K-Pop & Korean Culture
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
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
Launch your future today! Develop skills to critique music. Collaborate on your own visual project.
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. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Train with a Renowned K-Pop Dancer
- Step into the studio and train with a renowned K-Pop dancer, gaining firsthand insight into the techniques, discipline, and mindset behind professional K-Pop performance. Through intensive, hands-on sessions, you will develop your dance skills while learning what it takes to perform confidently on a Korean stage.
- Go beyond learning choreography. Explore how international dancers can bring their own identity, style, and cultural background into K-Pop while working within Korea’s highly competitive performance industry. Through personalized guidance and performance exercises, you will learn how to express your individuality while adapting to the standards and expectations of the Korean entertainment scene.
- Discover what it means to be an international dancer in Korea. Learn how dancers prepare for auditions, rehearsals, and performances, how they collaborate with choreographers and other artists, and how they build their presence in Korea’s entertainment industry.
- Put your skills into practice through collaborative performance activities. Challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone, develop your own performance style, and discover how your unique perspective can become your greatest strength on stage.
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.
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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.
- Please note: South Korea maintains strict regulations regarding medications brought into the country. We encourage student families to consult with their doctor and research whether the student's medications are legal and available in South Korea.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
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 2027 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,900 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2027 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,900 |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Group Flight
(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
Our Staff
Philip Jung
Center Director
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.