Korea

Embrace ancient traditions and explore contemporary challenges during a month of peace, arts, and cultural adventure in the Republic of Korea.

Abigail Blake, Experimenter to South Korea

Orientation in Seoul

A hub of economic and cultural life, Seoul becomes your classroom during a whirlwind orientation. Working with Korean experts, visit diverse neighborhoods, practice language skills while shopping in local markets with Korean college students, sample spicy kimchi in street-side restaurants, and attend workshops on Korean culture, art, and history.

Homestay

Spend a week getting to know a new family and community. Whether cooking delicious meals of bulgogi, kayaking with host siblings, or taking taekwondo lessons with martial artists, you develop new friendships and a deep understanding of Korean life and culture.

Sample host communities:
Jeonju, Hwacheon

Buddhism and Temple Stay

Ease into the peaceful daily routines at a typical Korean Buddhist temple. Living side by side with Buddhist monks in simple temple accommodations, you learn about religious traditions, practice the art of meditation, attend cultural workshops, participate in a tea ceremony, hike the rocky hills around the temple, and connect deeply with your fellow travelers.

Peace, Service, and Reunification

Explore issues of peace, reconciliation, and reunification on the Korean peninsula. Gain a deeper understanding of Korea’s past through meetings with historians and films about the Korean War. Embrace Korea’s present through community service with North Korean refugees and a visit to the demilitarized zone along the 38th parallel to see firsthand the challenges of a divided country. Consider the possibilities of Korea’s future through discussions about reunification efforts and meetings with local youth that help build bridges of understanding and acceptance.

Exploring Rural Korea

Spend your final days in Korea taking in the natural beauty of mountainous Gangwon Province in northeastern Korea. Hike through national parks, visit fishing villages, see the sunrise over the East Sea, and reflect on your Korean Experiment.

"My connection to a Korean family began in a tightly packed car as I sang a well-known song playing on the radio. My host mother complimented my singing skills and joined right in, slowly melting away the distance between us."

-- Edgar Sandoval
Waukegan, Illinois

Korea (video)

Abigail Blake was an Outbound Ambassador to South Korea in the summer of 2009. Learn more about our Korea program.