GoAbroad

South Korea: Seoul Searching with Rustic Pathways

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5.0 / 5Overall Rating
11Reviews
1983Year established

Program Overview

Embark on an adventure in Seoul, exploring historical districts and palaces, hiking peaks, and dancing like BTS in a K-Pop training factory. Try hands-on experiences like learning to cook traditional Korean cuisine and embark on a bicycling adventure, followed by a session to learn basic Korean language skills. Our Seoul Searching 8-day program is the ultimate South Korean adventure.

We also have a combination program that brings together two popular programs – Japan: Tokyo Fusion and Seoul Searching: Modern Korea. Navigate Tokyo's hidden alleys and explore the iconic Kanazawa castle for one week, then jet off to Seoul the next.

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Program Highlights

Hike the peaks that nestle the capital city before celebrating with tea before the world’s oldest Confucian shrine.
Visit a Korean palace and learn to make traditional Korean cuisine.
Explore traditional Korean markets, trying local food from different stalls.
Experience a Kpop star makeover at the hair salon and makeup stand, then learn to dance like a Kpop star.
Go to the Han River and enjoy a Korean fried chicken picnic.

What's Included

Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
In-Country Transportation To & From Project
Guide / Chaperone
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Assistance Booking Travel
Alumni / Networking Membership
Certificate of Completion

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • South Korea

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • High School Junior (3rd Year)
  • High School Senior (4th Year)
  • High School 5th Year or More

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Guest House

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

14-20

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Summer

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Rustic Pathways

5.0
11 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
11
4
0
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Program Administration
5.0
Living Situation
5.0
Health & Safety
5.0
Cultural Immersion
5.0

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-11 of 11 reviews

Ray KearneyUnited States · August 2025

South Korea review

I really enjoyed the service—teaching English to students and everything that came with it! I loved connecting with locals and learning about their culture. Huge shout out to Chang-Mo, Heeju, Yuri, Annabel, and Amy—they were amazing group leaders and made the whole experience even better!!!!!!!!

Response from provider

Hi Ray! Thanks so much for your kind words about our program and your leaders. They're pretty great! And the trip wouldn't have been the same without you. Thanks so much for exploring Korea with us. See you next summer?

Victoria KearneyUnited States · July 2025

I had the best time ever!

Initially, I was scared to go on this trip. Even once we got there I was still nervous. As soon as I met the group leaders and one of the students, I felt right at home. Everyone was so nice, and I genuinely had the best time ever. I loved being immersed in the Korean culture.

Response from provider

Hey Victoria! Traveling abroad to a new country is always a little nerve-wracking, even for adults. But we're proud you took that huge step and decided to travel despite being a little scared! We're thrilled you had a great time. We bet now you feel like you can take on anything, right? We hope to see you again next summer on a new adventure!

Marlo CorddryUnited States · July 2025

Best time ever!

On my Korea trip, I met some really cool people, had life changing experiences and made so many new connections. I really bonded with everyone on the trip and the group leaders were so amazing. 10/10 would go on another trip!!

Response from provider

Hey Marlo! We're so happy to hear you had a great time in Korea and that you made genuine connections and memories. It's what travel with us is all about! We hope to see you on another summer adventure next year!

sofia MayvaldovUnited States · July 2025

I had a time of my life!

So fun W trip I had a W time this trip so fun and bussin food I will be returning for the adventure maybe to a more wild location like the wilderness so I had a W time thank you rustic pathways for this

Response from provider

Hi Sofia!! We love to hear it was a great trip all around! So glad you had fun and enjoyed the food too. We’ll be ready for you when you're ready to take on nature next! See you next summer :)

Emma PerezUnited States · November 2024

Best trip ever, I'm hooked!

This was my first conservation trip and now I'm hooked! Staff was great, work was rewarding. Made friends from everywhere! If you want to learn and make a difference, do this! I had never travelled by myself and now I want to do my next trip

Response from provider

Emma! We're so proud of you for traveling alone, that's not easy, even for adults. But look at the rewards! You did amazing work, contributed to conservation efforts, and made new friends! We can't wait for you to join us again soon.

Liam WilsonUnited States · November 2024

Teaching kids was awesome!!

Teaching kids was real awesome! They were so excited to learn English from a native language speaker. A meaningful and impactful experience overall! I will definitely be doing it again, and would highly recommend this program.

Response from provider

Hey Liam! We're so happy that you joined us in South Korea, and that you enjoyed working with children. We know it's such a treat for them to learn from a native speaker. Hopefully you join us on another trip soon!

Jonathan JacksonUnited States · November 2024

Best experience ever

This trip was the best experience ever. As soon as I landed, I met 2-3 other guys and we were inseprrable for the whole trip. But I do want to say that sometimes we could have had more free time to go around and see things on our own. Most of us were 16 and I think we could have more independence when we go around.

Response from provider

Hey Jonathan! Thanks so much for traveling with us! We're happy you connected with other people on your trip! And thanks for the feedback. We hope you know that your safety is of the utmost important to us.

Hannah ThompsonUnited States · November 2024

Love the experience

Amazing time in Seoul and Tokyo Met the coolest people and got to show off my skills. Learned so much about the culture. If you want a unique experience, go for it! This is my third trip with Rustic Pathways and every time I love the experience.

Response from provider

Hey Hannah! Thanks so much for joining us for your third trip with us! That's awesome! We're glad you had another great experience? See you for a fourth?

Mason JohnsonUnited States · November 2024

Had a blast!

I had such a blast with the other volunteers. John and Vin were amazing. Learning dance was so fun! If you want to really experience a culture, this is the one. Absolutely incredible trip that brought us all together as a firm team.

Response from provider

Hey Mason! We're so happy to hear you had a great time in South Korea. Our Program Leaders are highly trained, supportive, and SUPER fun! We hope you join us again soon!

Charlotte RamirezGuam (USA) · November 2024

Great Volunteering Experience!

Great time volunteering at the school! Staff and kids were so welcoming. Be ready to be flexible with schedules. Overall, the program is really good. If you love working with kids abroad, check this out!

Response from provider

Hey Charlotte! We're so glad you were able to travel with us, and that you enjoyed your volunteering experience! We hope you travel with us again soon!

NicholasJuly 2024

The service work with seniors and children

My son enjoyed the service work with seniors and children that they did in South Korea with Rustic Pathways. He also said the food especially the chicken was delicious and the karaoke was a lot of fun.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Adventure Travel
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Adventure Travel
Communitas Award | Leadership in Community Service and CSR
Travel Weekly Magellan Awards | Best Health & Safety Innovations
International Travel Awards | Best Tour Operator
Skift IDEA Award: Industry Innovators | Tour Operator
Global Youth Travel Awards 2018

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