centuries ago, drifts from bustling food stalls as colorful hanbok-clad performers share Korea’s rich traditions.
  • This day in Jeonju is a hands-on journey into Korean heritage. You’ll try your hand at mask dancing, learn to play traditional instruments, and even wear hanbok, experiencing the artistry and history of the Joseon dynasty, which began in this very city. Sharing these activities with your peers fosters curiosity and connection, creating lasting memories centered around shared interests and unique experiences.
  • By immersing yourself in Jeonju’s cultural treasures, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of Korea’s traditions and their influence on modern creativity, including K-pop. This unique experience broadens your perspective and inspires new ideas, enriching your goals in the arts, global studies, or wherever your passions lead.

Please note activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Testimonials

What Students Are Saying

  • “It was amazing meeting guest speakers in the K-pop industry as well getting to take Korean language classes!”  

    Ashley L., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “I learned so much from studying abroad in South Korea and about K-pop culture. I was able to form new relationships with peers from the U.S. and local Korean students, too.”  

    Anahi T., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “I enjoyed exploring the city of Suncheon with my friends and returning to an amazing bulgogi barbecue restaurant three times!"

    Abney T., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

  • “I enjoyed the unique material that I wouldn't be able to get in a normal high school and the interactive aspects of classes. And I loved our scavenger hunt across Seoul.” 

    Charlie C., CIEE Global Navigator Alum

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Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above.
  • Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. 
  • For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

Application Fee

$25

Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.

More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Costs

Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,450
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,450

Ready to change your life?

What's Included

Interactive Classes

Housing

3 Meals/Day

(Dietary Needs Accommodated)

All Ground Transportation

(Once In-country)

Optional Flight Chaperone

(Flight Cost Not Included)

Pre-departure Advice and Orientation

Access to WIFI

(No international data plan or SIM card included)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Staff

Our Staff

Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.

Request Info