Japan-Korea Pop
Dates
June 6 – June 21, 2026
Subjects
Cuisine & Culture, Hospitality Management, Pop Culture, Asian Studies
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS Japan-Korea Pop program offers students a multi-destination opportunity to discover the many-faceted images of Japan and Korea to gain insight into the complex and dynamic culture and society of these countries. The program will begin in Korea (7 nights) in Daegu and Seoul, then travel to Japan (7 nights) to Nagoya and Osaka for the remainder of the program. In addition to regular classes, students will experience the vibrant culture of city life and visit educational institutions and historical and cultural sites
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
Osamu Tezuka is known as the godfather of manga who created iconic manga and anime characters, such as Astro Boy and Kimba the White Lion. Explore the childhood home of Tezuka in Takarazuka in Osaka and learn about some of Tezuka’s iconic and obscure works that continue influencing manga and anime today.
Explore more than 500 buildings of a royal palace in Seoul. Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace in Korea built in 1395 and used through 1592. Inside the walls, visit the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum while on the premises.
Visit a street market that is one of the oldest and largest markets in South Korea. Try different types of Korean street food, such as mandu, gimbap, tteokbokki, Korean hot dogs, and hotteok while exploring some of the shops that sell textiles, crafts, kitchenware, souvenirs, and Korean medicinal items.
We visit Nagoya Castle, which dates back over 400 years. During World War II, it was destroyed during bombing and has since undergone reconstruction and repair. Designated as a National Treasure, it features a pair of golden shachihoko (imaginary sea creatures with tiger-like heads) that sit atop of the tower.
What's Included
Program Cost: $3,950 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of your textbooks & materials, passport fees ($165), luggage delivery fees (around $40), one meal per day + personal expenses (approx. $300-$500 depending on your spending/shopping preferences), locker fee at Himeji Station (approx. $6), and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Student Voices
“I really enjoyed being able to travel to Japan and South Korea all in one trip! Getting to experience the culture up close and try new things was very exciting. If I had the choice to do it again I definitely would.”
-Kylie, Japan-Korea Pop
Take Your Education Further
Description
Dates
June 6 – June 21, 2026
Subjects
Cuisine & Culture, Hospitality Management, Pop Culture, Asian Studies
Deadlines
Dec. 1: Apply Early & Save $100
Feb. 5: Regular Deadline
Program Overview
The KIIS Japan-Korea Pop program offers students a multi-destination opportunity to discover the many-faceted images of Japan and Korea to gain insight into the complex and dynamic culture and society of these countries. The program will begin in Korea (7 nights) in Daegu and Seoul, then travel to Japan (7 nights) to Nagoya and Osaka for the remainder of the program. In addition to regular classes, students will experience the vibrant culture of city life and visit educational institutions and historical and cultural sites
Note: Studying abroad likely is more physically strenuous than you are used to at home. KIIS study abroad programs typically involve approx. 5-10 miles of walking (approx. 10,000-20,000 steps) or the like in a day, including the possibility of walking, hiking, and climbing stairs in heat and humidity, over elevations at higher altitudes, and over rocky terrain. See Health & Wellness for more information.
All KIIS course credit is awarded by Western Kentucky University. Prior to your KIIS program, please speak with your home campus academic advisor and/or study abroad office to determine course equivalencies. Grades will be transferred to your home institution in mid-August after the completion of the program. Course offerings are subject to change according to enrollment. For more information, visit Transcripts & Grades.
Program Excursions
Osamu Tezuka is known as the godfather of manga who created iconic manga and anime characters, such as Astro Boy and Kimba the White Lion. Explore the childhood home of Tezuka in Takarazuka in Osaka and learn about some of Tezuka’s iconic and obscure works that continue influencing manga and anime today.
Explore more than 500 buildings of a royal palace in Seoul. Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace in Korea built in 1395 and used through 1592. Inside the walls, visit the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum while on the premises.
Visit a street market that is one of the oldest and largest markets in South Korea. Try different types of Korean street food, such as mandu, gimbap, tteokbokki, Korean hot dogs, and hotteok while exploring some of the shops that sell textiles, crafts, kitchenware, souvenirs, and Korean medicinal items.
We visit Nagoya Castle, which dates back over 400 years. During World War II, it was destroyed during bombing and has since undergone reconstruction and repair. Designated as a National Treasure, it features a pair of golden shachihoko (imaginary sea creatures with tiger-like heads) that sit atop of the tower.
What's Included
Program Cost: $3,950 + airfare
To help you budget, keep in mind that you are responsible for the cost of your textbooks & materials, passport fees ($165), luggage delivery fees (around $40), one meal per day + personal expenses (approx. $300-$500 depending on your spending/shopping preferences), locker fee at Himeji Station (approx. $6), and any fees from your college/university.
Although KIIS tries to foresee all possible expenses in formulating program fees, please note that dramatic fluctuations in foreign currency valuations and/or airline surcharges may affect the total cost of the program.
Student Voices
“I really enjoyed being able to travel to Japan and South Korea all in one trip! Getting to experience the culture up close and try new things was very exciting. If I had the choice to do it again I definitely would.”
-Kylie, Japan-Korea Pop
Take Your Education Further
Additional information
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Term | |
| Subject | Anime & Manga, Asian Studies, Global Hospitality & Cuisine, Popular Culture |
