Join a program in Seoul that combines a guided Culture Week with hands-on environmental volunteering in an urban ecological park. Begin with a week exploring the city’s culture, royal palaces, neighborhoods, local markets and daily life before transitioning into practical conservation work along the Han River. From the second week onward, volunteers support rehabilitation activities at one of South Korea’s most important ecological parks.
Program Highlights
Your Schedule at a Glance
Sunday (Arrival Day): Arrival in Seoul with airport pickup during regular pickup times. Settle into the accommodation and meet fellow participants.
Week 1 – Culture Week (Mon-Fri): A mix of guided activities and free time designed to help you get comfortable in Seoul. Days typically include city orientation, cultural visits, and neighborhood exploration, with time to explore independently.
Week 2 and Onward – Volunteer Program (Mon-Fri): Weekdays are spent traveling to the ecological park to take part in conservation and rehabilitation tasks alongside local staff. Evenings and weekends (Sat-Sun) are generally free, with occasional optional cultural outings organized by the local team.
Departure day is on a Saturday. Good to know: You may extend your placement with another program in South Korea or continue with one of GoEco’s volunteer programs in Japan. Our team can assist with coordinating travel arrangements.
What’s Included
What’s not Included
Seoul is South Korea’s capital and a major cultural and transportation hub in East Asia. The city combines dense urban development with riverside parks and green spaces. The volunteer project takes place at Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park, located near the Han River, an area of high ecological importance within the city. Volunteers travel to the park using Seoul’s efficient public transportation network. Accommodation is located in the Hongdae area, close to shops, cafes, and daily amenities. Seoul is generally considered safe and well organized, with English signage common in public areas. Volunteers have free time to explore different neighborhoods outside project hours.
Program Overview
The volunteer placement is based at Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park, South Korea’s first ecological park, established to protect wetlands and native habitats with minimal human interference. Rehabilitation efforts focus on restoring damaged ecosystems along the Han River and maintaining biodiversity within the park.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers support ongoing rehabilitation and maintenance work under the guidance of park managers and coordinators. Tasks focus on practical conservation activities and vary depending on seasonal needs, weather, and park priorities. The work is outdoors and involves moderate physical activity.
Example of Volunteer Tasks
A Typical Day
A typical volunteer day involves traveling to the ecological park and working on assigned conservation tasks for several hours. Activities are usually carried out in small groups with guidance from local staff. Evenings are generally free after returning to the accommodation.
Holidays & Schedule Adjustments:
Public holidays in South Korea may affect normal program schedules. On some national holidays, volunteer activities may be reduced or paused. Major holidays such as Lunar New Year and Chuseok can result in temporary program closures or adjusted schedules. Detailed holiday information is shared with participants after acceptance into the program.
During the Culture Week, participants explore Seoul through a mix of guided activities and independent time, gaining insight into both traditional and modern Korean life. The week helps participants settle in, understand daily routines, and feel confident navigating the city before starting their volunteer placement.
Culture Week experiences include:
The Culture Week balances structure with flexibility, offering a relaxed introduction to Seoul before beginning environmental volunteering.
Optional Add-On: Busan Coastal Tour (5 Days)
Extend your time in South Korea with an optional 5-day add-on tour to Busan, the country’s vibrant coastal hub. The tour includes accommodation, selected meals, group transfers, and visits to Haeundae Beach, the cliffside Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village, and lively street markets such as Jagalchi and Gukje. The tour combines sightseeing, cultural exploration, local food, beach time, and relaxed evenings by the sea – offering a perfect contrast to city life in Seoul before or after your volunteer placement. Starts on the first Monday of each month.
🌏 Gap Year Suggestion in Asia – GoEco Style!
After completing your program in Seoul, consider continuing with one of GoEco’s volunteer programs in Japan. Choose from placements focused on wildlife conservation, English exchange, agriculture, community support, and cultural activities. With a flight time of around 2–3 hours from Seoul to Tokyo, Japan is a practical and natural next step for volunteers looking to extend their time in Asia.
✈️ GoEco can assist with travel planning and logistics to help ensure a smooth, stress-free transition between programs.
