Volunteer Programs in Seoul, South Korea

Volunteering in Seoul is more than handing out worksheets or helping with cleanup drives. Setting personal goals can deepen your connection with Korean culture and make your experience truly meaningful.

Diverse volunteer roles. Whether you’re drawn to teaching, environmental work, or cultural projects, there’s something for everyone.
Short or long term—your call. Programs range from a few weeks to several months, letting you customize your commitment.
Cultural immersion. Between your volunteer hours, you’ll experience everything from K-dramas and themed cafés to local hikes and traditional festivals.

Understand the benefits

Seoul is a fantastic base for volunteering. It’s safe, easy to get around, and full of opportunities to grow.

World-class academics with international focus. Study at top universities like Universidade de Lisboa or Nova SBE, both offering courses in English and strong global programs.
Endless things to do. Think rooftop sunsets, nearby beaches, late-night fado, and weekend train rides to Porto or Lagos.
A lower cost of living than other Western European cities. Whether it's rent or a café meal, Lisbon stretches your student budget further than places like Paris or Amsterdam.

Things to know

A bit of insider knowledge can go a long way when you're settling into life as a volunteer in Seoul.

Accommodation - You might stay with a host family or live in a volunteer house. Both are great in different ways. Host families give you a real local connection, while volunteer houses are social and fun.
Teaching - English teaching is in high demand. You don’t need to be an expert since many programs offer basic training, and you’ll learn a lot as you go.
Seasons - Seoul doesn’t mess around with weather. Summers are hot and humid with surprise rain, winters are icy and snowy. Pack for the season and bring good shoes.

Popular Providers

Latest Program Reviews

I volunteered in South Korea in Childcare and After School Support program.

October 29, 2025by: Mary - - IrelandProgram: Childcare and After-School Support in Seoul, South Korea

10

I volunteered for a month (from September 28th to October 25th, 2025). Every Monday, we would meet up in the lobby to plan our English lesson materials for the rest of the week. After preparing everything, we would have lunch together with the guide. We usually took our time for lunch because we had to be at the location around 3 p.m. Once we arrived at the location, we would introduce ourselves to the children and start the lesson. We had two-hour lessons, with a 10-minute break in between. We usually finished class at 5 p.m. Then the assigned guide would go back to our accommodation with us, making sure we didn't get lost. Every day, we went to different schools. We worked from Monday to Friday. We met in the lobby at 12pm, every day. Sometimes, the volunteering organization would propose some trips to the Korean countryside to see more of Korea, meet other people, and help people. I took part in two trips: one to harvest chili peppers for the farmers and one to harvest apples. I had so much fun and interacted with locals. Unforgettable memories. Local team was friendly and kind. I had so much fun with them. As for food, I couldn't be any happier. It was so good. Accommodation was okay. I was in a dorm if 6 person. It was sometimes challenging but bearable for a month.

I was in South Korea and did the Childcare Programm

October 03, 2025by: Mia W - GermanyProgram: Childcare and After-School Support in Seoul, South Korea

10

I found the supervisors per Email and on site to be very friendly and helpful. Jin, in particular, assisted me greatly. The children were very sweet and open to learning. I also felt secure because we were told what and how to teach. Seoul is a great city, and I would definitely like to return. The accommodation was very clean and very well located. It was close to the train and only a few minutes' walk from Hongdae Center. And as I said, the team on site was very nice and helpful. Especially JIN! I would have liked it better if we had spent more time with the children. And if we had seen one class regularly, we could have built up a little rapport with the children. Or rather, the children would have felt more comfortable because they knew us.

I volunteered in South Korea in Childcare and After School Support program.

October 29, 2025by: Mary - - IrelandProgram: Childcare and After-School Support in Seoul, South Korea

10

I volunteered for a month (from September 28th to October 25th, 2025). Every Monday, we would meet up in the lobby to plan our English lesson materials for the rest of the week. After preparing everything, we would have lunch together with the guide. We usually took our time for lunch because we had to be at the location around 3 p.m. Once we arrived at the location, we would introduce ourselves to the children and start the lesson. We had two-hour lessons, with a 10-minute break in between. We usually finished class at 5 p.m. Then the assigned guide would go back to our accommodation with us, making sure we didn't get lost. Every day, we went to different schools. We worked from Monday to Friday. We met in the lobby at 12pm, every day. Sometimes, the volunteering organization would propose some trips to the Korean countryside to see more of Korea, meet other people, and help people. I took part in two trips: one to harvest chili peppers for the farmers and one to harvest apples. I had so much fun and interacted with locals. Unforgettable memories. Local team was friendly and kind. I had so much fun with them. As for food, I couldn't be any happier. It was so good. Accommodation was okay. I was in a dorm if 6 person. It was sometimes challenging but bearable for a month.

I was in South Korea and did the Childcare Programm

October 03, 2025by: Mia W - GermanyProgram: Childcare and After-School Support in Seoul, South Korea

10

I found the supervisors per Email and on site to be very friendly and helpful. Jin, in particular, assisted me greatly. The children were very sweet and open to learning. I also felt secure because we were told what and how to teach. Seoul is a great city, and I would definitely like to return. The accommodation was very clean and very well located. It was close to the train and only a few minutes' walk from Hongdae Center. And as I said, the team on site was very nice and helpful. Especially JIN! I would have liked it better if we had spent more time with the children. And if we had seen one class regularly, we could have built up a little rapport with the children. Or rather, the children would have felt more comfortable because they knew us.