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South Korea

South Korea: Seoul Searching

8 days | Ages 14-18 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

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Questions? Call (440) 975-9691 for an admissions counselor

Experience the Seoul Searching program as part of the

Japan & Korea: Tokyo to Seoul

program in 2026.


View Program Details

Step out of your comfort zone and into South Korea.

South Korea isn’t just K-pop or K-BBQ. It’s where you can explore a 600-year-old palace, then walk outside and see glass towers and the offices of global tech companies like Microsoft. It’s a country where tradition and innovation live side by side, and you’ll witness it first-hand.

You’ll only be here for a week, but with Rustic Pathways, it will feel like you lived a whole lifetime during those seven days. Our program leaders will guide you through the subway system, take you to the best hidden local spots, and make sure South Korea is a place you’ll want to return to in the future.

Along the way, you’ll meet other travelers your age. Together you’ll share meals, laugh until late, and step into a completely different culture.

In just one week, you’ll explore Gyeongbokgung Palace, try delicious food at traditional markets, and dance like Jennie (pun intended) at a K-pop studio. You’ll take a class and learn how to cook spicy tteokbokki, then burn those calories off with a hike up Namsan Tower. You’ll also join a community project that connects directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Every day is a new test: breaking language barriers and speaking to locals, tasting foods you’ve never tried, navigating through a new transportation system, or bringing out your inner Michael Jackson at the K-pop studio.

When it’s time to pack, your suitcase will be 10 lbs heavier with souvenirs, and your heart even heavier with the new friendships and memories you built in just seven days.

Back home, you’ll realize that one week in South Korea gave you more than adventure: it helped you search your inner Seoul.

Program Tuition

$2,995

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

No departures scheduled

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 8-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

On your way

It’s showtime: head to the airport and board your flight bound for Incheon Airport (ICN).
2

Welcome to Seoul

안녕하세요! Welcome to South Korea. At the airport, you’ll meet your Program Leaders and soon-to-be best friends. Enjoy the beautiful ride from Incheon to Seoul before we enjoy our first Korean meal together. After dinner, we’ll head to the basehouse, where we’ll settle down and go through an orientation that will set the stage for the exciting program ahead.
3

Discover Historical Seoul

Get your sneakers ready, we’re hiking up Namsan Tower: a landmark broadcasting tower which is about twice the height of the Statue of Liberty. Enjoy the best view of the city from the observatory at the top. Next, we’re traveling back in time and visiting a palace from the Joseon Dynasty: Gyeongbokgung Palace. You'll try on traditional clothing called hanbok and witness the contrast between traditional architecture and modern city life. Continue by exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, where shops and cafes are set in beautiful traditional Korean houses.
4

Taste Korean Culture

Step into a traditional kitchen and learn to cook Tteokbokki, spicy rice cakes, which has deep roots in Korean culinary culture. Afterwards, head to Gwangjang Market, a 120-year-old food market in Seoul that receives approximately 65,000 people daily. Try crispy, sweet-filled pancakes and eat at the restaurants that have been featured on Netflix shows. Here is where you’ll get to use your Korean knowledge and speak to locals as you eat beside them.
5

Connect Through Service

Spend the day giving back. Join a local community effort and contribute to something bigger than yourself. (Note: Service activities will vary depending on the session.)
6

How to K-pop & Youth Culture

Have you ever played Just Dance? Now you’re playing it in real life at a K-pop studio where you’ll learn the moves of BTS and Blackpink from a professional instructor. After a break, we’ll head to the hip neighborhood of Hongdae, where ALL young Koreans hang out. Snack, shop, and sing your heart out at Korean karaoke.
7

Rhythm, Reflection, and Culture

Test your rhythm with Samulnori, traditional Korean percussion that’s all about timing and flow. Then slow down and reflect on your week during Rustic Ties, our closing ceremony, where you’ll celebrate the growth, friendships, and shared journey you’ve had with your group. As you look around at the friends beside you and the path you’ve walked, you’ll realize this was what you were Seoul Searching for all along.
8

How to Annyeong!

Enjoy your last morning with your new friends. Head over to Incheon International Airport with your suitcase full of memories, a wider worldview, and maybe some new dance moves. Say goodbye to your crew and to Seoul. Annyeong!

Total: 8 calendar days / 7 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

South Korea

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

South Korea offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

Included:

  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support

Not included:

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

South Korea Asia 2026
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