Roots & Routes
Date TBA | Separate programs for students (grades 7–12) and educators
Why Roots & Routes
Roots & Routes runs as two separate programs — one designed for students in grades 7–12, and one for educators and school administrators. Both offer immersive educational and cultural exchange across Korea, tailored to each group's goals.
KMLA Exchange
Exclusive access to Korea Minjok Leadership Academy, one of Korea's top schools. Experience their world-class education system firsthand.
Cultural Sites
Visit iconic landmarks: Gyeongbokgung Palace, DMZ, temples, traditional villages. Participate in hands-on activities: Hangul calligraphy, traditional crafts, and more. crafts,
Small Groups
Limited to 25 students for personalized attention, meaningful connections, and an intimate learning environment throughout the journey.
Expert Guidance
Led by experienced cultural educators and Korean teachers. Develop cross-cultural communication, adaptability, and global citizenship skills that prepare you for an interconnected world.
What's Included
Round-trip flights, hotels, KMLA dorm stay, and private transportation throughout Korea
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. All entrance fees, workshops, cultural activities, and tours
Experienced cultural educators, Korean teachers, and 24/7 supervision throughout the trip
Program Details
Dates
TBA
Who Can Apply
TBA
Group Size
TBA
Program Cost
TBA
What's Included
Application Process
Online Application
Complete our online form with student information and essay responses.
Virtual Interview
Selected applicants will be invited to a virtual interview with program directors.
Payment Schedule
Security Deposit: $1,000
Submit with your application. Fully refundable if not selected for the program.
Balance Payment: $2,900
Due upon acceptance into the program, along with passport information..
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Fee: A $200 administrative fee applies to all cancellations after acceptance.
Refund Amount:
- Before airline ticket purchase: Full refund of payments made, minus $200 cancellation fee.
- After airline ticket purchase: Full refund minus $200 cancellation fee and any non-refundable airline fees (per airline's cancellation policy).
Note: The $1,000 security deposit is only refundable if you are not selected for the program. Once you accept your spot, all payments are subject to the cancellation policy above.
10-Day Trip Route
Sample Itinerary
Schedule subject to change
Arrival & Seoul City Tour
Friday, April 3 • Seoul
Arrive at Incheon International Airport. Begin Seoul city tour with a visit to Namsan Tower for panoramic city views. Hotel check-in and orientation session with activities to meet fellow participants.
Seoul Historical & Cultural Immersion
Saturday, April 4 • Seoul
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and the National Folk Museum. Explore Insadong for traditional crafts including hanbok try-on and seal carving experiences. Afternoon shopping, then stroll through Bukchon Hanok Village and the Cheonggyecheon stream.
Modern Korea & Cultural Exploration
Sunday, April 5 • Seoul → Hoengseong
Explore the National Museum of Korea to understand Korean history and culture. Visit Lotte Sky (Seoul Sky observation deck) for stunning city views, then head to Gangnam COEX K-pop Square to experience contemporary Korean culture. Evening departure for Minjok Leadership Academy in Gangwon-do.
5-7
Minjok Leadership Academy (KMLA) Exchange
Monday-Wednesday, April 6-8 • Hoengseong (Gangwon-do)
Three-day immersion at one of Korea's most prestigious schools. Experience world-class education and Korean student life:
- •Class observations and academic activities with Korean students
- •Student exchange, peer interactions, and cultural dialogue
- •Campus tours and exploration of state-of-the-art facilities
- •Leadership and global citizenship workshops
- •Farewell ceremony and reflections on the exchange experience
UNESCO Heritage & Korean Independence
Wednesday, April 8 • Yeoju → Cheonan → Gyeongju
Visit Yeoju Sejong Royal Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site honoring King Sejong the Great, creator of Hangul. Travel to Cheonan to explore the Independence Hall of Korea, learning about Korea's journey to independence and modern democracy. Continue to Gyeongju for evening arrival and cultural orientation.
Ancient Silla Kingdom Experience
Thursday, April 9 • Gyeongju
Full-day in Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom. Explore sites including Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and the royal tombs. Participate in traditional cultural activities and enjoy a unique hanok stay experience, sleeping in a traditional Korean house.
Gyeongju Sites & Return to Incheon
Friday, April 10 • Gyeongju → Incheon
Morning exploration of additional Gyeongju historical sites and cultural landmarks. Travel to Incheon in the afternoon. Evening shopping at Incheon Songdo for last-minute souvenirs and gifts. Group reflection dinner and preparation for departure.
Final Reflections & Departure
Saturday, April 11 • Incheon → Newark
Visit Incheon Immigration Museum to learn about Korean diaspora and immigration history. Program wrap-up session with certificates and group photos. Farewell dinner. Airport check-in at 9:00 PM. Depart Korea and arrive back in Newark, USA (same day due to time difference). Return home with unforgettable memories and global perspectives.
Note: This is a sample itinerary. Specific activities, timing, and locations are subject to change based on weather, availability, and group dynamics.
Past Trips
Select a year below to explore photos and highlights
Summer 2017 — Educator Trip
Our inaugural educator trip brought US teachers and school administrators to Korea for an immersive cultural and educational experience — visiting historic sites, connecting with Korean schools, and building the foundation for ongoing exchange.
What Participants Say
Testimonials and student reflections from educators and participants across the U.S.
"An experience which will be remembered fondly by all participants for a lifetime."
And to learn how to appreciate beauty? I never received a syllabus for that. But from the mountaintops of Korea, I did so much more than just learn. I also lived.
When I visited Korea, I was able to learn more about Korean history during the two weeks than the two years I have been taking the Korean language course.
Instead of learning through books and from others, we learned about Korean culture by experiencing it firsthand. The information stuck and connected more to me than when I learned it through books.
The whole Korea trip experience gave me insight into what Korea is actually like, not from the television screen or other people's opinions.
I met many new friends that I still continue to talk to and I wish that the program was for a longer amount of days.
This memory will forever impact my views and perspective, and always be one of the best memories of my life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule a call to learn more?
Yes, we're happy to answer any questions you have about the program. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with our program director.
Schedule a Free ConsultationHow do I apply?
The application process has two steps:
- Online Application: Complete our online form with student information and essay responses.
- Virtual Interview: Selected applicants will be invited to a virtual interview with our program directors.
Visit the application page for full details and to begin your application.
Do students need to speak Korean?
No! The program is designed to be accessible regardless of Korean language ability. All activities include English support, and Korean language skills are not required.
How is safety ensured?
We maintain a 1:10 chaperone-to-student ratio, provide 24/7 emergency support, use only pre-screened accommodations and transportation, and include comprehensive travel insurance for all participants. Safety is our top priority.
Can my child attend if they've never been to Korea?
Absolutely! Many participants are visiting Korea for the first time. The program is designed to be accessible and enriching whether this is your child's first trip or they've visited before.
Ready to Apply?
Trip dates TBA — be the first to know when applications open.
Questions? Email partnership@edutogether.us