Embark on a remarkable journey to Korea, an extraordinary nation nestled in the heart of Asia. Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Seoul, a bustling metropolis pulsating with energy and innovation. Unveil the captivating essence of Korea, transcending the realms of K-pop and K-movies, as you savor the authentic flavors of Korean cuisine, wander through the resplendent halls of the royal palace, and unwind at the trendiest pubs in Seoul’s urban oasis.

Venture into the enchanting landscapes of Korea alongside your esteemed colleagues or venture solo, traversing pristine beaches and picturesque countryside aboard the efficient train and local metro systems. Embrace the local way of life as you relish the traditional combination of chicken and beer at neighborhood pubs, ascend majestic mountains, and bask in the awe-inspiring vistas that unfold before your eyes.

Schedule

Monday
Orientation
Korean Language Lesson part 1
Walk around (get to know the neighborhood)
Visit to Royal Palace or the Shrine
Welcome Party at the accommodation

Tuesday
Korean Language Lesson part 2
Calligraphy: Writing your name in Korean with a brush
Carving/making authentic Korean stamp
Visit to traditional market “Gwangjang market”

Wednesday
Free time (Hang out at Han river)
Visit to COEX mall
Planning for weekend getaway. Local coordinators will help arrange and book necessary accommodation and transportation.
Hangout in Gangnam

Thursday
Visit to Jogyesa temple. Make lotus lantern
Hiking to Cheongwadae observatory
Visit Bukchon Hanok village
Live music jazz bar (optional)

Friday
Cooking class (Korean food cooking)
Museum
Hike up Namsan mountain to the Seoul Tower.
Finale party at the accommodation

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Are you a passionate advocate for the welfare of our furry companions? Join us in Korea to make a profound difference in the lives of animals that are in desperate need of care and compassion. The Animal Care Program provides invaluable support to local animal shelters throughout Korea, ensuring that stray cats and dogs receive the attention, nourishment, and care they deserve. Together, we strive to rescue animals affected by natural disasters, cruelty, and the harrowing conditions of dog farming, where these beloved creatures are mistreated and even destined for consumption.

During an impactful week, you will actively contribute to the well-being of the animals residing in shelters around Seoul. Collaborating with a reputable non-profit organization named “care,” established in 2002, we share a common mission to combat animal abuse and abandonment. Additionally, “care” spearheads campaigns encouraging foreign adoption of stray animals, facilitating their journey to loving forever homes.

Schedule

Sunday
Upon your arrival at Incheon International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed. After settling in at the accommodation, take some time to unwind and acclimate to the surroundings. As evening descends, join us for a delightful dinner, fostering camaraderie and preparing for the meaningful days ahead.

Monday
Awake to a nourishing breakfast, replenishing your energy for the transformative journey ahead. Engage in an orientation session at 10 am, where you will gain insights into the intricacies of the Animal Care Program. Following a satisfying lunch, embark on a guided tour of the captivating city of Seoul, immersing yourself in its vibrant culture. Conclude the day with a satisfying dinner, savoring the local flavors while forging bonds with fellow participants.

Tuesday to Friday
Commence each day with a hearty breakfast, igniting your spirit for the fulfilling work that lies ahead. From 9 am to 12 pm, devote your time and skills as a valued volunteer at the Animal Care Shelter. Your compassionate efforts will encompass cleaning, feeding, and providing essential care to these deserving animals. After a nourishing lunch, resume your noble duties from 1 pm to 2 pm, ensuring that no animal feels neglected or alone. As dusk falls, indulge in a well-deserved dinner, reflecting on the positive impact you have made.

Weekends
Recharge and rejuvenate during your well-deserved free time on weekends. Explore the wonders of Korea, savor its culinary delights, or immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage. These moments of leisure allow you to reflect on your remarkable contributions and find inspiration for the journey ahead.

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

“The Big Issue magazine” stands as a renowned global enterprise that extends a helping hand to the homeless community by empowering them to sell their street magazine, thereby sharing the profits and fostering financial independence. This noble endeavor aims to restore their confidence, dignity, and facilitate a seamless reintegration into mainstream society.

In collaboration with “The Big Issue Korea,” our program offers an opportunity to connect with the local team, enabling volunteers to work alongside salespersons and provide invaluable support. By offering moral encouragement and assisting in the sale of magazines, volunteers become catalysts for increased sales, amplifying the positive impact on these individuals’ lives.

The Homeless Support program operates in conjunction with “The Big Issue Korea,” an organization established in 2010. It focuses on empowering the homeless population to regain their footing through self-help rather than mere monetary donations, which can inadvertently undermine their sense of dignity. Embodying the ethos of “Helping people help themselves,” The Big Issue magazine represents a lifeline, extending a hand up rather than a handout. Nevertheless, it requires considerable courage to embark on a journey as a salesperson for The Big Issue magazine, as it entails standing for hours in bustling streets, tirelessly proclaiming “Big Issues!” Volunteers have the opportunity to stand side by side with these salespersons, providing invaluable companionship and support. While engaging in personal conversations and exploring diverse topics would be ideal, it is important to note that most salespersons may possess basic English proficiency.

Schedule

Monday
Embrace the day with a nourishing breakfast at the accommodation, fortifying yourself for the transformative experiences that lie ahead. Engage in an orientation session at 10 am, where you will gain insights into the inner workings of “The Big Issue” initiative and the impact it has on the lives of the homeless. A fulfilling lunch awaits, fueling your spirit for a captivating city tour of Seoul, where you will immerse yourself in its cultural tapestry. As evening descends, gather for a well-deserved dinner, fostering connections with fellow participants and reflecting on the journey that awaits.

Tuesday to Friday
Each morning commences with a nourishing breakfast, energizing your soul for the day’s endeavors. As noon approaches, indulge in a satisfying lunch, replenishing your energy for the meaningful work ahead. From 3 pm to 6 pm, you will volunteer alongside “The Big Issue Korea,” providing your support and assistance to the salespersons. These invaluable hours spent together will create lasting connections and contribute to increased magazine sales. Conclude each day with a delightful dinner, embracing the camaraderie that has formed and celebrating the positive impact you have made.

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

The issue of world hunger is a grave concern that demands our immediate attention. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated this crisis on a global scale, and Korea is no exception. The brunt of this hunger epidemic is felt most acutely by the most vulnerable members of society, including young children, senior citizens, and those without a stable home.

We invite you to join the Soup Kitchen program in Korea, where you can actively contribute to serving meals to hundreds and thousands of individuals who are struggling to navigate their daily lives. The local team leading this noble endeavor is “Dail Community,” a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact in various ways. One of their remarkable initiatives includes operating a soup kitchen that serves as a beacon of hope for those in need.

Established in 1998, Dail Community embarked on a mission to alleviate hunger by providing instant noodles and rice to those experiencing hardships, such as the homeless, wanderers, and impoverished senior citizens. Through this initial act of kindness, the organization has expanded its efforts, offering free meals to the community, providing education to underprivileged children, and contributing to medical care for low-income families in Korea, as well as in underdeveloped countries lacking access to essential medical technology, medicines, and professionals.

As a participant in this transformative movement, you will play a pivotal role in the fight against hunger, ensuring that no one goes without a nourishing meal. The soup kitchen typically serves meals to 800 to 1,000 individuals each day. This campaign involves a wide range of tasks, both visible and behind the scenes. You will assist in preparing ingredients, such as washing, chopping, and storing, as well as participate in cooking, serving, or packing meals into individual portions on take-out trays. Additionally, you may contribute by washing dishes, cleaning tables, and maintaining the kitchen. Regardless of the task at hand, every action you take will be immensely gratifying, knowing that you have helped feed hundreds and thousands of people in need.

Schedule

Monday
Commence the day with a nourishing breakfast at the accommodation, fortifying yourself for the impactful experiences that lie ahead. Engage in an orientation session at 10 am, where you will gain valuable insights into the mission and operations of the Soup Kitchen program. Following a satisfying lunch, immerse yourself in a guided city tour of Seoul, immersing yourself in its vibrant culture. As the day draws to a close, gather for a well-deserved dinner, savoring the opportunity to bond with fellow participants and reflect on the transformative journey ahead.

Tuesday to Friday
Each morning begins with a nourishing breakfast, providing the energy and enthusiasm needed for the day’s endeavors. From 9 am to 12 pm, you will lend a helping hand at the Soup Kitchen, playing an active role in providing nourishment to those in need. After a fulfilling lunch, resume your invaluable assistance from 1 pm to 2 pm, ensuring that no one goes hungry. As evening descends, join your fellow volunteers for a well-earned dinner, celebrating the collective impact you have made.

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

The Han River holds immense significance for the people of Korea, symbolizing a connection to their cultural heritage. However, the rapid economic growth and industrialization that occurred during the 1960s took a toll on the environment, leading to severe pollution and damage to the river’s ecosystem.

Recovering and rehabilitating the Han River’s ecological park requires unwavering dedication from both the government and volunteers. By engaging in various activities such as tree planting, rubbish collection, and the removal of harmful organisms, these collective efforts have yielded remarkable results. Thanks to these endeavors, otters, once driven away by a polluted habitat, have returned to the Han River, finding a new sanctuary to call home.

The Han River is the lifeblood of Seoul’s citizens, yet it has faced the brunt of pollution and exploitation resulting from the city’s rapid development in the 1980s. Since then, ongoing efforts have focused on rehabilitating the river’s ecosystem and fostering cultural activities that celebrate its significance.

Our program operates within the Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park, which was established in 1997 as Korea’s first-ever ecological park. This sanctuary is designed to be a passive space, encouraging visitors to maintain a respectful distance from nature to preserve its delicate balance and safeguard the natural habitats within. Saetgang, a branch of the Han River, stretches all the way to the West Sea and boasts a rich landscape adorned with willow, oak, elm, and mulberry trees. Herbivores like reeds and moonroot grass further enhance the park’s enchanting scenery.

During your time in the program, you will engage in a variety of tasks that contribute to the park’s well-being. These activities may include tree planting, monitoring the wetland environment, constructing environmentally friendly fences and animal pathways, building bird nests, and providing nourishment to wild animals. The specific tasks assigned each day will be determined by the Eco Park managers, taking into account weather conditions and task priorities. If fortune favors you, you might even catch a glimpse of adorable creatures like otters and ducks along the riverbanks, adding an extra touch of wonder to your experience.

Schedule

Monday
Begin the day with a nourishing breakfast at the accommodation, preparing yourself for the rewarding experiences that await. Immerse yourself in an enlightening orientation session at 10 am, equipping you with valuable insights into the ecological park’s mission and significance. Following a satisfying lunch, embark on a guided city tour of Seoul, immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant culture. As the day draws to a close, gather for a delightful dinner, fostering connections with fellow participants and reflecting upon the transformative journey ahead.

Tuesday to Friday
Each morning commences with a wholesome breakfast, providing the energy and enthusiasm needed for the day’s endeavors. From 9 am to 12 pm, relish the opportunity to contribute as a volunteer at the Eco Park, actively participating in activities that nurture its ecosystem. After a fulfilling lunch, resume your invaluable assistance from 2 pm to 5 pm, leaving a positive impact on the park’s well-being. As evening approaches, savor a well-deserved dinner, celebrating the collective achievements you have made alongside your dedicated team.

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.