Internships Abroad in South Korea

South Korea is a bustling country full of tradition, history, shopping, dining, and natural beauty. Here are some suggestions of must-dos that will give you insight on the country’s past, present and future, while you intern abroad in South Korea. This list is made up of some of my own experiences along with a few suggestions from world travelers.

The spectacular Changdeokgung Palace is one of South Korea’s great sights. Photo courtesy theaucitron on Flickr

Markets And More Markets. There are so many shopping markets sprinkled throughout South Korea that you might want to think about packing an extra bag to get all your goodies home. The Dongdaenum Night Market, the Namdaemun Market, and the Seoul Folk Market are just a few of the recommended shopping centers to visit.

The Demilitarized Zone. The DMZ serves as a buffer zone between North and South Korea.  It is about 160 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. The DMZ is the most heavily armed border in the world, and a very popular stop for tourists. It’s highly recommended for history, political science, military, and international relations buffs interning abroad in Korea.

Changdeokgung Palace. The Changdeokgung Palace is one of the Five Grand Palaces located in Seoul. Make a visit to Changdeokgung and see how ancient residential and official buildings used to be built to mesh in with their natural surroundings.

Seoraksan National Park. A popular stop for enthusiasts of nature and wildlife, this was South Korea’s first National Park, covering an area of 63 square miles. While hiking around the park be on the lookout for Asiatic black bears, deer, otters and even gorals, which resemble small goat antelopes.

Korean Folk Village. To get a feel for Joseon-era Korean life, visit the Korean Folk Village, located in Yongin, about 45 minutes south of Seoul. You will be able to experience traditional houses, religious ceremonies, and festivals. It is a really wonderful spot to learn about Korean history, and an absolute must-stop for anyone interning abroad in Korea who is into Asian history, traditions, and culture.

Namsan Mountain. For amazing views of the Seoul cityscape, go to Namsan Mountain. There you will be able to take a cable car up the mountain to where you will find the N Seoul Tower. Climb to the top of the tower to get the best view of the city.

Gyeongju. This is a historical area located in the southeast corner of South Korea. Here you will find ancient artifacts, grassy burial mounds of tombs of the Silla kings, and the Cheomseongdae Observatory.

Jeju Island. For a unique time in the sun and surf, visit Jeju, a big island off of the coast of the Korean Peninsula. Jeju is a volcanic island known for its unique-shaped black rocks and sandy beaches.

Bulguksa Temple. Built during the Silla Dynasty in 528, the Bulguksa is now the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It’s home to several National Treasures of South Korea, including the Dabotap and Seokgatagp stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (the “Blue Cloud Bridge”), and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha.

Dining. World-famous Korean barbecue and kimchi are the main culinary delights South Korea is known for. Kimchi will be at almost every Korean meal. It is a tradition and favorite of many, though the strong flavors of this traditional fermented, seasoned vegetable dish is not for everyone. Korean barbecue consists of thin slices of beef, or pork, marinated with a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, garlic and pepper. It’s prepared at your table and often served with green onion salad and fresh vegetable dishes.