SeoulQuest
Highlights
- Uni-Level Korean Language Instruction
- Immersive Korean History Curriculum
- 100% Bespoke Capstone Projects
Focused on Languages for an enriched camp experience.
Overview
SeoulQuest is a six-week academic residency in Seoul for high school students seeking a rigorous pre-college experience.
Korean Language: Students earn an official 6-credit transcript at Ewha University via an intensive 120-hour Korean course. This college-level curriculum condenses two years of high school study into six weeks, signaling university readiness to officers.
Korean History: Beyond the classroom, SeoulQuest follows a Chronological Curriculum that brings history to life in the order it unfolded. Students discuss Confucian politics with professors while exploring Joseon palaces, interview North Korean defectors at the DMZ, and reflect on the path to democracy in Gwangju. The journey culminates in the present day, celebrating the Korean Wave at vibrant K-pop concerts, a Han River cruise, and a film set tour.
Capstone Project: To distinguish their portfolio, students spend Fridays on an Individualized Capstone Project. These 1:1 or 2:1 mentored tracks range from PhD-led research to professional-grade pursuits in fashion, journalism, or architecture. The program culminates in a Graduation Showcase and a portfolio piece that can be easily added to future university applications.
14-18 yo
From June 25 to August 11, 2026
6 weeks
From $13,450
Max 24 campers
Co-Education
Shared
Activities
SeoulQuest is a transformative six-week academic residency designed for ambitious high school students. Unlike a typical K-pop camp, this is an intellectually rigorous pre-college program that uses the city of Seoul as a “living syllabus”.
ACADEMICS & LANGUAGE CLASSES
– Students earn an official 6-credit transcript from Ewha Womans University, one of the top colleges in Korea.
– The program includes 120 hours of Korean language instruction, condensing two years of high school study into six weeks.
– Designed for all levels; students with no prior background are expected to read, write, and navigate daily social interactions by the program’s end.
– The rigorous coursework and official transcript signal college readiness for top-tier global universities.
ACTIVITIES & EXPLORATION
The curriculum follows a Chronological Journey, exploring Korea’s evolution through weekly thematic modules:
Week 1: The Joseon Dynasty (Foundations)
– Academics: Origins of the Korean alphabet (Hangul) and traditional Korean culture.
– Activities: Field studies of Royal Palace architecture, King Sejong’s legacy, and visits to the Jongmyo Shrine
– Culture: Hangul calligraphy workshops and traditional Royal Court cuisine.
Week 2: The Colonial Era (Resistance)
– Academics: Specialized briefings on Korea’s independence movement.
– Activities: Exploration of Seodaemun Prison History Museum, Tapgol Park, and Jinwansa Temple.
– Culture: Historic “ration box” culinary experiences and screenings of The Age of Shadows.
Week 3: The Korean War & Division
– Academics: Private colloquium with a North Korean defector.
– Activities: Immersive trip to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and the War Memorial of Korea.
– Culture: Sampling authentic North Korean cuisine and viewing the film “Joint Security Area (JSA).”
Week 4: The Miracle on the Han River (Economic Growth)
– Academics: Briefings on post-war industrialization and the 5.18 Democratic Movement.
– Activities: Overnight excursion to Suncheon and Gwangju; visit to the Museum of Korean Contemporary History.
– Culture: Regional delicacies of Jeolla Province.
Week 5: Democratization & Global Debut
– Academics: Study of the 1988 Seoul Olympics’ impact on Korea’s global status.
– Activities: Tours of the Blue House (Cheong Wa Dae), the National Assembly, and Nami Island.
– Culture: Experiencing Chuncheon Dakgalbi and the film A Taxi Driver.
Week 6: Modernity & The Digital Age (Hallyu)
– Academics: Expert lectures on global cultural exchange.
– Activities: Hallyu immersion tours at the SM Museum and exploration of the Lotte World Tower.
– Culture: K-pop aesthetics, a graduation banquet, and a screening of Parasite.
INDIVIDUALIZED CAPSTONE PROJECTS (ICPs)
In addition to the group curriculum, students spend every Friday pursuing a bespoke professional or academic track. These sessions are 1:1 or 2:1 with industry experts.
– Creative & Professional: Fashion design, video production, architectural photography, or journalism.
– Traditional Arts: Taekwondo, folk painting (Minhwa), or Korean cooking.
– Modern Industry: K-makeup, skincare company shadowing, or K-pop dance.
– Advanced Research: Ambitious scholars can collaborate with PhD-level mentors to author a formal research paper.
DAILY SCHEDULE
Daily Academic Schedule (Weekdays)
– 09:00 – 13:00: Intensive Korean Language Course at Ewha Womans University (120 hours total / 6 credits).
– 13:00 – 14:00: Communal lunch with peers and mentors .
– 14:00 – 17:00: Afternoon sessions including thematic field studies, expert lectures, or mentor-led exploration.
– Evenings: Supervised free time; students must return to the residence by 21:00 on school nights.
Dates & Pricing
PRICING
– Regular Admission – USD $14,950 (Applications due April 30, 2026)
– Early Admission – USD $13,450 (Applications due March 15, 2026)
Note: SeoulQuest offers limited scholarships and payment plans to qualified applicants. These are reserved for high-achieving students with a demonstrated household income under $135,000. If you believe you qualify for this support, please contact our admissions team for a confidential discussion regarding the application process.
PROGRAM DATES: June 25 – August 11 (7 weeks)
– Arrival & Check-in: June 23 or 24
– Orientation: June 25 – 26
– Korean Language Course: June 29 – August 7
– Capstone Showcase: August 10
– Departure: August 12 or 13
From June 25 to August 11, 2026
From $13,450
Academics
ACADEMICS & KOREAN LANGUAGE IMMERSION
The academic core of SeoulQuest 2026 is a high-intensity language residency hosted in partnership with Ewha Womans University, one of the world’s top-ranked institutions. Students are enrolled in a coeducational, 120-hour intensive program that condenses two full years of high school Korean study (or two semesters of college study) into just six weeks. This rigorous, college-level curriculum focuses on mastering reading, writing, and functional fluency, allowing even those with no prior background to navigate daily social interactions in Seoul with confidence by the program’s end. Upon completion, scholars receive an official university transcript that they can use to earn 6 or more transfer credits, providing a definitive competitive advantage for future university applications.
SEOUL AS YOUR SYLLABUS
Learning at SeoulQuest extends far beyond the traditional classroom through an innovative Chronological Curriculum. Each week, the program investigates a different era of Korean history in the order it unfolded, beginning with the foundations of the Joseon Dynasty and moving through the Colonial Era and the Korean War. In the second half of the residency, students explore Korea’s rapid transformation, from the “Miracle on the Han River” and the democratization movement to the modern global influence of the “Hallyu” wave. This journey is supported by expert colloquiums, curated cinema, and field studies to sites like the DMZ and royal palaces, ensuring students return home with a profound understanding of the nation’s past and future.
INDIVIDUALIZED CAPSTONE PROJECT (ICP)
To ensure a bespoke experience tailored to each scholar’s unique goals, every Friday is dedicated to the Individualized Capstone Project. These signature sessions allow students to move away from group instruction to pursue a specific professional or creative trajectory under expert guidance. Depending on their interests, students can choose to develop a craft in fields such as fashion design, video production, or architectural photography.
For those seeking the highest level of academic challenge, the Research Track offers the opportunity to collaborate with PhD-level researchers to author a formal research paper. This specialized journey culminates in a Graduation Showcase where students present their finished projects and newly mastered skills to their peers and faculty.
UNDERGRADUATE MENTOR PROGRAM
At the heart of the SeoulQuest community is a dedicated Undergraduate Mentor Program designed to foster authentic international friendships and cultural fluency. Students are assigned to small mentorship groups and matched with local Korean university students based on personality and language proficiency. These mentors serve as essential cultural liaisons and academic supporters, providing 1:1 language tutoring and guidance on the subtle nuances of local life. Whether helping students discover the city’s best-hidden spots or assisting with university-level coursework, the mentors provide the “scaffolded independence” necessary for students to navigate Seoul safely and on their own terms.
Language lessons
INTENSIVE UNIVERSITY KOREAN CURRICULUM
Students are enrolled in a coeducational Korean language course at Ewha Womans University. This is a rigorous, college-level program consisting of 120 hours of instruction over a six-week term. The curriculum is specifically designed to condense two full years of high school study into one intensive summer session. Because this is a formal university partnership, the program adheres to strict academic standards; for example, more than five absences typically result in an automatic failing grade to maintain the integrity of the course.
LINGUISTIC TRAJECTORY AND OUTCOMES
The lessons are structured to accommodate various skill levels, including students with no prior background in the language.
20hours of lessons per week
Schedule
At SeoulQuest, the schedule is designed to balance rigorous university academics with immersive cultural exploration and “scaffolded independence”. The weekly rhythm follows a Chronological Journey, where each week moves the cohort through a specific era of Korean history in the order it unfolded.
WEEKLY RHYTHM
The program operates on a structured weekly cycle that transitions from group learning to individualized specialization.
Monday: Movie Monday
After morning classes and a communal lunch, students launch their weekly inquiry into Korea’s past through curated film screenings. These sessions include moderated discussions that challenge existing narratives and provide a visual, emotional context for the historical theme of the week.
Tuesday: Special Lectures & Museum Visits
Learning transitions to expert-led sessions where students engage with professionals in business, entertainment, security, and history . These lectures are often paired with visits to world-class museums, such as the War Memorial of Korea or the National Hangeul Museum, depending on the week’s chronological focus.
Wednesday: Rest & Independent Exploration
Mid-week provides a necessary “breather” for students to process their intensive coursework. This is a free day for independent exploration, allowing students to visit local cafes, study at the residence, or navigate Seoul’s neighborhoods at their own pace.
Thursday: Mentoring Day
Students spend the afternoon with their Undergraduate Mentors – local Korean university students who serve as cultural liaisons. These sessions offer direct connections to local life, ranging from 1:1 language tutoring to discovering hidden spots in the city that aren’t found in guidebooks .
Friday: ICP Focus Day
Fridays are entirely dedicated to the Individualized Capstone Project (ICP). Students move away from group study to work on their bespoke professional or creative tracks, such as fashion design, PhD-led research, or video production. While Friday is the primary focus, highly motivated students may coordinate with mentors to work on their ICPs multiple times per week.
Saturday: Thematic Field Study
Saturdays feature full-day, immersive excursions that represent the pinnacle of the week’s historical unit. Examples include trips to the DMZ to investigate the peninsula’s division or an overnight trip to Suncheon and Gwangju to study Korea’s democratic movement.
Sunday: Rest & Academic Preparation
Sunday is a designated rest day for personal time and cultural immersion through local cuisine. In the evening, students prepare for the upcoming week by completing curated readings that introduce the next era of Korea’s chronological journey.
Accommodation & facilities
PREMIUM URBAN RESIDENCY: EPISODE YONGSAN 241
SeoulQuest scholars reside in a high-end, amenity-rich residential facility located in the heart of the Yongsan district. This location is strategically chosen for its safety and central proximity to both Ewha Womans University and major cultural hubs, ensuring students spend less time commuting and more time immersed in the city.
- Sleeping Arrangements: The building is designed to balance community interaction with the need for private study. Housing consists of modern, fully-furnished apartments.
- All-Inclusive Amenities: Residential fees cover all essentials, including high-speed Wi-Fi, utilities, and on-site laundry facilities.
- Student Life Facilities: The building features high-end common areas, various study spaces to support rigorous university coursework.
Video
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Q&A
Early Admission – USD $13,450 (Applications due March 15, 2026)
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
The program is led by Program Director Sarah Mack, whose unique dual perspective stems from her own experience as a 15-year-old exchange student in Korea. Today, she leverages decades of experience navigating the peninsula to balance student agency with uncompromising safety. Director Mack serves as the Incident Commander (IC) during emergencies and maintains 1:1 weekly check-ins with every student to monitor their emotional well-being.
Location
The nearest airport to SeoulQuest is ICN. Airport pickup is available upon request. Airport pickup and drop-off services are fully included as part of the SeoulQuest program.The program provides comprehensive operational support to ensure students transition safely from Incheon International Airport to their residency in Seoul.- Arrival Window: Staff are available to coordinate pickups during the designated arrival days: Tuesday, June 23 and Wednesday, June 24, 2026.- Full Support: Along with the physical pickup, the operational support includes providing students with SIM cards (unlimited data), transit passes, and a “Take Me Home” card printed in Korean to ensure they can navigate the city or return to the residence hall safely if lost.- Departure: Return transportation to the airport is also provided at the end of the program during the departure window of August 12–13, 2026.Note: While the local pickup and drop-off are included, families are responsible for arranging and funding the international airfare to and from Korea.
