Volunteer Programs in South Korea

Set goals

Setting goals when volunteering may seem like a little much but it can help you stay present and serve the community, and yourself better. A few ideas to start with are:

• As you start volunteering, pay attention to what excites you, whether it's what you expected or something new. Discover your newfound passions and pursue them beyond your time in South Korea.
• Identify the skills you want to refine, learn, or grow while in South Korea, and continue to set new benchmarks for yourself.
• Connect with the country by pursuing a hobby or interest you love, enhancing your experience and deepening your connections.

Understand the benefits

Taking the time to volunteer in South Korea is exciting and is a great opportunity for any participant to gain:

• Work experience. Whatever program you find yourself volunteering in, it’s a great opportunity to get some work experience or refine your work habits. You’ll be a part of a team that relies on you to do your share.
• Great relationships. The people you’ll meet while in South Korea will become incredible relationships. Volunteer experiences are all centered around a common good and goal, so everyone has common ground to start on.
• Personal Growth. Experiencing a project or cause somewhere uncommon to you will inherently make you expand your critical thinking, empathy, and resilience because of the differences. How you grow is all rooted in your willingness to aid in sustainable efforts to better the world.

Things to know

No matter where you are in South Korea, there are a few basics to know about the country and how you’ll live.

• Visa and paperwork requirements - Ensure you understand and comply with the current visa regulations for your specific program, and have all necessary documents, like background checks and certificates, ready.
• Housing and money - Volunteers often stay in hostels, with NGOs, or on farms, so be prepared with a budget. South Korea is generally more affordable than most Western countries, though costs vary by area.
• Cultural sensitivity - Age and rank are important in South Korea, so respect for elders and those in higher positions is expected. Casual speech is reserved for those of the same age or rank, even if you become more familiar with someone.