(UWG) K-Pop in South Korea

Program Cost: $4,400

Program Description:

Go beyond the music. Go inside the phenomenon.

Spend Spring Break in Seoul, where K-Pop became a global industry and Korean culture is reshaping music, fashion, beauty, entertainment, and media around the world.

This is not a traditional sightseeing trip. Students will experience Seoul from the inside—meeting Korean university students and faculty, visiting companies, and exploring how K-Pop grew from a Korean music industry into a powerful global cultural and business phenomenon.

Two mornings will take students onto the campuses of two UWG partner universities for experiences created specifically for our group. Korean faculty will explore the history, business, and globalization of K-Pop, followed by lunch and conversation with local university students. It is a chance to talk about Korean culture with people your own age rather than simply observe it as a visitor.

Then Seoul becomes the classroom.

Wear a traditional Hanbok while exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace, discover Myeongdong and Korean beauty culture with a personal color analysis, experience interactive Korean content at HiKR Ground, ride the cable car to Namsan Seoul Tower, see a live Nanta performance, and step inside Korean businesses through specially arranged company visits.

The week also goes beyond pop culture. Travel to the DMZ to encounter one of the world's most extraordinary geopolitical borders and discover the history behind modern Korea. Finish the experience by tasting Seoul through a Korean food tour and farewell lunch.

One week. Two Korean universities. Company visits. K-Pop. Korean students. Palaces. Beauty culture. Food. The DMZ. And Seoul itself.

Come discover the country that turned culture into a global phenomenon—and experience it where it all began.

Dates: Friday, March 12^th - Friday, March 19^th

Application and non-refundable $500 depost: due September 10^th

For questions, please contact the Office of Education Abroad: goabroad@westga.edu.

This program involves moderate physical activity. Participants should be prepared to walk approximately 3 miles per day, including extended periods of standing, and to navigate stairs, hills, subway stations, and uneven surfaces. Seoul is a very walkable but often hilly city, and subway stations may require considerable stair climbing.

Seoul in March is cool, particularly in the mornings and evenings. Typical March temperatures are approximately 32-51°F (0-11°C), although colder or warmer days are possible. Participants should bring layers, a warm jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and rain protection. Early spring weather can change quickly, and occasional rain is possible.

U.S. Embassy Seoul
188 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu,
Seoul 03141, Korea

The embassy and consulate are closed on weekends and on American and Korean holidays. 

Main telephone: +82-2-397-4114 (within Korea +02-397-4114)
Emergency after-hours: +82-2-397-4114
Email: Support-ACS-SouthKorea@USVisaScheduling.com
Website: https://kr.usembassy.gov/

If You Need Medical Attention:

• Contact the U.S. Embassy/Consulate for appropriate medical care assistance
• Dial 119 for ambulance. 

If You're a Victim of Crime:

• Contact nearest Embassy or Consulate
• Contact local police at 112

If Arrested:

• Ask authorities to notify U.S. Embassy/Consulate
• Consular officers can provide legal assistance list, visit you, and contact family

Courses (choose one):

• XIDS 2001 (1 credit hour), XIDS 2002 (2 credit hours): K-Pop and Gobal Culture in Seoul
• ABRD for 3 credit hours or for 1 graduate credit, available upon request

Program Cost: $4,400

Application and non-refundable $500 depost: due September 10^th

Estimated Guaranteed Scholarship: $900

Additional Costs:

• UWG Tuition (paid separately - financial aid can be used)
• All breakfasts and several other meals are included in the program fee, as are all scheduled excursions and activities. Students should budget for meals not included in the program (please see itinerary) and personal expenses such as souvenirs.

Important Notes:

Program spots are generally first-come first-serve. The non-refundable deposit will secure your spot in the program, but if you are not accepted for any reason, then you will be reimbursed. Refunds will not be issued if you withdraw from the program at any point.

Lack of visa/passport may result in complete loss of program fee

For questions, contact: goabroad@westga.edu