Internships in Seoul, South Korea

In just four decades, Seoul was able to transform from an impoverished city decimated by the Korean War into one of the most prosperous and high-tech metropolitans that continues to serve as a model to countries across the globe. An explosion in international interest thanks to tech, K-pop, and edgy dramas have allowed Seoul’s economy to diversify and boom into a billion dollar industry. Interns will have countless options in various fields when it comes to finding placement.

Short-term vs. Long-term internships. Placements for Seoul are available on both a short-term or long-term basis. Looking for a quick one to three month journey? Short-term internships will be more cost-effective (AKA more Korean BBQ money) and will still let you fill up any blank spaces on that pesky resume. Still aiming for that degree? No worries, summer internships are available and popular among students. Academic credit AND career experience have never sounded sexier.

Do you prefer an extra challenge (#savage) and have some extra time in your plans to spare? Long-term internships will definitely push you to glow and grow out of your comfort zone. Employers will see length (six months to a year) as a strong level of commitment, which can give your resume the push it needs to head straight to the top of the pile. Even more importantly, you will get an even better feel for Korean culture and who knows, maybe you’ll get discovered as the next big K-Drama star while you’re there? (Don’t forget us when you do!) Heads up, long-term internships for english speakers are more competitive and some may require Korean language skills.

Popular fields of work. Seoul is the largest contributor to South Korea’s economy and one of Asia’s major centers of entertainment, research, media and tourism. As a leading and rising global city, Seoul’s main economic focus revolves around manufacturing, commerce and finance. Large companies in Seoul include Samsung, LG, Hyundai and Kia, which allow for many engineering, business, and government internship opportunities. For those looking into different fields, hospitality and education have availabilities that are open year round for individuals!

Paid vs. unpaid internships in Seoul. In a perfect world, everyone would get paid for their labor. However, in the real world—we got to give a little in order to gain a lot! Think of it as an investment in your future and yourself. As the job market becomes more competitive, paid internships in Korea are hard to come by. While many internships in Seoul are unpaid, occasionally airfare, accommodation or insurance will be covered (especially in the education or hospitality sector). Some companies may even pay a monthly stipend depending on the time commitment or required duties. If your internship is unpaid, fear not! Costs in Seoul are on par with those of the U.S. (If not less). Plus, the new skills you learned, the network you built, and the Tteokbokki you ate will all be worth it in the end.

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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.