Overseas Immersion Programme (South Korea)
- Hospitality & Lifestyle
This programme is self-funded and requires a minimum class size of 25.
5 days
(See programme details under Topic/ Structure)
Overview
Through the lenses of regional innovation, technology leadership, cultural capital, and the content economy, participants explore how Korea has successfully integrated digital technologies into key sectors of society and industry. The programme combines academic engagement with faculty from Yonsei University and insights from industry leaders, offering a multidisciplinary perspective on how digital infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and strategic public–private partnerships have driven economic growth and global competitiveness.
Beyond classroom learning, participants gain first-hand exposure through curated industry visits spanning semiconductors, digital transformation, K-beauty, platform businesses, and the creator economy. These experiences illustrate how digital technologies are reshaping value creation, consumer engagement, and business models across diverse industries. The programme also includes selected cultural and community-based experiences to provide participants with a broader understanding of contemporary Korea.
As the digital economy increasingly influences national competitiveness and organisational success, the OIP encourages participants to critically examine Korea’s strategic pathways and identify lessons applicable to their own professional, organisational, and national contexts. Through structured reflection and applied outputs, participants develop a deeper understanding of how digital innovation, technological capability, and cultural influence can be leveraged to create sustainable economic and social impact in an increasingly interconnected world.
*This OIP is a 2-unit elective in the Industry Practice Master of Digital Economy (IPMDE).
Yonsei University, located in Seoul, South Korea, is one of the country's oldest and most prestigious private research institutions. Established in 1885, this elite "SKY" university is globally recognised for its academic excellence, vibrant campus culture in the Sinchon district, and its highly selective Underwood International College, which offers fully English-taught degrees. Blending rich historical tradition with cutting-edge global innovation, Yonsei provides student pathways into South Korea's top industries and a powerful alumni network worldwide.
Learning Objectives
At the end of the programme, participants will be able to:
- Explain South Korea’s innovation system and competitiveness model across government, industry structure, and technology capability-building
- Analyse strategic dynamics shaping the digital economy, including semiconductors/ Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure and geopolitical supply chain considerations
- Evaluate how firms convert culture, design, and intellectual property into scalable global business models (e.g., K-beauty, K-drama, K-pop)
- Apply innovation and transformation lessons from South Korean cases to a professional context via a structured presentation
- Synthesise insights from academic sessions and field visits into an integrated view of digital transformation, branding, and ecosystem orchestration
Topic/Structure
- Expert-led seminars and case discussions with Yonsei faculty and industry speakers
- Guided field learning and executive briefings during industry visits
- Structured reflection prompts connecting observations to workplace practice
- Team-based synthesis and presentation on the final day
| Date | Programme |
15 Sep 2026 7pm - 9pm | Pre-trip Seminar in SMU |
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4 Oct 2026 | Day 0 – Arrival in Seoul |
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5 Oct 2026 | Day 1 – Regional Innovation and Community Engagement |
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6 Oct 2026 | Day 2 – Technology Leadership and Industrial Competitiveness |
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7 Oct 2026 | Day 3 – Technology and Digital Transformation in Consumer Industries |
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8 Oct 2026 | Day 4 – Understanding the K-Pop Industry and Talent Development |
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9 Oct 2026 | Day 5 – Reflection, Knowledge Sharing and Programme Conclusion. |
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Assessment
Assessments are based on a group learning goals sheet, a group presentation, and an individual reflection essay. Grading is on a Pass/ Fail basis.
Fee Table
Course Fee: S$4,717.52 (includes 9% GST)
Eligible IPMDE current learners, as well as IGD and IPMDE alumni, can apply their $3,000 SMU alumni credit toward this OIP
* Please note that this OIP is self-funded, and all programme fees, schedules, itineraries, and business events are subject to change without prior notice
* Course fee covers academic sessions, industry visits, cultural immersion activities, local ground transportation, guide/ coordinator support and some meals
* Flight tickets, remaining meals, travel insurance, VISA, personal expenses, and accommodation are not included and will be borne by participants.
* Participants are advised not to purchase air tickets until a course confirmation email has been received, as the OIP requires a minimum of 25 participants to run.
Intake Information
[Open for Registration]
Pre-trip seminar (On-campus at SMU): 15 Sep 2026
Overseas dates: 4 - 9 Oct 2026
*Registration and payment must be completed by 15 Aug 2026.
