Culinary Arts & Korean Culture
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Explore
Have fun discovering the pop-culture capital of South Korea and its eclectic food scene.
Network
Meet new friends and chefs. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Launch your future today! Cook using traditional and modern Korean culinary techniques. Build confidence as a future chef.
The Destination
Welcome to Seoul, where palace courtyards, night markets, and Instagram-famous food stands all flavor the same day.
For centuries, Seoul has been Korea’s culinary compass—from royal court banquets that balanced five colors and flavors to today’s UNESCO-listed kimchi traditions. After the Korean War, Seoul entered a high-tech boom that transformed the capital into Asia’s pop-culture center. Today, neon K-pop billboards, whirring delivery scooters, and 17,000 espresso bars crowd its streets alongside symbols of tradition like jade-roofed palaces and earthen jars of fermenting gochujang.
The variety of food is endless, especially in markets like Gwangjang and the neon canyon of Myeong-dong, where you can crunch your way through “mayak” gimbap (bite-sized seaweed rice rolls), rainbow bingsu (shaved-ice sundaes), and dalgona candy (honeycomb toffee from Squid Game). Belt out K-pop hits in Hongdae’s neon arcades or join the crowd cheering street-dancer buskers under flashing LED signs. For a total change of pace, slip into a hanbok (traditional dress) and wander the candle-lit courtyards of 15th-century Gyeongbokgung Palace, watching the city’s glass towers rise just beyond the ancient walls.
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
Overnight in Jeonju
Travel to Jeonju, one of Korea’s most celebrated culinary destinations and a city deeply rooted in traditional food culture. Explore Jeonju Hanok Village, where hundreds of traditional hanok houses line narrow streets and offer a glimpse into Korea’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Discover the origins and traditions of Jeonju Bibimbap, one of Korea’s best-known regional dishes. Learn how local ingredients, seasonal vegetables, and careful preparation come together to create the distinctive flavors and presentation of Jeonju’s signature cuisine.
Take part in a hands-on Jeonju Bibimbap cooking workshop, preparing the dish yourself while learning about its history, ingredients, and culinary traditions. Enjoy your freshly prepared bibimbap and discover how food connects Jeonju’s regional identity with everyday Korean culture.
Spend the night in Jeonju and experience the atmosphere of a traditional hanok, surrounded by historic streets, local food culture, and the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
Gyeongbokgung Palace Tour & Hanbok Experience
Step into Korea’s royal history at Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Seoul’s most iconic historical landmarks. Put on a traditional hanbok and explore the palace grounds, where traditional Korean architecture stands alongside Seoul’s modern cityscape.
Watch the colorful Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony, featuring traditional uniforms, music, and ceremonial rituals. Explore the palace’s grand halls, tranquil ponds, and historic spaces while learning about life during the Joseon Dynasty.
Discover how traditional Korean aesthetics and culinary philosophy are reflected in royal cuisine. Learn about the importance of balance, including the use of different colors and flavors, and how these traditions continue to influence Korean food culture today.
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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.
Get Started
1
2
Connect with your Teachers or Parents
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about enrolling.
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