
Description
Turn your summer into the ultimate Korean adventure. FEEL THE KOREAN BEAT! is a Korean government-funded, Georgia Tech faculty-led program (May 17 – June 18) that takes you from the Samulnori drums of Jindo to the K-Pop landmarks of Seoul, the kitchens and dance studios of Namseoul University, and the beaches of Jeju.
Don't just watch Korea: FEEL THE KOREAN BEAT! Spots are limited, so apply now and ride the wave.
Eligibility
Georgia Tech students are eligible if they have never taken, and are not currently enrolled in, a Korean language course (KOR 1001–4002). English-taught courses (KOR 3410, 3415, 3813) do not count. Non-Georgia Tech students may apply regardless of their Korean level.
Location
Week One: Jindo Island, May 17 – 28
The beat begins. Stay at the Gugak Center dormitory and master Samulnori, Korea's heart-pounding percussion ensemble, at the world-renowned Jindo National Gugak Center.
Week Two: Seoul, May 28 – June 6
K-Pop Demon Hunters pilgrimage. Take your beat to the capital:
- Film locations from K-Pop Demon Hunters: Jamsil Olympic Stadium, COEX K-Pop Square, Bukchon Hanok Village and more
- Exclusive tours of top entertainment agencies
- Street fashion, cafés and night markets
- Historical sites tied to your KOR 3410 coursework
Week Three: Cheonan, June 6 – 11
Live like a local. Stay at Namseoul University:
- K-Pop choreography with Namseoul's official dance club
- A full-scale K-Pop festival
- Hands-on K-Food cooking classes
- Personal color analysis, Korean-style makeup and K-Beauty
- Outdoor hot springs
Week Four: Jeju Island, June 11 – 18
Finale in “Korea's Hawaii.” Stay at a luxury townhouse:
- Volcanic trails and stunning nature
- Snorkeling and surfing in crystal waters
- Famous cafés and scenic spots
- Jeju 4.3 Peace Park
- Jeju black pork BBQ and local K-Food
▶️ Watch footage from past programs
Host Institution
Jindo National Gugak Center and Namseoul University
Accommodations
Jindo National Gugak Center (May 17–28), Seoul, TBD (May 28 – June 6), Namseoul University (June 6–11), Jeju Casamar Townhouse (June 11–18)
Dates
May 17 – June 18, 2027
Courses
Required: 6 credits (both fulfill the Georgia Tech Humanities requirement)
- KOR 3410 (3 credits)
- ML 2500 (3 credits)
Optional: +3 credits (pending approval)
- CS 1301 or CS 1331: finish a required CS course while you're abroad
Cost
- The program fee is $2,000.
- The program fee does not cover tuition for 6-9 credit hours or round-trip airfare.
Application and Payment Deadlines
- Apply via Atlas by Feb. 15.
- A $500 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of application and is applied to the overall program fee.
- A first installment of $500 of the program fee is due Dec. 15, and the remaining $1,000 is due Jan. 15.
- Payments are charged to your OSCAR account on each due date; missed payments may place a hold on your account. Students using financial aid must submit a letter from the Financial Aid Office stating the amount and payment date. Tuition follows the Registrar's summer schedule.
Fee Payment Information: Please adhere to the deadlines stated for the program. Please observe the information in Payment Options to ensure that your payments are processed at the Bursar’s Office on time. Fees will be charged to your Oscar account on the due dates. Make sure you make all necessary payments on time in order to avoid a hold on your account. Students expecting financial aid must submit a letter from the Financial Aid Office stating the allocation and date of payments expected. Tuition and student fees are due according to the Registrar’s schedule for summer tuition.
Scholarships
- Korean adoptees and students with a Korean adoptee in their family: $1,000 program scholarship
- GT Samulnori Club members: $500 program scholarship
- George International Study Abroad Scholarship (up to $5,000) and GT Alumni Scholarships: open to all GT study abroad programs; apply through OIE
- ML Campoamor Scholarship: competitive, about $400
- Gilman Scholarship: up to $5,000 for Pell Grant recipients; deadlines Oct. 1, 2026 and Feb. 25, 2027
- More options: OIE Study Abroad Scholarships
Students may receive only one program scholarship.
Cancellation Policy
Students who cancel their participation in the program after being accepted will be subject to the following non-negotiable fee schedule:
- Students canceling before Dec. 15 will lose their $500 deposit.
- Students canceling after Dec. 15 must pay 50% of the program fee.
- Students canceling after Jan. 15 must pay 100% of the program fee.
Program descriptions and fees are subject to final approval by educational units and the Office of International Education. Georgia Tech may alter or cancel the program due to low enrollment, instructor unavailability, or other unforeseen circumstances. If Georgia Tech has paid service providers, or cancels the program before or during travel for reasons beyond its control (such as political unrest or safety risks), only fees recoverable from those providers will be refunded.
Questions?
Book a Zoom meeting with Prof. Yongtaek Kim at ykim791@gatech.edu.