Welcome to South Korea!
South Korea (or the Republic of Korea) is one of the most highly developed and stable democracies in East Asia. The history of civilization on the Korean peninsula dates back almost 4,000 years, and the country itself has existed since 1948. Seoul is both the largest city and capital of South Korea. Seoul is truly a representative global city in the ways that it integrates traditional culture in contemporary life, making it an ideal place for students who are interested in interning abroad in South Korea to learn a little Korean language and traditional culture. Seoul is one of the world's top ten financial centers, and is home to some of the largest technology corporations such as Samsung and LG. The city hosted the 1988 Olympics, the 2002 World Cup, and was designated the 2010 World Design Capital.
Why Intern in South Korea?
Seoul has a fast-paced work culture that will provide insight into the complex system of Korean business culture. South Korea's economic transformation over the past few decades has been termed the "Miracle on the Han River" and remains one of the world's fastest growing economies. Additionally, Seoul is considered to have the best technological infrastructure in the world with near city-wide wireless internet and DMB (mobile TV technology). Internship placements in Seoul are limited to the following fields: Communications, Computer Science, Graphic Design, Marketing, Media, Hospitality and Tourism, Information Technology, and Public Relations.
Career Fields Available in South Korea
Check out our internship opportunities in South Korea below!
- Business and Marketing
- Communication, Media, and PR
- Engineering
- Environmental and Sustainability Studies
- Fashion
- Hospitality, Events, and Tourism
- IT and Computer Science
- Performing and Visual Arts
- Political Science
- Psychology and Social Work
- Research
My internship was a unique experience that has helped prepare me for my future. I made many wonderful memories and will never forget this time in my life!
Emily C.
Arizona State University
Orientation, Excursions, & Activities
Your program will start with a multi-day orientation in Seoul where you will enjoy a city tour and other excursions as well as receive pertinent information about how to be most successful in your internship abroad. Throughout your program, you will have the chance to go on weekend trips, day trips, and optional trips. ISA excursions allow you to explore the timeless, quaint, and historical landscape of the country (and potentially surrounding countries) that you may not have the chance to visit on your own. The locations below are a sample of included and optional excursions that have run in the past. Please know that these are subject to change.
Busan
Busan is the second largest city in South Korea and it is the fifth largest shipping port-city in the world. Busan is located on the southern tip of the Korean peninsula and is well known for its natural beauty - beaches and mountains. Sometimes Busan is even called "the summer capital of South Korea." Beyond going to the beach, Busan offers a wealth of historical and cultural landmarks, such as Oryukdo Skywalk, the largest seafood market in Korea, Jagalchi Sijang and the impressive ocean-side Buddhist temple, Haedongyonggungsa.
Cultural Activities in Seoul
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Seoul. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Seoul special. These activities vary each term, and previous offerings have included tours of Gyeongbok Palace, The War Memorial Museum, shopping in the historical markets of Gwangjang, Dongmyo, Insadong & Hanbok and Korean movie nights.
Housing Details
ISA Housing provides the opportunity for interns to experience aspects of the local lifestyle that are inaccessible to the average visitor. The experience of living in another culture will be both educational and rewarding so long as you stay open-minded. There are many differences in culture and lifestyle between life in Korea and the U.S. Remember: the key to a positive experience is flexibility!
Apartments
- Apartments are available for all program durations and terms.
- Typical apartments are studios with double occupancy bedrooms and an en suite bathroom.
- Apartments are centrally-located with easy access to subway stations.
- Meals and laundry service are not included.
Student Residence
- Student residences are available for summer programs.
- Typical residences are studios with double occupancy bedrooms and an en suite bathroom.
- Student residences provide community areas for small gatherings.
- Student residences are typically located outside the city center.
- Meals and laundry service are not included.
- Availability is limited and priority is given based on internship location.
| Program | Duration | Dates (mm/dd/yy) | Application Due Date | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | 8-week | 9/4/2024 - 11/2/2024 | 5/1/2024 | $6,950 |
| September 2024 | 12-week | 9/4/2024 - 11/30/2024 | 5/1/2024 | $8,650 |
| February 2025 | 8-week | 2/5/2025 - 4/6/2025 | 10/1/2024 | $6,995 |
| February 2025 | 12-week | 2/5/2025 - 5/3/2025 | 10/1/2024 | $8,750 |
| May 2025 | 8-week | 5/28/2025 - 7/26/2025 | 2/1/2025 | $7,650 |
| June 2025 | 8-week | 6/18/2025 - 8/16/2025 | 2/15/2024 | $7,650 |
| September 2025 | 8-week | 9/3/2025 - 11/1/2025 | 5/1/2025 | $6,995 |
| September 2025 | 12-week | 9/3/2025 - 11/29/2025 | 5/1/2025 | $8,750 |
Travel Visa Information
Participants must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months AFTER their expected departure date from South Korea.
U.S. Citizens
Participants will enter the country on a tourist visa which they will obtain upon arrival to the airport in Seoul. The tourist visa is a stamp that is placed in passports by immigration which is valid for up to 90 days.
Non-U.S. Citizens
Please note that non-U.S. citizens should contact their Consulate to verify specific entry requirements. As these requirements vary based on citizenship, non-U.S. citizens may not be permitted to travel to China without a visa or outside of their visa dates. Also, visa fees for non-U.S. citizens may differ so please be sure to check specific Consulate's website for the most up to date information.
Note: Embassy and Consulate contact information is subject to change withoutnotice. Please refer to the website of the Embassy or Consulate to verify information.
