South Korea: Seoul Searching

South Korea: Seoul Searching

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.

Service projects support UN Sustainable Development Goals
Sustainable Development Goals
Program Profile
Program Profile
In Korea, tradition and modern life are always connected. Through this experience, I’ve seen students step into daily life by sharing meals, working alongside communities and gaining a deeper understanding of the culture. It’s not just about visiting new places but about experiencing the small moments that show what Korea is really about.

Quote by: Susie Han South Korea Country Director

Accommodation


The students will stay at a quaint guest house throughout their program:

Guest House in Seoul

The students will stay at the Naru Guest House near the Hapjeong Station in Seoul. It includes a kitchen and cozy living room, a balcony, and large bathrooms.

The students will be split by gender in the dorm rooms and bedrooms. The home has plenty of cozy gathering spaces where the students can engage in program discussions and get to know their newfound friends.

“I was kind of shaking because of excitement, and I was very overwhelmed… The group of students was amazing though, and we were given the most delicious dinner the first night.”

-Moldovan student Anghelina Severin talking about the first night of her Seoul Searching Program

Food


The students will eat a large variety of food while they’re on the program. Breakfast will be offered at the accommodations. Lunch and dinner will be eaten at various restaurants.

Restaurant Expectations

In restaurants, Koreans use a call button to fetch the waitstaff. If there’s no button, it’s common to yell out to the waitstaff. In old-style restaurants, people often sit on the floor shoeless when eating.

Meals may have a few rounds or courses. The last round is often fried/scorched rice or in the summer cold noodles.

While eating, audible sounds are acceptable. For example, slurping noodles is not rude. Koreans also may wear aprons to protect their clothing while dining.

At restaurants, it’s important not to be wasteful. In Korea, you have to pay to throw away trash and food waste. Korea is a world leader in food waste recycling. 95% of Korean food waste is composted.

Popular Food & Drink Choices

Coffee culture is very important in the nation. Plus, flavored milk like banana milk is quite popular.

People like eating extremely spicy food as they believe it relieves stress. Fried chicken is the #1 delivery item in Korea. You’ll see fried chicken shops everywhere you go.

Food Options During the Program

During the program, we’ll mix it up when it comes to food options. For breakfast, choices will include American breakfast items such as cereal, toast, and eggs. Popular Korean breakfast items may include various types of breakfast sandwiches with ingredients ranging from beef and shrimp to sweet potatoes and cheese. These ingredients are often topped with a sauce, such as pickle or aioli sauce.

For lunch and dinner, the students will have the chance to try a variety of traditional Korean meals. These often will include rice and vegetable side dishes called banchan.

Main courses may include the popular Korean stew jjigae, mung bean pancakes called bindae-tteok, or a dish called gimbap, which has ingredients such as vegetables and meat rolled in seaweed.

Midnight snacks called yashik are common in Korea. These often include chicken, tteokbokki (simmered rice cake), ramen, bossam (thinly sliced pork shoulder boiled in spices), and pizza.

In the country, anything can be used as pizza toppings. This may include sweet potatoes, shrimp, sweet marinated beef, corn, peppers, french fries, and hot dogs. Also, Koreans prefer a sweetened pizza dough.

What’s Included in Your Program

Program Leaders & Guides

English Speaking Rustic Pathways international and local leaders

Airport Transportation

Meet and greet with private transportation to and from the airport

Comfortable Accommodations

All nights of accommodation

All Meals Included

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout your stay

Ground Transportation

All transportation between program locations and activities

All Activities

Every activity, entrance fee, and experience in your itinerary

24/7 Support

On-call support throughout the program for peace of mind

Emergency Coverage

Included emergency evacuation assurance plan

All Fees & Tips

Airport taxes, departure fees, donations, and guide tips

What’s Not Included in Your Program

International Flights

Souvenirs

Additional Snacks

Visa Expenses

Passport Fees

Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:

✅ Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!
✅ Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on.
✅ Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.
✅ Pack clothes that are acceptable for cold weather. This includes appropriate footwear.
✅ You must be able to carry your own luggage.

Daypack

A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for daily activities and outings.

  • Passport and Wallet
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Consent to Travel Letter (for students under 18, recommended by the U.S. State Dept. but not required)
  • Warm coat/jacket
  • Extra pair of clothing (long sleeve shirt/sweater, pants, underwear)
  • Sunglasses
  • Book and/or journal
  • Pen
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Electrical adapter/converter (220 volt – European two round pin plug)
  • Water bottle
  • Medication
  • Headphones
Primary Luggage

40-50 liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.

Clothes

  • Socks (7-8)
  • Underwear (7-8)
  • T-shirts (7-8)
  • Sweater (1) for air-conditioned indoors
  • Light pants (1-2)
  • Shorts (1-2)
  • Active wear (e.g. athletic pants and sweatshirt) (1-2)
  • Light rain jacket
  • Pajamas
  • Flip flops or sandals
  • Hat for sun protection
  • Shoes (1-2 pairs, one pair for walking/hiking and one comfortable pair for city exploring)
  • Laundry bag

Toiletries – (Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags)

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Face wash
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Deodorant
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Contacts & solution or spare glasses
  • Foam earplugs/eye mask
  • Personal med kit
  • Wet Wipes
  • Razor/shaving cream
  • Hand sanitizer