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Volunteer opportunities in SOUTH KOREA

Environmental and heritage restoration projects in Busan
Busan          July 10 - July 20, 2013

Volunteer project: Busan is the second biggest city in Korea. It is famous with its port, food and various cultures, because in the past it has been the gate to all different kinds of cultures from abroad. Present and past heritage exist together harmoniously.
This project is held in cooperation with a volunteer center in Haeundae district of Busan in order to promote citizenship through voluntary service. International volunteers in this project will join various events and campaigns to achieve these objectives.

The group of international volunteers will paint the walls of an old train station, which is a historical building in Busan, in order to renovate and decorate it. They will also work on Haeundae beach, a very famous beach in Korea, which also has some environmental issues due to the big number of visitors. The participants will join a campaign and action aiming to preserve the beach.

Language: English

Free time: Participant will have the chance to visit historical places in Busan.

Accommodation: In a community center

Location: Busan

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 18 - 35 years old

                                                                                                         

 

 

Global village project in Munkyeong
Munkyeong, Gyeongbuk          July 18 - July 30, 2013

Volunteer project: Munkyeong is 300 km south of Seoul. It has been an important gateway to Seoul from the southern provinces through the Korean history. Therefore, it has easy access to important neighbor cities rich in heritage sites. Munkyeong has similar social issues like other small cities in Korea, such as depopulation. This causes limited exchange of cultures and social benefits with the outside world, and affects the youth in the city. They have a rare chance to experience foreign cultures and global context during the volunteer project. The international participants will organize a Global village project in cooperation with the middle school in Munkyeong, in order to promote global citizenship.

The volunteers will organize and run the Global village project (Intercultural youth camp) for local youth. This project will have various activities related to the environment, human rights, intercultural understanding through food, costumes, social issues, etc. in order to develop global citizenship among local youth. Participants are required to bring interesting, educational ideas and materials to prepare the project.

Special requirements: Volunteers who are interested in teaching and running the camp with various ideas and experiences, will be highly welcomed.

Language: English

Free time: The volunteers will have the chance to visit historical places in the surroundings.

Accommodation: In the school.

Location: Munkyeong, Gyeongbuk province

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 18 - 35 years old

                                                                                                         

 

 

Renovating houses of disadvantaged seniors and running cultural programs for kids
Hwaseong, Gyeonggi          July 19 - July 29, 2013

Volunteer project: This project is about 50 km away from Seoul, the capital of Korea. The local villages are aging communities and the population is also decreasing. The villages, where the volunteers will work, are unique in Korea in terms of collaboration among local NGOs and companies in order to help financially and physically disadvantaged people. Participants will spread over the Happy virus to local people and kids by voluntary service.

Participants will renovate the houses of elderly seniors who are economically and physically disadvantaged, by changing wall papers, cleaning rooms and facilities. The volunteers will prepare events to get together with the local people. The group will also run the cultural understanding kids camp for 2 days. They may visit interesting places in Seoul and neighboring cities with about 50-80 kids and run the cultural programs for better understanding on different cultures. They may have a chance to visit Hyundai Motors R&D institute which is located in Hwaseong.

Language: English

Free time: Experiencing Korean culture in Gyonggi province and Seoul.

Accommodation: In the community center in the village.

Location: Hwaseong city in Gyeonggi Province

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 19 - 30 years old

                                                                                                         

 

Program for social adaptation of blind kids in Chuncheon
Chuncheon, Gangwon          July 27 - August 9, 2013

Volunteer project: This volunteer project has been organized together with Myung-Jin School since 2001. The school provides special education program for blind students, 8 - 15 years old, living in the area. The main aim of this project is to provide education for both blind and sighted children to better understand each other by experiencing and studying together in an English summer camp.

The volunteers will lead the English summer camp for the children. Volunteers will teach basic level of English, and will organize a talent show in English. The volunteers will have to prepare the decoration of the event place, promote the show and practice the show with the students. Volunteers will play an important role in encouraging and giving confidence to the blind students.

Special requirements: Interest in working with blind students and their development is expected.

Language: English

Free time: Outdoor activities with the children around Chuncheon.

Accommodation: In the school dormitory.

Location: Chuncheon, Gangwon province, 80 km east of Seoul. The area is famous for the beautiful lakes and mountains.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport, Chuncheon Bus terminal (1 hour from Seoul by bus)

Age range: 18 - 35 years old

                                                                                                         

 

The volunteer group Kids camp

Cadip volunteer project review:

"The project I took part in was a whole new experience for me. I have never been to Korea and am glad I had decided to go. I met some really great people and made some great friends. I went all on my own so it was like my very own adventure. I faced some challenges and some uncomfortable situations but overcoming them and finding my own way through them gave me a proud feeling. I felt like even if I am on my own I am confident that I will be fine no matter the situation. It was also nice helping people and then just an act of help can put a priceless smile on their face. I wish I could have helped/done more and made an even greater permanent difference."

Samaher R.,
Cadip volunteer 2012

Kids camp Mother we helped

 

Intercultural learning program for teens
Yeongwol, Gangwon          July 29 - August 10, 2013

Volunteer project: Yeongwol is the cleanest and most nature-oriented province in South Korea. It is about 400 km east of Seoul. The area is surrounded by mountains. This project is organised in cooperation with the Children care center in Yeongwol. Young Korean volunteers are excited to join in the various project activities together with the international volunteers.

The participants will be involved in various intercultural activities. They will also decorate the Children care center applying their own ideas. They will have a fun international party during the project. Any kind of activities and ideas are very welcome, such as traditional cultural activities, sports, games, singing, drawing, educational workshop, etc.

Language: English

Free time: Hiking and swimming in the mountains, and also visiting historical places around.

Accommodation: In the local children center

Arrival note: Participants are requested to arrive 1 day earlier in Korea in order to be able to reach the project site properly.

Location: Yeongwol can be easily accessed from Seoul by express bus; it takes about 3 hours. The project site is safe and well equipped for the activities and the volunteers' stay.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 14 - 17 years old

Extra fee: 200 Euro (airport pickup & drop off service included)

                                                                                                         

 

 

Cultural and education programs for the children of Wando island
Wando, Jeonnam          July 30 - August 12, 2013

Volunteer project: Wando is an island located in the south-west, about 500 km away from Seoul. It has a bridge to the mainland so that people can reach there conveniently by public transportation. Wando is famous with its sea food and beautiful landscapes.

However, Wando faces depopulation issues especially with youth, because their parents consider the better opportunities for education in the bigger cities. International exchange and experience is also rare for the local children. Therefore, this project aims to provide new experiences for the local children and youth with the help of international volunteers through diverse cultural and education programs. The project is run in cooperation with a local children center providing social and educational services for children and youth in Wando.

The volunteers will plan and run activities in two 5-day long cultural camps. There will be 20-30 local children in each camp who don’t speak English well. Any kind of activities and ideas from the participants are very welcome such as cultural activities, sports, games, choir, drawing, educational workshops, etc.

Language: English

Free time: Wando has a beautiful beach and famous tourist sites around, which you will have the chance to visit.

Accommodation: In the local children center

Location: Wando, Jeonnam Province (5 hours 30 mins from Seoul by express bus)

Terminal: Incheon International Airport, Wando bus terminal

Age range: 18 - 35 years old

                                                                                                         

 

Cadip volunteer project review:

"I did my volunteering in Wando Island in South Korea. During the 2 weeks program, I volunteered with about 14 other volunteers who came from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Russia, Germany, Poland, Mexico and South Korea. Our mandate was to organize activities and teach English to the kids who attend the center (where we stayed). This is my first time doing volunteering abroad so I did not know what to expect but it was an amazing and learning experience. To be able to provide my help, knowledge and my time to kids was very rewarding.
          The director and coordination were involved throughout the program. They made sure we were provided with everything we need but they also got involved during the activities which made the kids very happy. The group leaders (2 Korean) were very organized and made a great job. Although they were leaders, they participated in all the housekeeping and never acted as if they were in a ‘superior’ position.
          Overall, the volunteering experience was very memorable and I would do it again anytime."

Anne T.,
Cadip volunteer 2012

On the last day – World Wood Festival - each volunteer with the help of 2 kids had to prepare a dish from their respective country On the last day of the program

 

Support arts and creative projects in Ansan
Ansan, Gyeonggi          August 1 - August 14, 2013

Volunteer project: This project is organized together with an Art Center, located on Sun-gam island by the west coast of Korea. The island is connected to the mainland by a long bridge, so it’s easy to reach. The Center supports creative works and research of domestic and foreign artists through an art residency alongside a wide range of programs and facilities, including art studios, exhibitions, local collaboration, international exchange, education, artwork storage, workshop, and international summer festival. The center likes to communicate with the local community and share the value of art through diverse programs.

The volunteers will assist the artists’ jobs which are mostly installations with various materials such as ceramic tiles, old vessel, wood, videos and pictures. The works will be exhibited to the public in the end.

Special requirements: Interest in art. Should be highly motivated and physically fit.

Language: English

Free time: Island Tour, fishing and picnic at the beach.

Accommodation: Guest-house in the Center

Location: Ansan Si, Gyeonggi Do

Terminal: Incheon International Airport, Sun-gam island (3 hours from Seoul by bus)

Age range: 18 - 35 years old

                                                                                                         

 

 

Support artists and prepare an exhibition in Busan
Busan          August 1 - August 19, 2013

Volunteer project: The volunteer project is organized since 2009 in cooperation with a young artist network in Busan. They are specialized in installation art and are interested in reviving the city through art such as painting, making posters and boards, benches, etc. for non-profit purpose. The works will be exhibited during the Local Art Festival.
The project site is quite unique due to its location. It’s a small village in the very modern city, but located in the mountain, so it has fresh air and nice natural landscapes.

The volunteers will work with the artists on a wall and shops in the village in order to renovate and create new designs. They will also assist with the preparation and running of the exhibition of artists' works, so there will be various manual works required. The artists are excited to work with international volunteers.

Special requirements: Interest in art. Volunteers should be highly motivated and physically fit.

Language: English

Free time: Various tourist sites around the island and Busan.

Accommodation: Rooms in the workshop.

Location: Busan is the second biggest city in Korea, about 400 km south of Seoul.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport, Busan train station (3 hours from Seoul by train)

Age range: 18 - 35 years old

                                                                                                         

 

 

Peace promoting activities with children and support for local farmers in Gangwon province
Hwacheon, Gangwon          August 3 - August 17, 2013

Volunteer project: This volunteer project is organised in cooperation with a local eco farming village in Hwacheon prefecture. The region has been historically related with the Korean War and North Korea issues (due to its proximity to the border), but it's also a very environmentally clean area. The county wants to promote the region as a memorial place for peace and as a healthy region with rice and vegetable growing. Participants will offer assistance in the Children Peace Camp and will join the farming activities with local farmers. This will contribute to the local empowerment despite the depopulation of the region.

The volunteers will join in "Life and Peace Camp" and will organize activities for children such as peace education, intercultural learning and outdoor activities. They will build tents in the forest and enjoy nature together. This project is focused on promoting nature and peaceful living in harmony with people and nature.
The group will also help local farmers in the vegetable fields to pick vegetables. The volunteers will experience various local cultures and the daily life in Korea. They may also join the local summer festival.

Special requirements: Interest in peace and agriculture.

Language: English

Free time: Visiting historical and cultural places such as DMZ; visiting lakes nearby.

Accommodation: In the local community center.

Location: Hwacheon Gun, Gangwon Do, 100 km east of Seoul.

Terminal: Incheon International Airport, Chunchoen train station (2 hours from Seoul by bus)

Age range: 18 - 35 years old

                                                                                                         

 

Nature experience and intercultural understanding program for teens
Gokseong, Jeonnam          August 3 - August 12, 2013

Volunteer project: Gokseong is about 300 km south of Seoul. It is easily accessed from the capital by train and express bus, and it takes about 3 hours to get there. It is famous as a clean and healthy region in Korea.
This project is held in cooperation with a local alternative middle school. The school is aimed at peaceful and eco-friendly life, independent living and understanding of different cultures. The volunteer project is also based on these philosophies.

There will be various activities such as cycling, hiking along the river, swimming in the valley, picking fruits and cooking. The activities will be mostly based on experiencing nature and understanding different cultures. The volunteers will also get involved in voluntary service in the area.

Language: English

Free time: The volunteers will have the chance to visit historical places around.

Accommodation: In the school dormitory

Arrival note: Participants are requested to arrive 1 day earlier in Korea in order to be able to reach the project site properly.

Location: Gokseong, Jeonnam province

Terminal: Incheon International Airport, Gwangju train station

Age range: 14 - 17 years old

Extra fee: 200 Euro (airport pickup & drop off service included)

                                                                                                         

 

 

Preserving the traditional culture and heritage in the historic Yangdong Village
Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk          August 5 - August 16, 2013

Volunteer project: Yangdong village, founded in the 14th-15th century, is a traditional village from the Joseon Dynasty and is one of the most representative historic clan villages in the Republic of Korea. The village is located in Gangdong-myeon, 16 km northeast of Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, along the Hyeongsan River and just south of Mt. Seolchang. Its layout and location reflect the distinctive aristocratic Confucian culture of the early part of the Joseon Dynasty. The village was listed as UNESCO World Heritage site, together with Hahoe Village, in 2010.

The village has put a lot of efforts to preserve its traditions and heritage and promote its value to visitors and general public. However, they are looking for help from international volunteers because most of the village residents are seniors. The project participants will run the World heritage awareness education program for visitors and local children. They will also help local people in their farming work.

The volunteers will prepare and organize the World heritage awareness program based on non-formal education for visitors and local children. They will also run Facebook page for the village, so that they could promote the village and its heritage.

Special requirements: Participants should be interested in education and awareness work, as well as online promotion. Your experience and ideas are very welcome.

Language: English

Free time: Visiting the nearby Gyeongju city, which is a very famous historical city in Korea.

Accommodation: In the community center in town.

Location: Gyeongju Si

Terminal: Gyeongju KTX train station (3 hours from Seoul KTX station)

Age range: 18 - 35 years old

                                                                                                         

 

 

Organizing a summer camp for disadvantaged children
Yeongwol, Gangwon          August 10 - August 24, 2013

Volunteer project: Yeongwol is the cleanest and most nature-oriented province in Korea. It is about 400 km east of Seoul. This area is surrounded by mountains. Local young people have rare opportunities to experience different cultures from abroad. Korean volunteers are excited to join in the various voluntary service activities together with the international group. This project is organised in cooperation with children care centers in Yeongwol. There will be a big summer camp for children (8-15 years old) who are economically disadvantaged. The international participants will assist this summer camp and will also run a few sessions.

The volunteers will assist the preparation and operation of the summer camp and also organize a few sessions applying their own ideas and being responsible for the activities. The project site has various equipments and facilities for outdoor and indoor activities, so that any ideas for the youth camp will be welcomed.

Special requirements: Applicants who are experienced in any kind of youth camp or camping are highly welcomed.

Language: English

Free time: Participants will have the chance to visit historical places around.

Accommodation: In the youth center

Location: Yeongwol, Gangwon province

Terminal: Incheon International Airport

Age range: 18 - 35 years old

                                                                                                         

 

 

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