Exploring a New City as an Intern: Seoul, South Korea

Even after its long and revolutionary history, South Korea continues to teem with vibrancy and curiosity. Initially an agrarian society, today South Korea owes its popularity to anything but fruit and vegetables!

Average folk come in contact with South Korean innovation on the daily. Whether it’s as you relax in front of an LG TV screen. Or video call your family on one of Samsung’s boundary-pushing smartphones. 

In terms of entertainment, South Korea has in recent years begun to dominate the rest of the world. And, we’re all hooked! For instance, the 2020 Best Film Oscar went to Bong Joon-ho for Parasite. Not to mention, avid appreciators of Asian culture teleport to the peninsula each time they play an episode of Itaewon Class or Stranger on Netflix. Then there’s the countless millions who listen to the likes of BTS, Black Pink and other K-pop idols daily.

Whatever your introduction to South Korean mania is. One thing’s for sure, there are many more hidden gems that await you in its beating heart – Seoul. And since the small screen can’t recreate even a fraction of the excitement Seoul contains, it’s worth experiencing it yourself. 
Let’s go on a day-tour around the city of tomorrow, right now. Find out how to explore this amazing city as an intern.

It’s early morning. You’ve just landed at Incheon Airport. The sun vibrantly shines in red and peeks behind the skyscrapers towering in the distance. Time to figure out your commute.

Fortunately, if you’re a Beyond Academy intern, we’ll pick you up from the airport and transport you to your new home! But hopping on Seoul’s Metro is always a good idea. Instructions are bilingual so you can navigate it easily. Plus, it is the best way to scoot between attractions after you catch your breath.

But if you are in a hurry or you want to soak up as much as possible, Seoul cabs are surprisingly affordable. Much like a lot of things in the city!

Up next is that imminent fight with jet lag. Coming out of it victorious means your stomach will growl for some fuel. Fortunately, Seoul is one of the best places to be hungry!

Compared to most western countries, people often opt to eat out instead of cooking at home. 

You can salivate over on-the-spot bean pancakes and grilled cheese lobsters from street food vendors. As well as exquisite Samgyeopsal (pork strips) and Hobakjuk (pumpkin porridge) in a restaurant with equal pleasure.

Food culture is a huge part of South Korean consciousness. If fortune blesses you with Korean pals, you’ll be surprised to find out that Koreans prefer to say ‘Have you eaten today?’ (“식사 하셨어요?”). As opposed to the traditional ‘How are you?’ greeting.

 A bright example of an all-rounder culinary hot spot is the centennial Gwangjang market, whose stalls have expanded beyond the 5,000s and welcome approximately 65,000 visitors daily.  

But even if you long for a bite of a nostalgic Big Mac, your taste buds are in for a magical ride. Since mainstream food chains curate their menus to Korean taste, newcomers can expect their traditional McDonald’s meals to come with a twist. A sweet sauce pork burger with kimchi on the side awaits!

Hopefully you have savoured every slurp of your noodles or crumb of your burger.  As you’re eating in public or planning your next stop, don’t be surprised if locals stop you to display traditional Korean hospitality.

Don’t freak out if strangers offer to take you to someplace you can’t find. One of South Korea’s strongpoints is their indomitable community spirit.  

But let’s stick to the Metro for now. Perhaps you asked staff at the restaurant for recommendations? The restaurant’s chef suggests a walk to aid digestion. So now you’re on your way to Seoul Botanic Park.

By now you will no doubt have a Seoul City Pass card. This will let you hop on and off any bus around the city and gives you 20 daily rides on the subway. For three days you can explore Seoul’s metropolitan and inner-city areas. So you can visit parks located on the outskirts, such as the Seoul Botanic Park for a mere $25. In fact, your daily commute as an intern will be relatively inexpensive!

You’ve arrived at Seoul Botanic Park – the capital’s newest attraction. It sits on a 504,000 square meter area and is segmented into four unique ecosystems – Forest Field, Botanic Garden, Lake Garden, and Marsh Park.

Revealed to the public in May 2019, the park continues to grow their collection. In fact they began with an original collection of 3000 unique plants and plan to reach a total of 8,000 floral types.

It features exotic plant species like the Victoria lily of the Amazon River. As well as endemic trees of Australia, and anything not native to the Korean peninsula.

However, you may decide to enjoy some fresh air and a more challenging walk. Daedunsan Mountain, just outside of Seoul, lures both natives and tourists with its autumnal cape of red foliage. And at 878 meters high, this humble rocky range has everything you’ll want from a hiking track.

One main highlight of South Korea that perpetually occupies news headlines is innovation.

South Korea has been on a six-year-long streak for the highest innovation index in the world. And that clearly manifests once you start to travel about the city.  

What most parts of the world consider a novelty, Koreans see as a passing fad. Westerners eagerly anticipate the arrival of 5G cellular networks. Which have been in operation in Seoul since late 2016. By the time 5G becomes ubiquitous in the West, 6G towers will already dot Seoul.

President Moon’s administration encourages advancements in the private economic sector. However, Moon also incentivises South Korean talent to develop a tech-based environment for the benefit of society.

Drones have begun to reshape the country’s agricultural future. Self-driving buses are now the norm. And the water quality has drastically improved after the country switched to ‘smart water grids’.

While in Seoul, you will notice a significant change in your everyday experience. Newcomers are always stunned at the speed at which things in South Korea are executed. Why wait 2 weeks for a bank card, when you can get it in 5 minutes? And forget about cumbersome apartment keys. In Seoul, most people use personalised magnetic cards to enter their homes and buildings.

Seoul is much more than just revolutionary technology and innovation. 

As you wind down your day, the sun sets over the Han river and splits the city in two. Blue and white collars swarm the streets eager to make their way to their first post-work sip of soju (rice wine). Youths gather in various clubs, bars or even at the Raccoon Café (yes, a café with raccoons). And the vibrant nightlife begins. It all combines to make up Seoul’s rich, signature neon tapestry.

If nightlife isn’t for you, browse the all-night malls or stalls of Dongdaemun Market. Or relax in one of the many ornate jjimjilbang spas (much like a Turkish bathhouse) that stay open until late. 

If you are into less self-indulgent pleasures, find a spot in ‘Once in a Blue Moon’ jazz bar. Relax and enjoy the atmosphere while you call Seoul home. In fact, the bar has seen Korea’s finest jazz players perform since 1998. Or make the most of a non-verbal comedic play at Myeongdong Nanta Theatre. 

Whatever you choose to do, embrace Korean culture and make every experience count. Many interns find that time goes quickly in this city. So don’t miss out!

These were just snippets of what your everyday experience in Seoul could be like as an intern. 

As your first day in Seoul marches towards its end, each day that follows will be sure to unveil something new. Still, a little guidance goes a long way.

This is where Beyond Academy can help. If you are considering soaking up both traditional and professional South Korean culture with an internship in Seoul, our Community Team will be on hand to help you.  

Beyond Academy will guide you through the entire internship process from start to finish. From CV and application support to biweekly community dinners with other interns. 

Find out more about our internship programs in Seoul or get in touch with us now to start your once-in-a-lifetime Korean adventure!

And if you’re looking for even more things to do in Seoul, or advice on kickstarting your internship there, the top interning industries to look out for there, or – if you want it all in one place – our comprehensive guide to interning in Seoul, check out our explainers for more detail!