Volunteer in South Korea with Structure, Support, and Real Impact.

Over one week you will explore different sides of Seoul, from grand palaces and museums to trendy shopping streets and green city parks. You will get a soft landing in Korea, discover everyday local life, and learn how to order your favorite dishes with confidence. By the end of the week, getting around Seoul by metro, grabbing street food, or planning your own adventures will feel natural.

You will visit highlights such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, busy markets like Myeongdong and Namdaemun, and cultural neighborhoods including Insadong and Seoul Forest. A beginner friendly Korean class will help you master essentials like greetings and ordering food. You will also get to try hands on activities such as traditional stamp carving and enjoy amazing city views from Lotte Tower.

Most days include around 5 to 6 hours of guided cultural activities with the local team. The rest of the time is free for you to relax, explore cafés, go shopping, or head out on your own metro adventures. The team is always nearby to help with tips, planning, and recommendations so you can make the most of your time.

Daily activities usually take place in central Seoul and are easy to reach by subway or bus. You will travel together with the local team during scheduled activities, which also helps you learn the routes and get used to public transport. Depending on the day, journeys can take from 10 to 60 minutes each way.

Schedule

Monday Explore the neighborhood around the accommodation. Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and then head to Myeongdong for a street tour and shopping.

Tuesday Join a Korean language class and learn everyday expressions. Visit sites linked to King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun sin, try traditional stamp carving, and stroll through Insadong.

Wednesday Spend time at the National Museum of Korea. Later, explore Itaewon or Haebangchon and visit a local market such as Shinhung Market.

Thursday Head up Lotte Tower for panoramic views over the city. Walk through Seoul Forest and explore Seongsu dong, one of Seoul’s trendiest areas.

Friday Discover Namdaemun Market and the Hoehyeon area. Wrap up with a briefing on the next week’s activities and your upcoming placement.

* The schedule can be changed as per local conditions and unforeseen circumstances

The soup kitchen is run by the Dail Community and serves hundreds of people every day. Located just a few metro stops from your accommodation, it is a busy, friendly environment where staff, volunteers, and local residents work side by side. You will quickly feel part of the team as you get used to the daily rhythm of the kitchen.

Your days will focus on preparing, cooking, and serving meals, as well as cleaning and keeping the space tidy. You will learn how large scale meals are made, discover typical Korean dishes, and see how small tasks like washing vegetables or organizing trays make a big difference. It is a hands on, physical program that rewards you with instant results and smiles.

You may help wash, chop, and organize ingredients before cooking begins, assist with cooking under the guidance of local staff, and serve meals to guests at the center. Sometimes you will help deliver food to people who cannot come to the kitchen. After service, you will support with washing dishes, cleaning the dining area, and resetting the space for the next day.

Transportation during the program is not included, and you will usually travel by bus from the accommodation to the soup kitchen. A typical round trip costs less than three euros a day and the local team will accompany you so you can learn the route and feel confident using Seoul’s public transport.

Schedule

Monday Arrival orientation with an introduction meeting, house rules, and setting expectations. Receive health and safety advice, sign the necessary documents, and learn about South Korea do’s and don’ts, dress codes, and basic culture. Enjoy a Seoul city tour to get familiar with your new surroundings.

Tuesday to Friday Assist at the soup kitchen with food preparation, cooking, serving, and cleaning. After your work, visit Kyungdong Market for a walking tour of Korea’s oldest traditional medicine market. On one evening between Tuesday and Thursday, depending on the local staff, visit Gwangjang Market, one of Korea’s top traditional food markets, and relax in a nearby jjimjilbang, a popular Korean entertaining sauna experience.

* The schedule can be changed as per local conditions and unforeseen circumstances

The daycare center is about 20 minutes from your accommodation and welcomes children aged 6 to 12. Many come from diverse family backgrounds and may have had little contact with foreigners before. Your presence alone can boost their confidence and help them feel seen and supported.

You will assist with basic English lessons, educational games, and seasonal activities that make learning fun. Through crafts, music, and play, you will encourage the children to express themselves and build skills for the future. At the same time, you will pick up Korean words and everyday phrases from the kids, creating a natural two way exchange.

Part of your role is also to support daily routines such as mealtimes, hygiene, and general supervision. You will help create a warm and positive atmosphere where the children feel safe, encouraged, and excited to learn. Every small interaction, from reading a story to joining a game, contributes to their personal growth.

Transportation costs are not included, and you will usually take the bus between the accommodation and the childcare center. A typical round trip is under three euros per day. The local team will guide you at first so that you become comfortable traveling independently on Seoul’s public transport.

Schedule

Monday Orientation with an introduction meeting, house rules, and setting expectations. Receive health and safety advice, sign the necessary documents, and learn about South Korea do’s and don’ts, dress codes, and basic culture. Finish the day with a city tour to discover key areas of Seoul.

Tuesday to Friday Spend the morning preparing activities and materials for the children’s education. In the afternoon, visit the childcare facilities to help with lessons, games, and daily care. On one evening between Tuesday and Thursday, depending on the local staff, visit Gwangjang Market, one of Korea’s top traditional food markets, and enjoy a jjimjilbang near the accommodation for a classic Korean entertaining sauna experience.

* The schedule can be changed as per local conditions and unforeseen circumstances

You will wake before dawn each day for bowing practice and seated meditation, followed by a simple monastic breakfast called baru gongyang. Monks and coordinators will guide you through the meaning behind these rituals so you can practice with mindfulness and respect. Over time, the routine becomes a powerful way to slow down and reconnect with yourself.

Daily temple chores such as sweeping and cleaning are treated as moving meditation. By focusing on each small action, you learn to bring awareness into everyday tasks. These shared activities also help you bond with other participants and feel part of the temple community.

Afternoons are dedicated to cultural and spiritual experiences. Depending on the day, you may take part in tea ceremony training, visit major temples around Seoul, or join wellness sessions like tai chi, sound meditation, or breathing exercises. Silent walks and personal reflection time give you space to process your experience.

Transportation during this program is not included, and you will make your way to and from the temple as guided by the local team. They will explain the routes, suggested travel times, and any practical details you need so that you can focus fully on the experience itself.

Schedule

Monday to Friday Begin each morning with an early wake up before dawn, followed by 33 prostrations and a seated meditation session. Share a traditional monastic breakfast and then help with temple chores such as sweeping, cleaning, and organizing the temple grounds. In the afternoons, join activities such as tea ceremony training and serving guests, visits to major temples in Seoul, and optional sessions like tai chi or sound meditation. Enjoy silent walks, moments of personal reflection, and time to quietly absorb the atmosphere of temple life.

* The schedule can be changed as per local conditions and unforeseen circumstances

The Han River is central to life in Seoul, but rapid industrial growth once caused serious pollution and damage to the local ecosystem. Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park, created in 1997, is Korea’s first ecological park and aims to protect natural habitats with as little human interference as possible. Your work adds to ongoing efforts that have already encouraged wildlife, including otters, to return.

During your time at the park, you will take part in hands on tasks that support wetland restoration and habitat protection. Activities may include planting trees, maintaining green areas, and removing invasive species that threaten local plants. You might also help build simple fences, pathways, or bird nests that make the environment safer for animals.

Through this work you will get a close look at ecological park management and learn how conservation projects are run in an urban setting. You will spend time with eco park managers and coordinators, gaining insight into the challenges of balancing city life with environmental protection.

Transportation costs are not included and you will usually take a bus between the accommodation and the park. A typical round trip costs less than three euros per day. The local team will accompany you at first, showing you the route and helping you feel confident traveling on your own later in the week.

Schedule

Monday Take part in an introduction meeting covering house rules, expectations, and health and safety advice. Complete necessary documents and learn about South Korea do’s and don’ts, dress codes, and basic culture lessons. Join a Seoul city tour to get to know the city.

Tuesday to Friday Travel to the ecological park and join the local coordinators in your placement work. Help with tasks such as planting, removing harmful plants, supporting nursery work, and assisting with small conservation projects around the park.

* The schedule can be changed as per local conditions and unforeseen circumstances

The shelter is home to around 100 rescued dogs and is located just a few subway stops from your accommodation. It is run by a small permanent team supported by animal protection organizations and volunteers. The atmosphere is warm and determined, with everyone focused on giving the animals a second chance.

Your daily work will help keep the shelter running smoothly. You may feed the dogs, refill water bowls, and clean kennels and common areas to maintain a healthy environment. Over time you will learn how to approach each dog gently and build trust, especially with those who have had difficult pasts.

There may also be opportunities to support activities that prepare dogs for adoption, such as socialization and basic care routines. By following safety instructions and working closely with staff, you will play a meaningful part in the animals’ recovery and their journey toward new homes.

Transportation during the program is not included. You will typically travel by bus between the accommodation and the shelter, with a round trip costing under three euros per day. The local team will accompany you at first and show you how to navigate the route confidently.