Join a program in Seoul that combines a structured Culture Week with hands-on volunteering at a rescued animal care shelter. Begin with a guided introduction week to daily life, culture, food and transportation in South Korea before transitioning into practical animal care work from the second week onward. Volunteers support a nonprofit rescue center that cares for animals saved from harmful conditions, assisting with daily care and maintenance tasks.
Program Highlights
Your Schedule at a Glance
Sunday (Arrival Day): Volunteers arrive in Seoul and are picked up from the airport during regular pickup times. After settling into the accommodation, participants have time to rest and meet fellow volunteers.
Week 1 – Culture Week (Mon-Fri): Days include around 5–6 hours of guided activities such as city tours, cultural orientation sessions, neighborhood walks, local markets and introductions to public transportation. Free time is built into most afternoons or evenings.
Week 2 and Onward – Volunteer Program (Mon-Fri): Volunteers travel to the animal rescue shelter on weekdays to assist with animal care and shelter maintenance tasks. 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 the capital of South Korea and a major cultural and transportation hub in East Asia. The city combines historic landmarks with modern neighborhoods and efficient public infrastructure. Volunteers can navigate the city easily using the subway and bus network. The accommodation is located in the Hongdae area, known for its cafes, shops, and convenient transport connections. Daily essentials such as supermarkets, pharmacies, and ATMs are within walking distance. The animal rescue shelter is located outside the city center and is reached by public transportation. Seoul offers a safe and well-organized environment for international volunteers. English signage is common in public transport areas. Volunteers have time to explore different neighborhoods independently.
Program Overview
The volunteer placement takes place at a nonprofit animal rescue and rehabilitation shelter that provides care for animals rescued from unsafe or harmful environments. The shelter is supported by a small permanent staff, partner organizations, and volunteers, and focuses on improving animal welfare and preparing animals for adoption where possible.
Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers assist staff with the daily care of rescued animals under the guidance of shelter staff. The shelter primarily cares for rescued dogs, many of whom were saved from illegal dog farming operations and are now awaiting adoption. In some cases, the organization may also support other rescued animals, such as pigs, depending on current needs. Tasks are practical and hands-on and are carried out following clear safety and animal welfare guidelines. No prior animal care experience is required, but volunteers must be comfortable working in an active shelter environment.
Example of Volunteer Tasks
A Typical Day
A typical volunteer day involves traveling to the shelter in the morning or early afternoon and assisting staff with scheduled care tasks. Duties vary depending on the needs of the animals and the shelter. Evenings are free after returning to the accommodation.
Holidays & Schedule Adjustments:
Public holidays in South Korea may affect normal program schedules. On some national holidays, regular volunteer activities may be reduced or paused. Certain major holidays, such as Lunar New Year and Chuseok, can result in temporary program closures or adjusted schedules. Detailed and up-to-date holiday information will be shared with participants after acceptance into the program.
During the Culture Week, participants explore Seoul through a mix of guided activities and independent time, offering a closer look at both traditional and modern Korean life. The week is designed to help participants settle in, understand how the city works, and feel comfortable navigating daily routines before starting their volunteer placement.
The Culture Week balances structure with flexibility, allowing participants to explore Seoul at their own pace while gaining context and confidence for the weeks ahead.
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.
