Hyangwonjeong Pavilion korea.jpg
Seoul, South Korea

Korean Language & Culture

Summer '25 New Program!

Language & Culture

Dates

-

4 weeks

Costs

$6,950

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Program Overview
Hone your Korean skills in the buzzing metropolis of Seoul. 

Take your Korean to the next level with four weeks of language immersion in Seoul. You'll master Hangul, one of the world's youngest alphabets, and sharpen your conversation skills as you get to know South Korea’s colorful heritage. After language class, connect with locals in traditional markets, Buddhist temples, and themed cafés. Explore iconic neighborhoods like Hongdae, where aspiring performers show off their talents, and Myeongdong, Seoul's vibrant shopping district. 

The quality time you'll have with your host family will open your eyes to a new way of living—prepare traditional meals, savor Korean dishes, and enjoy communal dining. On weekends, you'll embark on exciting excursions to places like scenic Nami Island and historic Jeonju, home to Korea’s largest hanok (traditional wooden homes) village. Your experience in Seoul will not only allow you to improve your Korean but provide you with the unique opportunity to live like a local and make lifelong chingu (friends)!

The Take-Aways

Language Growth and Cultural Competence

Come home with a higher level of Korean and a greater understanding of Korean culture. Use your STAMP 4S language proficiency pre- and post-test scores to demonstrate your language growth and help you earn a Seal of Biliteracy. 

College Credits

Choose to earn 4 college credits toward your future college degree. Take advantage of the credits to stand out on your college applications or to satisfy college language requirements.

Lifelong Skills and Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and adaptability. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S. 

60

Hours Of Instruction With A Native Korean Teacher

4

College Credits

1

Life-changing Experience

The Destination
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace korea.jpg
  • korea streets at night.jpg
  • Lotte World Tower korea.jpg

The Destination

Welcome to Seoul, where history and modernity collide to form South Korea’s capital. 

With a population of more than 9 million, Seoul boasts a dynamic spirit and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Historic landmarks like the Bukchon Hanok Village and Five Grand Palaces, first built by the kings of the Joseon Dynasty in 1395, offer a glimpse into the nation’s long-enduring traditions. Seoul’s modern skyline is a testament to the country’s culture of innovation and its focus on education, which has allowed it to go from one of the world's poorest economies to one of the largest in only 50 years. 

The streets of Seoul captivate you with the rhythm of contemporary Korean life. The urban landscape offers the sight of alluring K-beauty shops, sound of genre-defying K-pop, and smell of drool-worthy street foods. Yet beyond the concrete and neon lights, there's much natural beauty to be discovered along the meandering Han River and surrounding mountains. 

Don’t leave without savoring the sizzle of Korean BBQ favorites like bulgogi (marinated beef), Samgyeopsal (pork belly), and Banchan (side dishes)! 

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. 

Daily Life

Daily Life

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 your homestay
  • Engaging Korean classes with expert language instructors, all native-speakers
  • Lunch with your fellow Global Navigators
  • Out and about for authentic conversations in the community and a cultural activity
  • Dinner and evening discussions at your homestay

Weekends

  • Day excursions to top sites
  • Quality time with friends and your host family

Housing

Carefully-screened homestay

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Kimchi Making, Hanbok, and Markets, Oh My!

By Christina Dwyer at CIEE

What a whirlwind the last few days have been here for our Seoul Global Navigators! Students here have really hit the ground running and immersed themselves right into Korean community... keep reading

From CIEE

CIEE's Got Talent

By Brittany Brown at CIEE

What a group of talented students! Our Kpop Immersion group learned how to dance to "How Sweet" by New Jeans by the well-known dancer Hexxy. They did well trying to... keep reading

From CIEE

Music, Make-up, and more!

By KT (Katharine) Aoki at CIEE

Hello from Week 2 of Session 1 in Seoul! The students started off this week with their K-pop class where they learned even more about the history of music in... keep reading

Activities

Sample Activities

korea market.jpg

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Slip into a Hanbok, the traditional clothing of Korean people, and deepen your cultural appreciation as participate in a tea ceremony at a Hanok Village. 
  • Come up with your own choreography and show off your best moves in a K-pop dance workshop. 
  • Step back in time into Korea's royal past and discover the architecture of Gyeongbokgung Palace. 
  • Roll up your sleeves and whip up a Korean dish during a traditional cooking class! 
  • Use your new language skills in a meaningful context collaborating with a local school or community center in a service project. 

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.

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Participants must be 14 years old and above. 
  • Program open to current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—of all Korean language proficiency levels. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program. 
  • 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 

Optional College Credit Fee 

$150 

Learn more about how to get college credit for your future college degree.

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 II 2025 4 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,950

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 Local Phone and WIFI

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Ready to change your life?

Request Info