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Volunteer Programs in South Korea

South Korea, a popular Asian tourist destination, offers much more than K-Pop, taekwondo, and delicious food like bibimbap, bulgogi, and kimchi. Rich in history yet seamlessly modern, South Korea is one of the world's most industrious nations. Volunteers here can engage in diverse projects, from childcare and tutoring to community building and agricultural work. If you're seeking a tradition-rich, urban-friendly setting, kick off your boots and start your volunteering journey in South Korea.
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15 Volunteer Programs in South Korea

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

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GoEco - Top Rated & Award Winning Volunteer Programs Abroad

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Rustic Pathways

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South Korea: Seoul Searching with Rustic Pathways

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.

Travel For Teens

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Travel For Teens: South Korea Discovery and Service

South Korea is the undiscovered gem of the Far East, with food, K-culture, and mountainous scenery that you will never forget! Our discovery trip begins in Seoul, where we explore regal palaces and bustling downtown neighborhoods, and have fun at the theater. Then, we tour Korea’s modern port city of Busan, visit the ancient capital city of Gyeongju, and explore the rural beauty of South Jeolla Province. Our final destination is Jeju Island, recently listed as one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World. After a couple of days exploring this island paradise, we will go back to Seoul to K-party it up with some K-pop hologram shows and a meal at the N-Seoul Tower. You’ll also have the opportunity to gain community service hours assisting a Buddhist temple with their farming projects, an enriching experience for both you and the people who sustain off this land! This program is perfect for any teen finishing grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 and looking to gain a global perspective while discovering one of the world’s most fascinating cultures.

Greenheart Travel

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Teach English in a Homestay in South Korea with Greenheart

Experience all that South Korea has to offer with Greenheart Travel’s Teach English in a Homestay Program. Tutors spend 15 hours per week teaching English to their host families. They spend their additional time living and breathing South Korean culture and language.  Our placements are with host families in or around Seoul, providing our participants with easy access to one of South Korea's most amazing cities! This is a volunteer, unpaid teaching placement designed for deep cultural immersion and exchange.  If you want to live off the beaten path and make lasting connections, the homestay program is for you!

Involvement Volunteers International

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Childcare and After-School Support in Seoul, South Korea

The daycare centre is conveniently situated, just a quick 20-minute subway ride from the accommodation. Your role here is crucial in providing basic English education. You could lead activities tailored to the kids’ skills or organize special programs for different seasons or events. And there’s an exciting opportunity for you to learn some Korean from the children, too, fostering a rich cultural exchange. No specific qualifications are needed – we’re looking for enthusiastic individuals willing to lend a hand however they can, whether it’s through language practice or academic support. You’ll have the chance to engage in a variety of activities, from playing games to helping out during meals and ensuring the kids stick to their hygiene routines. You’ll be interacting with children aged 6 to 12, entering their middle childhood phase. Our ultimate aim is to create a nurturing environment for kids from diverse backgrounds, where they can develop language skills, experience different cultures, and grow personally. By joining us, you’ll be making a real difference in these kids’ lives while gaining valuable experiences yourself.

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Meiji Internships

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South Korea Internship with Meiji Internships

South Korea has a unique culture and history that has already reached far beyond Asia, impacting many parts of the Western world. In just a few decades, the Land of the Morning Calm rose to one of the globe’s richest economies and hosts many world-renowned brands from various industries - a dynamic backdrop from which to get a taste of the working world! From the hustle and bustle of Seoul to seaside Busan, there is something for everyone: ・Travel back in time at Bukchon Hanok Village ・Bibimbap, Kimchi, Patbingsu: Dive into the world of Korean delicacies ・Grasp the enormousness of Seoul at N Seoul Tower ・Go party-hopping in Hongik ・Hike Mudeungsan National Park As your gateway to Asia, Meiji Internships will accompany you throughout your journey. Kick-start your international career with an unforgettable internship adventure in your industry and destination of choice. We work with an extended network of 750+ partner companies in 8 countries to help pave the way for your future! You create your journey! Broaden not just your horizon, but also your professional network in the Far East!

LZONE

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Volunteer at an English Cafe in Busan, South Korea

Welcome to the best place to meet Korean friends and experience diverse local cultures! LanCul (Language and Culture), our English Cafe in Busan, is an ideal setting for foreign travelers to learn about the language and immerse in the culture while establishing friendships with our students who wish to learn English. Share ideas and opinions together. We are looking for volunteers with the following characteristics and skills: - Comfortable speaking English and willing to help Korean students improve their language abilities - Interested in learning the Korean language and experiencing the local culture - Love meeting new friends and interacting with them - Enjoy learning about new cultures and sharing their own culture and experiences Our community provides a warm, lively space for Korean students and English-speaking volunteers to interact at our cafe. They talk in English about a variety of topics, sharing their cultures and experiences.

Korea GapYear 한국갭이어 KGY

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Animal Welfare Volunteering in South Korea

Support rescued animals and experience Korean culture up close through Korea Gap Year’s Animal Welfare Volunteering program. This program is ideal for those passionate about animal rights, interested in basic care, or simply looking to share time and kindness with animals in need. You’ll help care for stray and rescued dogs through daily routines like feeding, walking, bathing, and grooming. Whether it’s cleaning shelters, supporting adoption events, or offering gentle attention, your time helps animals feel safe, healthy, and loved. Join us for 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, or 24 weeks—choose what fits your schedule. Activities run Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with evenings and weekends free for cultural exploration. No special qualifications are required. Communication is in basic English or Korean, and a full orientation is provided before you begin. Activities are subject to availability.

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Inter-Cultural Youth Exchange (ICYE UK)

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Volunteer Abroad with ICYE UK

Volunteering with ICYE UK is a transformational experience with real impact. Our ethical programmes promote peace, intercultural awareness and equality of opportunity, encouraging young people from around the world to live, learn and work together. UK residents can apply now to join us on our six or 12-month placements starting in either January or August, and work with locally run NGOs in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Europe on impactful projects that matter, such as: - Human rights projects - Women’s empowerment projects - Supporting people with compromised health and/or disabilities - Environmental and wildlife conservation - Sustainable agriculture projects - Providing education, care, and support for children from under-resourced communities - Sports, art, or cultural projects - Community development programmes - And many more Additionally, short-term placements of 3 to 5 months with flexible start dates are available in some of our partner countries. Whether you join us on our long-term or short-term programme, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture and language, learn, grow, and make an impact! Get in touch to find out more!

A Guide to Volunteering Abroad in South Korea

Prepare for Volunteering

Set goals

Setting goals when volunteering may seem like a little much but it can help you stay present and serve the community, and yourself better. A few ideas to start with are:

  • As you start volunteering, pay attention to what excites you, whether it's what you expected or something new. Discover your newfound passions and pursue them beyond your time in South Korea.
  • Identify the skills you want to refine, learn, or grow while in South Korea, and continue to set new benchmarks for yourself.
  • Connect with the country by pursuing a hobby or interest you love, enhancing your experience and deepening your connections.

Understand the benefits

Taking the time to volunteer in South Korea is exciting and is a great opportunity for any participant to gain:

  • Work experience. Whatever program you find yourself volunteering in, it’s a great opportunity to get some work experience or refine your work habits. You’ll be a part of a team that relies on you to do your share.
  • Great relationships. The people you’ll meet while in South Korea will become incredible relationships. Volunteer experiences are all centered around a common good and goal, so everyone has common ground to start on.
  • Personal Growth. Experiencing a project or cause somewhere uncommon to you will inherently make you expand your critical thinking, empathy, and resilience because of the differences. How you grow is all rooted in your willingness to aid in sustainable efforts to better the world.

Things to know

No matter where you are in South Korea, there are a few basics to know about the country and how you’ll live.

  • Visa and paperwork requirements - Ensure you understand and comply with the current visa regulations for your specific program, and have all necessary documents, like background checks and certificates, ready.
  • Housing and money - Volunteers often stay in hostels, with NGOs, or on farms, so be prepared with a budget. South Korea is generally more affordable than most Western countries, though costs vary by area.
  • Cultural sensitivity - Age and rank are important in South Korea, so respect for elders and those in higher positions is expected. Casual speech is reserved for those of the same age or rank, even if you become more familiar with someone.

Popular Providers

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Volunteering in South Korea is a great chance to immerse in a new culture and benefit the lives of those in need, whether you wish to take part in initiatives focused on community development, childcare, or English education.

Yes, foreign volunteers need a visa to enter South Korea. Requirements will vary on the country of origin and the duration of the program. Consider checking with your program providers for the most up-to-date visa information for your trip planning.

Seoul, Busan, and Jeju are among the top destinations to volunteer in South Korea, with community-focused initiatives such as orphanages, schools, hospitals, community centers, and organic farming.

Volunteering in South Korea can be costly due to high living costs, especially in Seoul. Smaller cities like Chuncheon may have lower costs but fewer amenities. Fundraising can offset expenses, so research and budget wisely before leaving.

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
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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.

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