seoul myeongdong at night
Seoul, South Korea

Business + Culture

AACSB Accredited

Study Program

Tentative Dates

-

16 weeks

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

16 weeks

Credit

12 - 18 semester hours

18 - 27 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Business + Culture program in Seoul gives you the opportunity to explore professional opportunities with a broad selection of business courses in a city known for its entrepreneurial spirit and technological innovation. You’ll enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Dive into co-curricular and extracurricular activities that highlight Seoul’s culture and innovation, from exploring traditional palaces and bustling markets to attending business workshops, networking events, and tech-focused innovation hubs that shape the city’s global economy. Seoul blends professional development with cultural immersion, giving you a study abroad semester full of insight and inspiration. 

Unique Experiences

Explore Seoul’s startup ecosystem at local incubators and innovation hubs

to see how South Korea’s tech-driven economy supports new ventures and entrepreneurial growth

Visit neighborhoods like Hongdae, Insadong, and Myeongdong with local students

to experience how traditional culture and modern urban life come together in Seoul

Examine South Korea’s shift from manufacturing to high-tech industries

to learn how AI, digital technology, and entrepreneurship drive the country’s global competitiveness

Experience
  • Seoul

Your Destination

Seoul is South Korea’s capital, known for its fast-growing business environment and rich cultural traditions. As a center for technology, finance, and entrepreneurship in Asia, Seoul offers exceptional opportunities for students studying business and culture. The city’s mix of modern skyscrapers and historic palaces, dynamic neighborhoods, world-class museums, and thriving professional and creative industries makes Seoul an inspiring and innovative place to study abroad. 

taekwondo class study abroad seoul

Program Highlights

  • Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major. 
  • Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations. 
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes. 
  • Community Impact Initiative: Get involved with local organizations through service opportunities that address real community needs while building cross-cultural connections and hands-on experience. 
seoul students posing next to the sign for the 38th parallel in the south korean dmz

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Seoul will open doors for you to explore South Korea’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.    

Samples of excursions and activities: 

  • Visit one of Korea’s leading startup hubs, supported by Hyundai Motor Company, to see how entrepreneurs develop ideas, attract investment, and scale their businesses 
  • Embark on a guided tour of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), one of the most historically and politically significant sites in the world 
  • Explore Seoul’s largest government-supported startup hubs, operated by the Seoul Business Agency, to gain insight into how public and private sectors collaborate to foster innovation 

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.      

Program Blogs

Saruga

🛒 Grocery Shopping in Seoul! 🤩🛍️

By Oyu S.

Not being able to find budget-friendly, small-portion white rice and bedsheets or linens was such a cultural shock for me. When I first came to Seoul, it was quite challenging... keep reading

Ramen Noodles at Menchuru restaurant

Traveling Solo in Korea!

By Emily C.

Traveling to a new country without being familiar with the language or culture can be nerve-racking, and traveling alone can add another layer of fear. In this blog, I will... keep reading

Photo of a street in Sinchon-dong lined with cherry blossoms

How To Be Alone: A Solo-Adventuring Guide

By Sogna L.

At home, I am the type of person that deeply values the time I am able to spend with myself. A typical “I”, I appreciate and value my ability to... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

CIEE Seoul: Study in the heart of downtown Seoul in Jonggak, just steps from Jonggak Station (Line 1, Exit 10). The CIEE Center features cozy lounges, quiet study spaces, and fast Wi-Fi, with cafés, restaurants, shops, and cultural landmarks just around the corner. With easy access to public transportation and nonstop city energy, Jonggak is the perfect home base while abroad.

Hanyang University: Founded originally as an engineering college, Hanyang has developed into a powerhouse of innovation, with a huge variety of facilities for students to create media, work with transformative technologies, and connect with students and faculty across a broad range of disciplines. Located in the very heart of Seoul, near the Han River and a quick bus or subway trip to most parts of the city, Hanyang offers students an exceptional academic experience.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar. 

Courses

Course Information

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Internships

Discover Internship Opportunities

Browse the range of internship opportunities available and find the experience that aligns with your academic and career goals with CIEE Study Abroad. 

Explore Industry Options

The work scene in Seoul is fast paced, with high-tech offices, collaborative spaces, and a strong focus on teamwork and innovation. It thrives amidst the city's vibrant street culture and bustling urban life, offering a dynamic environment for professionals across various sectors.   

Business Management and Administration Internships

Business Management and Administration

Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

student interns standing in Spanish Parliament

Government and Public Administration

Gain insight into global policy-making, diplomatic relations, and governance practices in agencies, nonprofits, and firms.

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Spring 2027 16 weeks Start Date * End Date *
Program Fall 2027 16 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Philip Jung

Center Director

Raised in Toronto, Canada, one of the world's most culturally diverse cities, Philip developed a deep passion for cross-cultural connections and education. He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics with...

Teddy Choi

Director of Operations

Teddy’s passion and love of international education was driven by his life-changing study abroad experience in the US. He tries to go the extra mile for every single student to...

Beatrice Jaeeun Cho

Academic Manager

Beatrice Jaeeun Cho holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Andrews University. After moving back to Korea, Beatrice joined CIEE Seoul as a Senior Academics Coordinator in April...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

3

Contact CIEE

We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

4

Interested in an optional internship?

After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!

Request Info