
K-Pop & 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

Cultural Exchange at Pyongnae High School
- Step into student life at Pyongnae High School, where you will join the International Culture Exchange Club, the school's largest cultural community dedicated to global friendship and communication. Together with local students, you will explore the modern and traditional sides of Korean culture in a hands-on way.
- One moment you might be learning K-Pop dance moves or even filming short reels, and next you will be playing tradition Korea games, sketching the Taegeukgi (national flag), practicing Hangul calligraphy, or crafting your very own keyring. Each activity is a chance to connect with Korean students while sharing laughter, creativity, and stories about your own backgrounds.
- You are not only going to learn from this visit, but also build friendships across cultures. By the end of the day, you will carry with you not only crafts and memories but also a better understanding of South Korea's vibrant culture and the global connections that bring people together.

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.
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 2026 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,650 | |
Program Summer Session II 2026 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,650 |
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
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...
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.