Seoul, the capital and the most expensive metropolis of South Korea, pulsates with life, housing over 9.9 million souls. It's a city where the grandeur of ancient royal palaces and sacred shrines seamlessly blend with cutting-edge architecture and towering skyscrapers, creating a mesmerizing skyline. Renowned for its efficient public transportation network, Seoul's comprehensive subway system spans 15 lines, ensuring every corner of the city is accessible, while buses and taxis run all night, facilitating smooth and timely commutes.
- Providing joy and boosting self-esteem for marginalized children.
- Empowering children to grow confidently as global citizens.
- Addressing educational inequality and supporting children to learn English even if they are not economically privileged.
Mandatory Orientation Day
On Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day, to familiarize you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.
Schedule for Introduction Day
- Breakfast
- Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice, handling of documents & Signing up of relevant documents.
- South Korea Do's and Don'ts, Dress Codes and Basic Culture Lessons
- Seoul City Tour
- Dinner
Monday to Friday
Morning: Preparation for children's education
Afternoon: Visiting childcare facilities and taking care of children
You can expect to be teaching children 7-12 years of age and your volunteer hours will be approximately 11:00-17:00 (including a 1 hour lunch break and commute time), Monday to Friday.
Normally, the local coordinators meet the volunteers at around 11:00 at the accommodation. They then spend approximately one hour preparing lessons or materials before leaving for the placement.
To go to the placement takes around 20 minutes, and the actual placement hours are from 13:00 to 17:00, so around 4 hours of program engagement per day plus preparation time.
Activities & Events
Monday Afternoon
Explore the neighborhood and get to know the Jong-ro district with us. You will visit either Gyeongbokgung or Jongmyo Shrine and will experience both the modern and traditional sides of Seoul through a city tour of the old town. This journey ensures a deep dive into Korean history and culture.
Tuesday or Thursday Evening
The visit day, either Tuesday or Thursday evening, will be determined by our local staff's judgment, you will have the opportunity to visit one of Korea's most popular culinary destinations. We'll either explore the bustling Gwangjang traditional market, where you can sample famous snacks like Korean pancakes or raw beef dishes, or stroll through the vibrant streets of Yeonnam-dong, known for its young artists and creative atmosphere. This excursion offers a chance to unite with fellow participants and local coordinators, diving into the heart of Seoul's culinary scene and experiencing the ultimate in local food and culture.
***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***
Start your volunteer journey with Culture Week in Seoul, a vibrant and immersive introduction to South Korea’s rich traditions and modern lifestyle. This week-long experience is designed to help you feel at home while exploring the heart of Korean culture - beyond the surface of K-pop and Korean cinema.
Each day from Monday to Friday, you'll take part in 5 to 6 hours of guided cultural activities, including:
- Exploring centuries-old royal palaces and learning their stories
- Creating traditional Korean handicrafts, like your own personalized seal
- Tasting authentic Korean street food at bustling local markets
- Discovering Seoul’s trendiest neighborhoods and hidden gems
- Learning essential Korean phrases to navigate daily life
- By the end of the week, you’ll feel confident navigating the streets, ordering food, and exploring Seoul just like a local.
Good to know:
Due to the active nature of the program and the warm weather, a decent level of fitness is recommended. All entry fees for scheduled cultural landmarks, excursions, and adventure activities are included in the program.
Please note that if a public holiday falls on a weekend (Saturday or Sunday), a substitute holiday may be designated on the following Monday.
Public Holidays 2026
01, 05 & 15 May
06 June
15 August
21-27 September **
03 & 09 October
25 December
Public holidays 2027
Please note 2027 dates are only a guideline and can change.
TBA
13-19 September **
Please note that these dates may change or be amended due to local situations.
** Chuseok Holiday - Special Program
The following schedule outlines the confirmed Cultural Program for September 21-25, 2026, during the Chuseok holiday period in South Korea. In 2026, Chuseok falls on September 24, with public holidays typically observed from September 24-26. As Chuseok follows the lunar calendar, exact dates change each year. Future program schedules may therefore be adjusted in line with the official national holiday calendar and partner site availability.
2027 info TBA.
Monday - September 21, 2026
Orientation and Introduction to Korean Thanksgiving, Program briefing and cultural overview, Introduction to Chuseok traditions and customs, Visit to N Seoul Tower, Traditional Korean games session
Tuesday - September 22, 2026
Traditional Culture and Hands on Experiences, Songpyeon rice cake shaping workshop, Visit to the National Museum of Korea, Cultural exchange session
Wednesday - September 23, 2026
Modern Korean Leisure Culture, Full day visit to Lotte World Adventure, Exploration of Korean entertainment and youth culture
Thursday - September 24, 2026
Hanbok and Traditional Heritage Day, Hanbok rental experience, Visit to a royal palace or traditional hanok village, Walk through Insadong, Traditional crafts and calligraphy activities
Friday - September 25, 2026
Han River and Nature Experience, Han River cruise, Riverside observatory visit, Nature walk and picnic at a Han River park, Program reflection and wrap up
Please note: The order or specific sites may be adjusted depending on public holiday operating hours, weather conditions, and availability during the Chuseok week.
School Holidays
Each school has a slightly different break schedule, but most take breaks around the same time. Although schools may be closed during these periods, the child care center remains open. The childcare placement schedule may have changes depending on each childcare placement. However, the program is open and running. Our operating hours for children will be adjusted during school breaks:
Regular hours: 12:00 to 19:00/20:00
Break period hours: 09:30 to 19:00/20:00
Please note that many children will be away during the break, so the center may have fewer kids than usual. The schedule and content of educational programs may change during the vacation period.
We’ll confirm the exact school holiday dates as soon as they’re officially announced.
School Holidays 2026
23 July 2026 - 20 August 2026 - Summer Break
Late December 2026 - Early February 2027 (exact dates TBD) - Winter Break
School Holidays 2027
Late July - Mid-August - Summer Break
Late December 2027 - Early February 2028 (exact dates TBD) - Winter Break
Minimum age of 18
Basic level of English
Police Clearance Certificate on sign-up
Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.
Volunteering work and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. At times, alterations in activities are due to changes in local conditions. This can be part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that it is.
Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it’s up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.