Study Business Abroad in Asia (South Korea & Japan) August 2025

Dates of Travel: August 2025 (exact dates TBD)

Study Abroad in Asia Program Overview:

Learn about Culture and Business in South Korea and Japan.

The course is an experiential learning and fully immersive experience of the business and cultural environment in South Korea and Japan led by internationally-experienced faculty members from South Korea and Germany.

Cultural components include visits to historic sites, for example, in Tokyo and Seoul. In Tokyo, some of the main cultural sites include the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, the Meiji Shrine, and the Imperial Palace. In Seoul, we will visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Jogyesa Temple, and the historic Bukchon Hanok Village.

The main “doing business” components are visits to government entities, large and mid-sized companies in the manufacturing, retail, and software industries, as well as the Tokyo Stock Exchange, a financial institution, a global accounting firm, and a university. The business visits are with entities well-known to the faculty leads and are intended to give the participants a broad understanding of the business and ethical environment in Japan and South Korea.

Course Information: BUS 345 - Doing Business in Asia (Summer 2025)

Travel Dates: August 2025 (exact dates TBD)

Estimated Cost: $4,950 (includes airfare, lodging, transportation, all breakfasts, museums/excursions, trip and health insurance). Tuition cost is extra, but eligible for financial aid. Potential for Paseka Stipends based on need.

Applications: Please contact Professor Ralf Mehnert-Meland

Eligibility: This trip is open to all MSUM students! Must be able to walk 20,000 steps a day and carry own luggage (up to 50 pounds).

Sample Asia Abroad Itinerary

• Day 1: Departure from Fargo
  Travel: Leave Fargo.
• Day 2: Arrival in Seoul
  Travel: Arrive in Seoul.
  Evening: Check-in at the hotel and rest.
• Day 3: Seoul
  Morning: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace and witness the changing of the guard ceremony.
  Afternoon: Explore Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong for traditional Korean culture and crafts.
  Evening: Visit Dongdaemun Design Plaza and night market.
• Day 4: Seoul
  Morning: Tour the War Memorial of Korea.
  Afternoon: Visit Namsan Seoul Tower and take a cable car ride.
  Evening: Stroll along Cheonggyecheon Stream.
• Day 5: Seoul
  Morning: Explore Changdeokgung Palace and its Secret Garden.
  Afternoon: Visit Myeongdong for shopping and street food.
  Evening: Experience a traditional Korean performance at Nanta Theatre.
• Day 6: Seoul
  Morning: Visit National Museum of Korea.
  Afternoon: Tour Hongdae district for its youthful vibe and street performances.
  Evening: Free time to explore or rest.
• Day 7: Travel to Busan
  Morning: Travel to Busan by KTX (Korea Train Express).
  Afternoon: Visit Haeundae Beach.
  Evening: Explore Gwangalli Beach and view the Gwangan Bridge.
• Day 8: Changwon
  Morning: Travel to Changwon.
  Afternoon: Visit Jinhae-gu, known for its cherry blossom festival (off-season but still a scenic area).
  Evening: Return to Busan and free time.
• Day 9: Busan
  Morning: Visit Gamcheon Culture Village.
  Afternoon: Explore Jagalchi Fish Market.
  Evening: Visit Busan Tower and Yongdusan Park.
• Day 10: Travel to Fukuoka
  Morning: Travel by ferry from Busan to Fukuoka.
  Afternoon: Check-in and explore Ohori Park.
  Evening: Visit Canal City Hakata for shopping and dining.
• Day 11: Fukuoka to Hiroshima
  Morning: Visit Fukuoka Castle Ruins.
  Afternoon: Travel to Hiroshima by Shinkansen (bullet train).
  Evening: Stroll through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
• Day 12: Hiroshima
  Morning: Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Atomic Bomb Dome.
  Afternoon: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and visit Itsukushima Shrine.
  Evening: Return to Hiroshima and explore local cuisine.
• Day 13: Travel to Osaka
  Morning: Travel to Osaka by Shinkansen.
  Afternoon: Visit Osaka Castle.
  Evening: Explore Dotonbori for food and nightlife.
• Day 14: Osaka
  Morning: Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
  Afternoon: Explore Shitennoji Temple.
  Evening: Free time in Namba district.
• Day 15: Travel to Kyoto
  Morning: Travel to Kyoto by train.
  Afternoon: Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion).
  Evening: Explore Gion District.
• Day 16: Kyoto
  Morning: Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine.
  Afternoon: Tour Nijo Castle.
  Evening: Free time for traditional tea houses.
• Day 17: Travel to Tokyo
  Morning: Travel to Tokyo by Shinkansen.
  Afternoon: Visit Asakusa and Senso-ji Temple.
  Evening: Explore Tokyo Skytree.
• Day 18: Tokyo
  Morning: Visit the Tokyo National Museum.
  Afternoon: Explore Harajuku and Meiji Shrine.
  Evening: Walk through Shibuya Crossing and visit Shibuya Sky.
• Day 19: Tsukiji Outer Market
  Morning: Visit Tsukiji Outer Market.
  Afternoon: Tour Imperial Palace East Gardens.
  Evening: Free time for shopping or exploring districts like Akihabara.
• Day 20: Departure from Tokyo
  Morning: Last-minute sightseeing or shopping.
  Afternoon: Depart from Tokyo to Fargo.

For more information, please contact:

Ralf Mehnert-Meland is a professor at the Paseka School of Business and teaches courses in business law, personal finance, entrepreneurship, and related topics. He has worked in global executive and management positions in the United States and his native Germany. Ralf has visited over 90 countries on his personal and business travels.

Ralf strongly believes in the transformative experience this study-abroad opportunity brings to all travelers.