back street seoul south korea
Seoul, South Korea

K-Pop Immersion

Arts & Culture

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,250

Extended Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,250

Extended Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Program Overview

Go behind the scenes to discover the origins of a 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!

The Take-Aways

Real-World Experience

Tune into K-pop’s sounds, history, and impact on Korean culture. Gain skills using visual art as a form of expression and come home ready to develop your own creative projects.

Credentials for Your Future

Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, and a Visual Project to document your artistic literacy and to showcase your accomplishments.

Lifelong Skills and Friendships

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

45

Hours of Expert Instruction

3

Weeks of Pursuing Your Passion

1

Life-Changing Experience

The 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.

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 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   

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

Housing

Hotel, shared rooms with other Global Navigators

24/7 Support

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

Weekly Learning Goals

Settle into Seoul. Explore traditional Korean music, like pansori and minyo. Discover the political, social, and cultural role of nationalism in Korean performance. Start collaborating with your group members on your video project.

Evaluate the musical traits and development of Korean modern music throughout the 20th century. Describe the influence of global pop music on Korean pop music. 

Learn about the different marketing strategies K-pop musicians use to become idols. Analyze how televised auditions and competitions have helped create K-pop's fandom. Present your video project.

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Kimchi Making!

By Kym Mendez at CIEE

Last week Seoul Navigators got to give back to the new community that they have been a part of. They had the opportunity to do community service while participating in... keep reading

From CIEE

Week 1 in Seoul!

By Sartu Taha at CIEE

As hard as it is to believe, our global navigators have already been in Seoul, South Korea for 1 week! The students have been busy with k-pop classes, Korean language... keep reading

From CIEE

K-pop Session 2 has Arrived!

By Sartu Taha at CIEE

It's hard to believe, but the students from the 2nd session of the k-pop program have already arrived and hit the ground running! It is day 3 of the program... keep reading

Activities

Sample Activities

High school students posing in museum in Seoul

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Catch a live K-Pop performance in Sinchon, a youthful and lively neighborhood full of singers and street dancers. 
  • Reach for the mic at a noraebang, a Korean-style karaoke room, and sing your favorite K-pop songs. 
  • Explore trendy and unique cafés, like animal-themed cafés, with your new friends and indulge in a diverse range of Korean street food, gaining insights into Korean dining culture.
  • Dress in Hanbok, traditional Korean attire, and explore the grounds of the 14th century Gyeongbokgung Palace. 
  • Take the KTX, Korea’s Bullet train, to Jeonju, a small city known as Korea’s cultural center since ancient times. 

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.

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

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

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.

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 2024 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,250
Program Summer Session II 2024 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,250

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

Our Staff

Our Staff

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