Internships in South Korea

Define the objectives that matter to you and decide what you aim to achieve—skills development, cultural immersion, or beyond.
Find a piece or pieces of South Korean culture you connect with to deepen your experience outside of the internship.
Become a more reliable peer and worker. Take the time to network and make connections.

Understand the benefits

Warmth of the locals. Notoriously known as one of the most friendly and welcoming Asian countries, you’ll have no trouble acclimating.
Super fast internet speeds everywhere. Wherever you head in the cities you can most likely connect! Whether you need directions or turn in that last-minute project, it’s all possible.
Low crime rates. You don’t have to worry too much about watching your step in South Korea! Keeping your wits about you is always a good idea, especially in cities and tourist-y places.

Things to know

Before heading to South Korea there are a few major things to know.

Learning the basics - Many South Korean websites are not indexed by search engines, and when they are, they're often in Korean. Learning basic Korean can be valuable, especially if you’re hoping to secure a job beyond your internship.
Cultural sensitivity - Always take your shoes off when entering residences, temples, or guest houses. Greet others with a short bow, and when shaking hands, do so softly using both hands to show respect.
Cost of living - The cost of living in South Korea is relatively affordable, with budget-friendly prices for transportation and food, making it easier to manage day-to-day expenses.
Housing - Common options include host families, living alone, apartments, and villas. If accommodations aren’t provided, expect to spend around $715 per month in city centers (higher in the capital) and about $450 in less populated areas.
Logistics - Be prepared to manage your own transportation, housing, and other essentials if they’re not covered. Ensure all key paperwork like visas, passports, health insurance, and transit visas for layovers is in order.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

There are abundant internship opportunities in South Korea, so all you'll need to do is know what kind of internship you want. After, you can apply to viable opportunities on platforms like GoAbroad.com.

How to Get an Internship in South Korea

Although unpaid, experiential-based internships will be easier to find than paid opportunities, it's possible to secure a paid internship in South Korea. Being fluent in Korean is the best way to find paid opportunities.

Depending on how long you intend to intern in South Korea, you can intern on either a tourist visa (14-90 days), working holiday visa (up to 1 year), or D-2 visa (which also allows study). If you secured a paid internship, you will need a work visa.

International Visas: What You Need to Know

As one of the most popular destinations for international internships, you can find almost any kind of internship program in South Korea. Consider programs in accounting, graphic design, technology, tourism, and more!

Latest Program Reviews

#Blessed

December 04, 2025by: Maria Mercedes Espinal - United StatesProgram: Internship in Korea - Asia Internship Program

10

I am legitimately so happy with my internship, like the place, the people, the work itself... Everything is legit so much better than I expected, which is saying a lot cus I had like, pretty high expectations to begin with, ahaha~ My bosses are super nice and understanding, they're so kind and relatable and helpful, always open to help and hear any questions or even suggestions of mine (I've had to say my two cents' worth at times cus I've got some levels of experience at least, ahaha~), and I legitimately love the work environment they've created, it fees very safe and open to share one's thoughts! My co-workers are also so lovely and it feels like I've known them for a good while rather than just a few weeks! Housing is great too, legit was my "dream goshiwon" from a few years back, I can't believe I'm living there! The landlords are very kind too, always sharing info with us when relevant, letting us know of things with time, and they even offered to help me to install a filter for the shower! So not only are there legit zero issues, but they are super kind to top it all off! Also I still can't believe I get to live in Seongsu! I didn't know it was so popular before moving in, but apparently it's like, THE place to be in, in Seoul??! Like, ALL the pop-up stores are in Seongsu! And I get to see them being built up in the mornings and taken down at nights, HOW COOL IS THAT?!!!! ALSO. One of the most popular dance studios in Korea, 1 Million Dance Studio, is like, less than a 10 min walk away from my house, so obviously I joined in, wooooooo!!!! In terms of the actual work of the internship, the workload is good! Sure, there needs to be an adjustment period for me still (need to improve my "business Korean"!!!), but it's the perfect amount, also it's so fun! I didn't think that I would enjoy doing this sort of work as much as I do! Like sure, I thought it would be interesting at first, but it's turned out to be actually so frikkin cool and enjoyable working with all the different aspects in the giant field of marketing! Like, there's something new every day and there's VERY little room to get bored, which my ADHD brain loves soooooo much, ahahaha~ It's so weird, but I actually look forward to going to work every day, it's become a very wonderful daily routine! Commute is also great, the bus stations are like, RIGHT THERE so it makes it suuuuper convenient to get places! Rush hour is still going to be rush hour anywhere, so sure, there's that, but it's nothing unexpected, all good! But even once when I got distracted by something and missed my stop on the way to work like a dummy, it was actually so easy to find the way bacc cus I got lucky and turns out the next station really ain't that far off! xD Of course, there's also the option to take the subway (which, also super close!), and I sometimes do that, depending on where I need to head to next, and everything is just sooooooo convenient that it's legitimately unbelievable! O: I'm always doing something after work too, whether it be exploring alone or with friends, shopping around, dance class, church... Legit, my ONLY complaint is that there are simply not enough hours in the day. Like... I need at LEAST six more hours, please! xDDDDD Forreal tho? It feels like I'm living inside a dream and MANY times throughout the day, I feel the need to just stop what I'm doing and just be present in the moment, taking it all in.. It's absolutely mad to me that I'm able to live this sort of life right now (I get to live in SEONGSU? I get to cross the frikkin HAN RIVER EVERY DAY? To work in FRIKKIN COEX?!!!?!), and I simply cannot believe how incredibly blessed I am to have this opportunity..! Like, it feels so unreal you know? Or like, it feels like something that can happen to someone, but not to me in specific, ya feel? Like.. "Why me?" Or "HOW me? When there's sooooooo many other people out there who good things should happen to, how was I the Lucky One?" Cus I've never been "the Lucky One," so it's a strange feeling! Welcome for sure! But still strange, unfamiliar! It might sound a bit cheesey, but I am so, so incredibly grateful for this opportunity..!!! The AIP staff are so kind too, and supportive and encouraging, it feels like we're legit besties and I love that, they're such beautiful souls..!!! Legit feels like I'm getting to re-live life again through the opportunity AIP has given me and I am so thankful, I don't even have the words to express..!!! AAAAAAAAAAA

If you asked me 5 Years Ago, I would probably say NO!

December 03, 2025by: Chelsea Smith - AustraliaProgram: Internship in Korea - Asia Internship Program

10

Five years ago, if you had asked me if I would be interning in South Korea doing marketing, drinking iced long blacks while reaching out to content creators, and having the opportunity to be expressive in my creativity, I would have laughed so hard that I would have probably spilt my coffee all over myself. At that time, my "creative projects" mostly involved making TikToks in my bedroom... I'm very grateful to the Asia Institute Program for giving me this amazing chance to get real-world experience in my field. The application process was surprisingly straightforward, and the team always had my best interests in mind, which made everything go easily and without stress. They also helped me with the transition process, and the on-ground team has been so kind and supportive in helping us adjust to a completely new environment. Through this internship, I have learnt a lot, from designing campaign ideas to back system tasks, which has allowed me to see my ideas come to life, all while learning so much along the way. Even though I at times may fail utterly, the freedom to be creative, try new things, and grow overseas has been an experience that I did not originally have planned. Some days I feel like a marketing superstar and on other days, like an intern juggling too many tabs and having too many coffees on the go. In other words, every moment has been a chance to learn something new. Thank you so much to the AIP, for supporting us, helping us improve our skills, and giving us the opportunity of a lifetime. I would recommend this company to anyone who is wanting the opportunity to travel and gain work experience within their field, it has been an amazing experience throughout my degree.

#Blessed

December 04, 2025by: Maria Mercedes Espinal - United StatesProgram: Internship in Korea - Asia Internship Program

10

I am legitimately so happy with my internship, like the place, the people, the work itself... Everything is legit so much better than I expected, which is saying a lot cus I had like, pretty high expectations to begin with, ahaha~ My bosses are super nice and understanding, they're so kind and relatable and helpful, always open to help and hear any questions or even suggestions of mine (I've had to say my two cents' worth at times cus I've got some levels of experience at least, ahaha~), and I legitimately love the work environment they've created, it fees very safe and open to share one's thoughts! My co-workers are also so lovely and it feels like I've known them for a good while rather than just a few weeks! Housing is great too, legit was my "dream goshiwon" from a few years back, I can't believe I'm living there! The landlords are very kind too, always sharing info with us when relevant, letting us know of things with time, and they even offered to help me to install a filter for the shower! So not only are there legit zero issues, but they are super kind to top it all off! Also I still can't believe I get to live in Seongsu! I didn't know it was so popular before moving in, but apparently it's like, THE place to be in, in Seoul??! Like, ALL the pop-up stores are in Seongsu! And I get to see them being built up in the mornings and taken down at nights, HOW COOL IS THAT?!!!! ALSO. One of the most popular dance studios in Korea, 1 Million Dance Studio, is like, less than a 10 min walk away from my house, so obviously I joined in, wooooooo!!!! In terms of the actual work of the internship, the workload is good! Sure, there needs to be an adjustment period for me still (need to improve my "business Korean"!!!), but it's the perfect amount, also it's so fun! I didn't think that I would enjoy doing this sort of work as much as I do! Like sure, I thought it would be interesting at first, but it's turned out to be actually so frikkin cool and enjoyable working with all the different aspects in the giant field of marketing! Like, there's something new every day and there's VERY little room to get bored, which my ADHD brain loves soooooo much, ahahaha~ It's so weird, but I actually look forward to going to work every day, it's become a very wonderful daily routine! Commute is also great, the bus stations are like, RIGHT THERE so it makes it suuuuper convenient to get places! Rush hour is still going to be rush hour anywhere, so sure, there's that, but it's nothing unexpected, all good! But even once when I got distracted by something and missed my stop on the way to work like a dummy, it was actually so easy to find the way bacc cus I got lucky and turns out the next station really ain't that far off! xD Of course, there's also the option to take the subway (which, also super close!), and I sometimes do that, depending on where I need to head to next, and everything is just sooooooo convenient that it's legitimately unbelievable! O: I'm always doing something after work too, whether it be exploring alone or with friends, shopping around, dance class, church... Legit, my ONLY complaint is that there are simply not enough hours in the day. Like... I need at LEAST six more hours, please! xDDDDD Forreal tho? It feels like I'm living inside a dream and MANY times throughout the day, I feel the need to just stop what I'm doing and just be present in the moment, taking it all in.. It's absolutely mad to me that I'm able to live this sort of life right now (I get to live in SEONGSU? I get to cross the frikkin HAN RIVER EVERY DAY? To work in FRIKKIN COEX?!!!?!), and I simply cannot believe how incredibly blessed I am to have this opportunity..! Like, it feels so unreal you know? Or like, it feels like something that can happen to someone, but not to me in specific, ya feel? Like.. "Why me?" Or "HOW me? When there's sooooooo many other people out there who good things should happen to, how was I the Lucky One?" Cus I've never been "the Lucky One," so it's a strange feeling! Welcome for sure! But still strange, unfamiliar! It might sound a bit cheesey, but I am so, so incredibly grateful for this opportunity..!!! The AIP staff are so kind too, and supportive and encouraging, it feels like we're legit besties and I love that, they're such beautiful souls..!!! Legit feels like I'm getting to re-live life again through the opportunity AIP has given me and I am so thankful, I don't even have the words to express..!!! AAAAAAAAAAA

If you asked me 5 Years Ago, I would probably say NO!

December 03, 2025by: Chelsea Smith - AustraliaProgram: Internship in Korea - Asia Internship Program

10

Five years ago, if you had asked me if I would be interning in South Korea doing marketing, drinking iced long blacks while reaching out to content creators, and having the opportunity to be expressive in my creativity, I would have laughed so hard that I would have probably spilt my coffee all over myself. At that time, my "creative projects" mostly involved making TikToks in my bedroom... I'm very grateful to the Asia Institute Program for giving me this amazing chance to get real-world experience in my field. The application process was surprisingly straightforward, and the team always had my best interests in mind, which made everything go easily and without stress. They also helped me with the transition process, and the on-ground team has been so kind and supportive in helping us adjust to a completely new environment. Through this internship, I have learnt a lot, from designing campaign ideas to back system tasks, which has allowed me to see my ideas come to life, all while learning so much along the way. Even though I at times may fail utterly, the freedom to be creative, try new things, and grow overseas has been an experience that I did not originally have planned. Some days I feel like a marketing superstar and on other days, like an intern juggling too many tabs and having too many coffees on the go. In other words, every moment has been a chance to learn something new. Thank you so much to the AIP, for supporting us, helping us improve our skills, and giving us the opportunity of a lifetime. I would recommend this company to anyone who is wanting the opportunity to travel and gain work experience within their field, it has been an amazing experience throughout my degree.