Short-Term Program

East Asian Exploration

Explore the past and present of South Korea and Japan on an epic month-long adventure abroad.

Get out of your comfort zone and discover what you’re capable of as you travel through East Asia. Become a travel-savvy student of life as you bond with your cohort, ignite your passions, and prepare for what’s next—whether that’s a gap year, college, or a career. 

Upcoming travel dates:
Summer 2024: July 5–August 2, 2024
Fall 2024: September 6–November 15, 2024
Spring 2025: February 6–April 18, 2025

How you'll grow

GROWTH MINDSET

Receive a crash-course in all the skills you’ll need to become a confident world-traveler. By the end of the program, you’ll have gained the skills necessary to confidently navigate across Asia—and the globe.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE

Explore both the ancient and modern cultures of South Korea and Japan by visiting Buddhist temples, traveling to the demilitarized zone between South and North Korea, expressing yourself in a K-Pop dance class, and gaming in Japan’s Akhibara neighborhood.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Gain adaptability, independence, and a growth mindset, which will set you up for success in our ever-changing, increasingly globalized world.

ACTION & IMPACT

Emerge from the program with a better understanding of yourself and what you might want your next steps to be, whether it’s more travel, starting or returning to college, or beginning your career.

Program itinerary
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to availability and local conditions at the time of departure.

South Korea & Japan 4 Weeks

Seoul, South Korea: The Past, Present & Future

5 days (+ 2 for flight from US) Seoul, South Korea

Start your journey in Seoul. Sightsee at iconic destinations like Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Gangnam District, learn about Korean culture by taking a cooking course, and show off your skills in a K-Pop dance class! Travel to the DMZ, the line that separates South and North Korea, to engage with the complicated geopolitics of the region. Enjoy a free day to explore on your own time.

Busan: Ancient History & Temples

4 days Busan, South Korea

Travel by bullet train to Busan, South Korea’s second largest city. Visit the Gamcheon Culture Village and admire this picturesque mountainside community, then take a day trip to Gyeongju, a city known as “the museum without walls.” You’ll explore South Korea’s ancient history while visiting archaeological sites and temples, then enjoy a free day to explore Busan on your own—or relax at one of its beautiful beaches.

Jeju Island: Mountains & Beaches

3 days Jeju Island, South Korea

Fly to nearby Jeju Island, home to some of the most picturesque views in all South Korea! Visit the scenic Yongduam Rock and explore the lava tubes of Manjanggul Cave, then visit the Haenyeo Museum to learn about the history of the island’s female sea divers. Hike to the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Moutain and enjoy the beaches or mountains of South Korea's largest island.

Tokyo, Japan: Sushi, Manga & Mt. Fuji

7 days Tokyo, Japan

Fly from Jeju to Tokyo for an all-you-can-see exploration of Japan’s capital city, from the Meiji Shrine to the famous Harajuku neighborhood. Take a sushi-making class and visit Akihibara, a bustling shopping hub famous for its anime, manga, and gaming industries. Enjoy a day trip to Hakone, where you’ll take a cable car and a boat trip to get spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.

Osaka: Castles & Food Markets

3 days Osaka, Japan

Travel on one of Japan's speedy bullet trains to Osaka, Japan's third-largest city and a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history and delectable street food. Discover Osaka Castle, a 16th-century architectural marvel, and the famous Kuromon Market, where you'll take in the sights, smells, and flavors of local delicacies.

Kyoto: Tradition & Religion in Japan

4 days Kyoto, Japan

Explore Kyoto, known for its perseverance of traditional Japanese culture. Learn about the city’s past and present as you explore castles, shrines, and temples; at a Buddhist temple, partake in a guided Zen meditation session and visit the beautiful Zen gardens. Enjoy time with your cohort, unpacking your experience together, and celebrate your journey with a final farewell dinner together.

Program fee

Tuition for this 4-week program is $9,400, and payment plans are available. A detailed budgeting guide for this program can be found here.

Your program fee includes: 

  • Flights & transportation

    Round-trip flights and on-the-ground transportation for all your travel.

  • Accommodations & meals

    All housing and some meals are included.

  • Activities & workshops

    Guided excursions and hands-on workshops with local experts.

  • EF global support network

    One-on-one mentorship and 24/7 travel support before, during, and after your program.

  • Guided learning

    Program leadership and direction by your on-the-ground EF Student Life Coordinator and EF Tour Director.

Our commitment to safety

When you need us most, we’re always close: EF Gap Year students are supported by multiple layers of staff throughout their experience abroad.

Learn more about on-program Safety & Support, from our on-the-ground Student Life Coordinators and Tour Directors to our 24/7 Safety & Incident Response team.

Ready to get started?

Our Gap Year Consultants are ready to answer any questions you have and to help find the perfect program for your family.

By submitting your information, you agree to allow EF to process your personal information in accordance with EF’s Privacy Policy and to allow the use of your data for direct marketing purposes. By entering your mobile number, you agree to receive recurring text messages about upcoming offers from EF Gap Year at the number provided and you understand that consent to receive marketing text messages is not a condition of purchase. You agree to all EF Texting Terms and Conditions.