Internship in South Korea
Work at Seoul speed with startups and agencies in Gangnam and Seongsu, then eat Korean barbecue with your team after a long day.
At a glance
The short answers
Updated October 2026 by the Asia Internship Program admissions team
How much does it cost?
From $2,200 (Explorer, 6 weeks) to $12,600 (Pioneer, 24 weeks). Traveler, our most popular program, costs $4,690 to $8,800.
How long can I stay?
From 6 to 24 weeks, starting any time of year.
Do I need to speak Korean?
No. Our host companies in South Korea work in English. Some basic Korean helps in daily life.
Which fields are strongest?
Graphic design, software engineering, business development, hospitality, consulting and marketing.
Where will I live?
Furnished housing within about an hour of your office: Standard on Traveler (your own apartment), Premium on Pioneer (a private apartment to yourself, with your own bedroom and bathroom). Rent is paid by AIP up front, so you do not deal with landlords or deposits.
Overview
What it's like to intern here
Most of our interns in Korea work in Seoul for startups, agencies and consulting firms around Gangnam, Mapo, Seongsu and Yeouido. Software interns test features, marketing interns run campaigns, and design interns build social and brand assets. Lunch is usually a team affair at a nearby restaurant, and before a launch the day can run late.
GoAbroad named AIP Top Rated for South Korea in 2025 and again in 2026. Busan and Incheon are also options, depending on the host company. Outside work, Seoul has night markets, palaces and hiking trails, all on the subway.
Why go
Bukhansan and Inwangsan trails start near subway stations, and Gyeongbokgung palace sits in the middle of the city. Most weekends need nothing more than a transit card.
Korean barbecue after work, kimbap and tteokbokki at Gwangjang Market, and cafes open late in Hongdae and Seongsu.
The KTX train reaches Busan's beaches in under three hours, and Jeju island is a short, cheap flight.
Your internship
What the job teaches you
Korean teams set short deadlines and expect quick replies. You learn to plan your week, report progress and turn work around fast.
Many hosts sell beauty, gaming, tech or entertainment to markets abroad. Interns research those markets, prepare content in English and support launches.
Titles, team dinners and who speaks first all matter. You learn to read a hierarchy and still get your ideas heard.
Cities
Where you could work
Each city has its own guide. Housing, visa and prices are on this page.
Prices
How much it costs
An internship in South Korea with AIP costs $2,200–$2,440 on Explorer, $4,690–$8,800 on Traveler and $6,670–$12,600 on Pioneer, depending on length. Flights aren't included.
6 weeks
South Korea
Select One
$2,200
$4,690
$6,670
8 weeks
South Korea
Select One
$2,200
$4,960
$7,060
12 weeks
South Korea
Select One
$2,260
$5,920
$8,420
16 weeks
South Korea
Select One
$2,320
$6,880
$9,880
20 weeks
South Korea
Select One
$2,380
$7,840
$11,240
24 weeks
South Korea
Select One
$2,440
$8,800
$12,600
Prices in USD. See what each program includes
Compare with other destinations
The same length, side by side, for every destination.
Housing
Where you'll live
FAQ
Your questions, answered
Do I need to speak Korean to intern in Seoul?
No. We place you with companies that work in English. A few Korean words help in daily life and show interest in the culture, but you don't need them for the job.
What visa do I need for an internship in South Korea?
Visa assistance is included in every program. We confirm your visa route before you pay the deposit and prepare the documents your embassy asks for.
Which fields can I intern in?
Popular fields include software engineering, marketing, graphic design, business development, consulting and hospitality. We match the placement to your studies and goals.
Where will I live in Seoul?
Traveler interns get Standard housing: your own furnished apartment. Pioneer interns get Premium housing: a private apartment to yourself, with your own bedroom and bathroom. We vet every place, and it's within about an hour of your office by public transport, often in a student-friendly area. Explorer doesn't include housing, so you choose where you live.
How long can I intern in Korea, and how early should I apply?
Programs run from 6 to 24 weeks. Apply early: finding your placement takes about 8 weeks from your deposit.
Can I get university credit for my internship?
Yes, if your university accepts it: we provide the documents it needs (internship agreement, placement confirmation, supervisor evaluation and a host certificate of completion). The university decides whether and how much credit to give.
Intern stories
Hear it from our interns
South Korea · applications open all year
Apply for an internship in South Korea.
It's free to apply, and you only pay a deposit once you're accepted.
