Location

Seoul, Busan, South Korea

Program Description

Information Session:

Recorded Information Session!

The six-credit program will allow students to explore public relations strategies associated with the Korean Wave, specifically focusing on the K-pop and sports industries in Korea. During the three-week program, students will visit locations known for street performances, backgrounds of popular K-dramas, K-movies, and K-pop,  public relations agencies, and global companies like CJ CheilJedang Food and Bio. The program will also include field trips to broadcasting stations, K-pop dance studio, and Korean Film Council. Additionally, students will attend professional soccer and baseball games to experience the culture of professional sports in Korea.

Students will receive the necessary readings and short video lectures for the course ahead of the trip. Faculty directors will use classroom meeting times to remind students about readings and assignment instructions. Students will also be introduced to public relations professionals who work in the entertainment and sports industries. Assignments will primarily involve completing worksheets or creating blog (or vlog) stories while visiting places and meeting people. The final project will consist of case studies focused on either the Korean Wave or Korean sports, based on the experiences and lessons learned in Korea. Most of the time during the program, local tour leaders along with faculty directors, will travel with students. Students will have free time on weekends to explore Seoul and nearby cities on their own.

Tentative Itinerary and Lodging Information.

Location Description

Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, is a dynamic metropolis that encompasses rich historical traditions and cutting-edge modernity. It features historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace, many old Buddhist temples, and very modern architecture such as the Lotte World Tower.

Additionally, Seoul is a global hub for fashion, K-pop, and technology. The city is considered very safe, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence. The public transportation system, including subways and buses, is known for being safe, clean, and efficient, operating until late at night.

Busan is a port city and the second-largest city in South Korea, facing the Pacific Ocean. The city has two major beaches, popular for their scenic coastlines and lively atmosphere. It also boasts cultural sites such as Beomeosa Temple and Gamcheon Cultural Village. The Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) attracts filmmakers and movie stars from around the world every year.

Director

Isaac Woo | woocw@jmu.edu | SCOM

Yufan Sunny Qin | qin2yx@jmu.edu | SCOM

Accommodations

Students will stay at hotels in Seoul and Busan with shared double rooms. The hotels are located in the heart of Seoul’s Myeondong and Insadong area and subway stations are within walking distance. The hotel in Busan is located right in front of the Pacific Ocean. The hotels offer breakfast, free Wi-Fi access, and an on-site gym. There are many restaurants and grocery stores near the hotel.

Students will receive a weekly meal stipend of $100, which will cover approximately 15 meals per week.

More details about accommodations

Additional Items to Consider

Cell phone use is very easy and affordable in South Korea. Students will be provided a USIM card which provides unlimited 4G data during the stay. Students will also be given a transportation card pre-loaded with $100, which can be used for subways, buses, and taxis.

Students are strongly encouraged to take SCOM 260, Introduction to Public Relations, and a Korean language class, though it is not required.

Knowing Korean will be helpful, but one of the faculty directors is fluent in Korean, and a local tour leader will usually travel with students. In addition, quite a few people in Korea understand and speak basic English.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

All classes will be taught in English. No Korean language requirement.  

SCOM 260 is recommended, but not required.

Open to first-years, sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students in all majors.