South Korea Cooking

Seoul, South Korea

APPLY NOW

ALL YEAR ROUND

STARTING EVERY MONDAY

MINIMUM

1 WEEK

PRICES FROM

£629

  • OVERVIEW

  • INCLUSIONS

  • PRICING

  • FAQS

Join a community in Seoul to combat hunger by supporting their soup kitchen, which serves up to 1,000 meals daily. Located just three stations from the guest house, this program allows you to directly contribute to a meaningful cause.

 

As a participant, you'll assist in preparing, cooking, and serving meals, while gaining hands-on experience in Korean home-style cooking and supporting the community's efforts to provide nutritious meals to those in need.

 

Program Highlights:

  • Provide Meals: Help prepare and serve 800-1,000 meals daily for those in need.
  • Cultural Immersion: Learn to make traditional Korean meals while serving the community.
  • Cooking Experience: Participate in all stages of food preparation and cooking.
  • Community Connection: Work with a local non-profit organisation to help those in need.
  • Meaningful Impact: Contribute to the mission of helping those facing hunger.

Your Role:

  • Wash, chop, trim, and store ingredients for cooking.
  • Assist with cooking meals using the prepared ingredients.
  • Serve food to individuals in the kitchen or deliver meals to those unable to come to the serving area.
  • Clean trays, dishes, and utensils after meals.
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the dining area, kitchen, and equipment.
  • Work a minimum of four hours per day, helping where needed throughout the day.

Aims & Objectives

  • Lend a helping hand in the soup kitchen.
  • Contribute to UN’s 17 sustainable development goals - #2 Zero Hunger.
  • Learn about Korea and interact with the local community.
  • Practical experience in the kitchen and an insight into food preparation.

Standard Shared Accommodation (4-6 pax) Sunday-Saturday noon of the last week

Daily meals, 2 per day (breakfast and lunch)

Airport pick up during the regular transfer window (Sundays between 10:00-17:00) - mode of transport to the accommodation is public transport

Program materials, tools and equipment needed

Entry fees for scheduled cultural landmarks, excursions and adventure activities

Training and supervision by experienced local project coordinators

24/7 local team support 

1 week : £629

Additional weeks : £629

Start Dates & Minimum Duration

2025 Start Dates: Every Monday 

2026 Start Dates: Every Monday

 

This volunteer program operates all year round, and starts every Monday. However, we recommend arriving on the Sunday to check into your accommodation and prepare for your program to start the following morning.

 

Please note that program start dates could be affected by local holidays. However, we will give you as much notice as possible if any days of your program may overlap with holidays.

 

The minimum duration of this program is 1 week.

What are the requirements to take part in this program?

Program Requirements:

  • Age limit: 18-65
  • Proof of DBS check required
  • Proof of travel insurance required
  • Copy of passport required
  • Minimum basic level of English
  • Prior experience in cooking is helpful but not required; willingness to learn is essential.
  • Ability to stand and work for long periods, assist in food preparation, and perform manual tasks such as washing dishes.

What is my working schedule?

Working Hours: minimum 4 hours daily.

 

Monday

  • Orientation,  Introduction meeting, health and safety advice, handling of documents & signing up of relevant documents and South Korea's basic culture lessons
  • Seoul City tour

Tuesday - Friday

  • Assist at The Soup Kitchen
  • Kyungdong Market Tour: A walking tour of Korea's oldest traditional medicine market after the soup kitchen activity.
  • On one evening from Tuesday to Thursday, depending on the decision of the local staff, we will visit Gwangjang Market, one of Korea's top traditional food markets.
  • We will visit a jjimjilbang near the accommodation, a popular Korean ‘entertaining sauna’ experience.

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

What's the accommodation like?

Located in the vibrant and youthful heart of Hongdae, Seoul, our accommodation distinguishes itself as a contemporary temple and guesthouse, offering an unparalleled Temple stay experience. Guests enjoy immediate proximity to a variety of conveniences including convenience stores, markets, and department stores, as well as direct connections to the airport and various downtown areas through easily accessible public transportation. 

 

Morning meditation sessions are available, allowing guests to immerse themselves in mindfulness and tranquility at the start of their day.

What meals are included?

Our facility is proud to provide breakfast options that cater to all tastes, from traditional Korean temple-style (vegetarian) meals to familiar Western-style dishes.

 

Breakfasts are prepared at the accommodation. We will provide you with 2 meals (Breakfast and Lunch) a day including the weekend. Unless otherwise stated on your pre-departure information pack.

 

Lunch is provided at the program activity location. At the Soup Kitchen, participants eat what they prepare and serve for the day; at other places, they either have packed lunches or go to nearby restaurants (decided daily after discussion between our team and participants).

 

Meanwhile, please inform us of any allergies you may have or any dietary requirements, so that the team leaders and coordinators are prepared and special arrangements can be made for you.

 

If you wish to eat out or go out for dinners you can budget the cost per meal is around 5 to 10 euros. 

 

Drinking water and traditional Korean tea is also included.

What can I do in my free time?

Monday Afternoon

Explore the neighbourhood and get to know the Jong-ro district with us. You will visit either Gyeongbokgung or Jongmyo Shrine and will experience both the modern and traditional sides of Seoul through a city tour of the old town. This journey ensures a deep dive into Korean history and culture.
 

Tuesday ~ Thursday Evening

The visit day, either Tuesday or Thursday evening, will be determined by our local staff's judgment, you will have the opportunity to visit one of Korea's most popular culinary destinations. We'll either explore the bustling Gwangjang traditional market, where you can sample famous snacks like Korean pancakes or raw beef dishes, or stroll through the vibrant streets of Yeonnam-dong, known for its young artists and creative atmosphere. This excursion offers a chance to get to know other volunteers and local coordinators, diving into the heart of Seoul's culinary scene and experiencing the ultimate in local food and culture.

 

Sights & Surroundings

Explore the city with ease! Historical sites, royal palaces, traditional markets, shopping districts, and other attractions are all accessible via local transport. If you venture out, be sure to inform the local team about your plans and keep their contact number handy, just in case.

 

Prefer to stay close? The lively Hongdae district is right nearby, offering a vibrant atmosphere, trendy cafes, and Korea's top youth street—all just a 10-minute walk from your accommodation.

 

For those seeking peace and tranquility, the accommodation also offers various Buddhist cultural experiences, including meditation sessions and even conversations with monks.

 

If you're feeling adventurous, the subway provides quick and convenient access to other popular areas like Gangnam, ensuring you can explore as much of the city as you'd like.

 

Budget Tip: For snacks and weekend activities, we recommend bringing around €80–100 per week, which should be more than sufficient.
 

What facilities will I have access to?

  • Hot shower
  • Airconditioning
  • Heating
  • Fan
  • WiFi 
  • Laundry facilities (extra cost)
  • Bed linen
  • Towels
  • Safety Box

This accommodation is located near the subway station and is walking distance to shops, mini-mart, ATM, supermarket, local restaurants, and coffee shops.

There are many taxis around so you can easily catch one from the main road to reach your destination of choice in the city's centre.

 

There are nice local cafés, convenience stores, supermarkets, pharmacies and restaurants nearby. A beautiful and peaceful place where you can enjoy fresh juices, snacks etc.

 

All necessary amenities can be found in the city, remember we are located in the country’s capital after all!

Transport

Daily Transportation

The transportation costs are not included in the program.  Typically, we take a bus from the accommodation, and the round-trip cost is less than 3 euros per day. The local team will accompany you to ensure smooth transitions and provide insights into navigating Seoul's efficient public transportation system.

Arrival Information

Pick up is on Sundays between 10:00-17:00 from ICN Incheon Airport. Please let us know your arrival details so we can arrange for your coordinator to meet you within the pick up window. The mode of transport to the accommodation is public transport. 

 

If you are already in South Korea and wish to meet your coordintor by land, pick up will be on Sundays between 10:00-17:00, from City Hall Station exit no.2 (Subway line 1,2).

 

Alternatively, please let us know if you wish to make your own way to the accommodation, or will need to arrange an early/late pick up for an extra cost.

 

We'll send you detailed arrival details before your departure.

Secure your spot for only £99 deposit!

PRICES FROM ONLY £629

Apply Now