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Au Pair in South Korea: Guided tour
Are you considering Asia as your next Au Pair adventure? Then, South Korea should definitely be at the top of your list! Known for its diverse nature, rich cultural heritage, and cutting-edge modernity, South Korea offers a lot of fun experiences for any Au Pair. It’s also one of the safest countries to explore, making it perfect for solo trips, outings with your Host Kids, or group trips with fellow Au Pairs.
If you’re ready to discover this country, check out our Au Pair guide written for all South Korea enthusiasts.
South Korea is located in East Asia and occupies the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, surrounded by the Yellow Sea on the west and the Sea of Japan on the east. With a population of around 52 million, South Korea is known for its unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation. During your
Au Pair stay in South Korea, you will get a chance to explore the country’s fascinating cities, wander through historic palaces, visit bustling markets, and relax in serene Buddhist temples. Whether you're attending a K-pop show, experiencing the magic of cherry blossoms, or bonding with your
Host Family over cultural traditions, South Korea is an amazing
destination for any Au Pair.
Au Pair in Seoul
As an Au Pair in Seoul, you’ll have countless opportunities to explore the
city and its surroundings, whether you're with your
Host Kids or fellow Au Pair friends. Start with a visit to
Gyeongbokgung Palace or
Changdeokgung Palace, where you can dress in traditional hanbok and learn about Korea’s rich history.
If you are spending a day with your Host Kids, head to
Lotte World, a massive indoor amusement park that works the whole year and will definitely leave both you and your Host Kids happy and excited. If the weather is fine, particularly in spring or early autumn, visit
Seoul Children’s Grand Park, which has a zoo, numerous playgrounds, and beautiful trails. Here, you and your Host Kids can
play some sports or just have a nice picnic.
Seoul Forest is another great location for outdoor adventures. There you can rent bikes and visit the deer enclosure.
If you’re planning to spend your
free time with your new Au Pair friends, explore
Bukchon Hanok Village. This place is known for its charming traditional houses and
photo-worthy views. In the evening you can dive into the bustling streets of
Hongdae district, famous for its street art, live performances, and cute fashion
shops.
If you are a nature lover, you have to plan a day trip to Bukhansan National Park. There you will have a chance to enjoy a scenic hike after just a short ride from the city centre. Afterwards, we recommend relaxing in a cozy cafe or experiencing a traditional jimjilbang (Korean spa).
Seoul
Au Pair in Busan
Busan, South Korea’s coastal gem and the second largest city, offers a lot of exciting activities and mouthwatering food to enjoy with your Host Family or friends. You can spend a
weekend by the water at the
Haeundae Beach building sandcastles with the kids, or taking a ride on
the Sky Capsule to enjoy breathtaking ocean views. Another location for coastal fun is
Gwangalli Beach, famous for its stunning views of the
Gwangan Bridge, which is illuminated at night. You can also spend some quiet time enjoying cosy beachfront cafés with a cup of ice americano - the most popular drink among young Koreans.
Busan is a food lover’s paradise, so don’t miss trying its delicacies. Ask your
Host Family to take you to a local market, for example,
Bupyeong Kkangtong Market, where you can enjoy some delicious street food such as sweet
hotteok pancakes filled with nuts and cinnamon or
eomuk (fish cakes), a Busan street food staple. Don’t miss
Jagalchi Fish Market, Korea’s largest seafood market, where you can pick fresh seafood and have it cooked on-site — perfect activity for a group outing with your Au Pair friends.
If you are looking for a fun activity with your Host Kids, head to
Busan Sea Life Aquarium or
Samnak Ecological Park. For
cultural adventures, take a walk through the streets of
Gamcheon Culture Village, or hike
Taejongdae for great selfie spots. After an exciting day off, relax in
the Spa Land, and don’t forget to try delicious
milmyeon (cold noodles) and sizzling Korean barbecue.
Busan
Au Pair in Jeju City
Jeju is considered to be South Korea’s island paradise and the most popular holiday destination in the country. You’ll find plenty to enjoy there whether you are planning to stay there for your whole
Au Pair stay or visit during vacation with your Host Family or Au Pair friends. We recommend visiting the stunning
Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a morning hike. You will enjoy a hike with breathtaking views and have a chance to take some spectacular photos. For more nature, head to
Manjanggul Cave, one of the world’s longest lava tubes, or enjoy the quiet beauty of
Hallim Park, which is known for its gardens, caves, and a small zoo. It is a great place to visit together with your Host Family.
Great places to have fun with your Host Kids are the Teddy Bear Museum and Hello Kitty Island, both fun and interactive spots. If you are a foodie, you shouldn't miss Jeju’s specialties — black pork barbecue, fresh seafood, and hallabong tangerines. You can find them when visiting one of the local markets.
Jeju
Au Pair in Incheon
As an Au Pair in Incheon, South Korea’s vibrant port city, you will definitely find a lot of places to explore on your own or with a
company. If you are a sports enthusiast, visit
Songdo Central Park, where you can ride bicycles or paddle kayaks. Your Host Kids will love a visit to
Incheon Children’s Museum, a fun and educational space that hosts interactive exhibitions.
For a cultural experience, visit Incheon Chinatown. It’s an area filled with colorful murals, traditional shops, and delicious Chinese street food. If you are looking for a nice place to take pictures with your Host Family, don’t miss the Fairy Tale Village, which is located not far from Chinatown and is known as a perfect spot for photoshoots with kids.
Incheon
5 Unique Activities to Try in South Korea
South Korea offers a lot when it comes to its traditional and modern culture. As a bonus, we have prepared a list of activities that you will be able to experience no matter what city you choose for your Au Pair stay:
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Join workshops to learn Korean traditional skills. The most popular ones include pottery workshops, calligraphy classes, or making hanji (traditional paper). These experiences let you create your own hand-made souvenir and connect with Korea’s artistic heritage.
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Experience a Temple Stay. Take part in a temple stay at one of Korea’s Buddhist temples. There you can practice meditation, participate in tea ceremonies, and feel the quietness of a temple life.
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Enjoy Korea’s Seasonal Festivals. Koreans are very proud of their diverse climate that allows people to enjoy four completely different seasons. You can celebrate Korea’s seasons by attending such festivals as the Cherry Blossom Festival in spring, Mud Festival in summer, Lantern Festival in autumn, or Snow Festival during winter.
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Try Hanbok Dress-Up. Rent a hanbok, Korea’s traditional clothing, and take photos in historic locations or just stroll through a city for a cultural experience that mixes history and fun.
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Attend a Korean Cooking Class. Korea’s cuisine is considered to be one of the most popular national cuisines in the world. Learn to make iconic Korean dishes, for example, kimchi or bibimbap. Cooking classes are a great way to get to know Korean flavors, learn some cooking tricks and surprise your Host Kids with their favourite food
If you want to learn more about an Au Pair stay in South Korea, read
this article!