2027 S. Korea Tour
FWYSO is going on tour! In the summer of 2027, FWYSO will travel to S. Korea for a ten-day tour, visiting and performing in two cities.
WHEN
July 19–August 3, 2027
The tour will be visited and perform in two cities in Korea— Jun Joo and Uhlsan (We will visit Seoul too).
Rehearsals will be held at FWYSO Academy (33320 Pacific Hwy S #108, Federal Way, WA 98003).
FACULTY
Coming soon!
EXPECTATIONS FOR ORCHESTRA MEMBERS
On tour, our group will consist of up to 30 members. Orchestra members are expected to be punctual, maintain cleanliness in their areas (including on the airplane, bus, hotel or host family’s rooms, rehearsals, and dressing rooms), and contribute positively to the success of the tour. Key responsibilities include personal grooming, taking care of their instruments, music stands, and music, and being respectful roommates and tour participants.
The use of alcohol, recreational drugs, or illegal substances is strictly prohibited for all orchestra members, regardless of local legal age restrictions. We adhere to Washington State laws during the tour. Additionally, any form of bullying, harassment, intimidation, or discrimination will not be tolerated. As guests in various hotels or host family, concert venues, and communities, we expect everyone to represent FWYSO, Washington State, and the United States with respect and appropriate manners.
Apply
Application fee: $30
Piano & Harp Musicians: Before applying, contact Dr. Kong (Executive Director) at [email protected]
APPLICATION PROCESS
All new students who have not participated in FWYSO must submit a video audition. Audition videos should include a solo piece or excerpt of your choice, up to three minutes long. Videos should be submitted as unlisted YouTube videos.
Non-FWYSO students must submit a video audition. Audition videos should include a solo piece or excerpt of your choice, up to three minutes long. Videos should be submitted as unlisted Youtube videos.
PARENT/GUARDIAN CHAPERONES
Once a student is accepted to the tour, parents/guardians will be able to indicate interest in being a parent chaperone on the enrollment form provided after an application has been accepted into the tour. Please note that chaperones will also be required to pay the same tuition amount as students.
Eligibility
To participate in FWYSO’s 2027 Korea Tour, applicants must meet the following criteria.
Key Dates & Timeline
TUITION RATES
$4,000
Tuition payments will be due on the 15th of each month, October 15, 2026 *through May 2027.
TUITION PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Tuition payments will be due on the 15th of each month, October 2026 through May 2027.
Minimum tuition payment of at least $1,700 is due by January 15, 2027.
Full tuition payment of $4,000 is due by May 15, 2027. If you do not pay by this date, you may not be able to participate in the tour.
FWYSO reserves the right to charge the credit card on file for an outstanding tuition balance after these deadlines.
If you decide to cancel your participation in the tour, you will owe any outstanding tuition balance based on FWYSO’s cancellation refund policy (located in the FAQs tab on this page).
Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns about your tuition payments. We’re here to help!
INCLUDED IN TUITION
Your experience will include:
Repertoire information coming soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your cancellation policy if I am no longer able to participate in the tour?
If a student is no longer able to participate in the tour after accepting their seat, they will be able to cancel their participation. Cancellations are subject to the below cancellation schedule and fees.*
*Application fee is non-refundable
Is FWYSO using a tour company?
No! It is expensive to hire it. We have experience of touring together. Our host agencies are helping with expenses of stay and meals.
Can my family travel on the tour?
Families can travel with the tour; you have to volunteer as chaperon and help during English camp as assistant following the orchestra’s itinerary.
My family will be in Korea. Can I spend time with them?
Yes, this can be arranged with FWYSO staff if parents sign a waiver beforehand. Musicians can only miss events on non-concert days. They can stay in Korea before or after group tour. Please contact Dr. Kong at [email protected] for a waiver.
Can I fly to Korea separately?
Yes, you can do it. Please contact Dr. Kong at [email protected] for itinerant. If the airfare is different, you have to pay for the differences.
Can I fly back from Korea separately and have my tuition prorated/reduced?
Flights are included within tuition, and the tuition amount cannot be prorated or reduced. However, students may make other return flight arrangements as long as FWYSO is informed before March 15, 2027.
Can I forgo excursions during the tour?
All students are required to participate in excursions as a group. But don’t worry! We will build in downtime for students to relax and rejuvenate.
Do I need to bring my own instrument? How do I pack it? But what if my instrument is too big to bring?!
For violins, violas, trumpets, flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and similar-sized instruments, each musician is expected to bring their own instrument on tour. The instrument must be in a case that is substantial enough to withstand air travel and baggage handlers, as they may be required to check their instrument. At times, smaller instruments can go on board the airplane as a carry-on.
For larger instruments such as cellos, French horns, trombones, tubas, and small percussion, we will work with our tour company and the airline to have special loading options or rental options. This generally works well at SeaTac but is not always as predictable on the return trip. Having a standard hard-shell instrument case typically works well.
For cello, string bass, timpani, larger percussion, harp, and piano, we will make arrangements to rent them in Korea. There will not be an additional fee for the orchestra member in these cases. Cello and Bass players will need to take their own bow in a hard-shell case.
We will have instrument packing instructions a few weeks prior to departure.
How much money should musicians bring for daily expenses?
Students should bring extra money for souvenirs, snacks, and general spending. These experiences can offer a unique glimpse into the local culture. We recommend checking out grocery stores, markets, food stands, and delis, which often have a wide variety of lunch options. Exploring these spots can be both delicious and educational. If you’re looking for recommendations on cafes or restaurants, our coaches will be there to help! Budgeting around $20-50 per day for lunch and snacks is a good guideline.
When it comes to souvenirs, keep in mind the size, weight, and fragility of the items you choose, as these factors will affect how easy they are to pack and bring home. While it’s possible to mail or ship items home, it can be expensive, and all items must meet U.S. Customs requirements.
What form of money should I bring?
We recommend using a combination of Korean Won (₩) and debit/credit cards for payments during your trip.
Currency Exchange: U.S. dollars are not accepted as currency in Korea. If you’d like to exchange currency before departure, check with your local bank, AAA, or visit Travelex.com, as exchange rates and fees can vary. Be aware that while currency exchange is available at SeaTac or Seoul airport, the rates may be less favorable.
Debit/Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Korea, however, many small shops and ryokans prefer cash. Both American Express (Amex) and Discover are not welcomed in Korea. While acceptance is strong in cities like Seoul , Jun Joo, or Uhlsan, it is less consistent in rural areas, making it necessary to carry cash or a backup Visa/Mastercard. To avoid any issues with your cards being frozen due to suspected fraud, we recommend notifying your bank of your travel plans before you leave. Also, ensure your card has a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and test it at an ATM before departure to confirm you can withdraw cash if needed.
Traveler’s Checks: We do not recommend using traveler’s checks, as they can be difficult to cash.
Should I get travel insurance?
Travel insurance is highly recommended, though not required. It can cover trip cancellations, health issues, and other contingencies. Instruments should be insured under your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. While not required, please note that SYSO is not responsible for damaged or stolen instruments.
What kind of travel documents are required to travel on the tour?
All tour members must have a current passport valid for at least six months beyond our return date. Our anticipated return date is August 3, 2027, so passports must be valid through February 3, 2027. No visas are required for U.S. citizens for stays less than 90 days in Korea.
What safety measures is FWYSO taking for the tour?
Chaperones play an essential role in our tour structure, typically overseeing groups of about ten orchestra members each. We will conduct frequent daily checks to ensure that all tour members are healthy, accounted for, and on schedule. During free time, orchestra members are required to be with either a designated tour adult or travel in groups of three or more. In the evenings, all members are typically required to remain at the hotel unless participating in a supervised special event. At night, there will be a curfew after which orchestra members must stay in their rooms.
What if I have food allergies, medical conditions, or need health support?
FWYSO staff have experience accommodating individuals with life-threatening allergies, specific dietary needs, and other health conditions to ensure a successful tour. All medical and health-related information is kept confidential. For those with dietary requirements, we work closely with students to coordinate special requests with airlines and restaurants. While in Korea, the FWYSO staff will assist with these arrangements.
What common medications are banned in Korea?
Many common US over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are banned or strictly restricted in Japan, particularly those containing stimulants, pseudoephedrine, or codeine. Commonly banned items include Sudafed, Adderall, Vicks inhalers, and many OTC cold medicines like NyQuil, Actifed, or Advil Cold & Sinus. Importing stimulants or exceeding allowed, small quantities of psychotropics can lead to arrest and deportation.
What about parent/guardian chaperones? How many will there be, and what will they do?
We welcome parent/guardian chaperones to join our tours. An interview process is typically required and we’d like to include six to seven chaperones. The tour fee for chaperones is the same as for orchestra members.
Chaperone responsibilities will include monitoring the health and safety of orchestra members, supervising, guiding, and supporting both structured and unstructured activities, and participating in the daily routine. Chaperones also stay their own hotel with own expenses.
We expect chaperones to model appropriate behavior by being punctual, assisting with daily activities, and fulfilling related duties. Some light responsibilities during rehearsals and concerts may also be required. Chaperones will also have some free time for independent exploration and shopping during English camp.
Tuition at FWYSO
Many of FWYSO’s programs are tuition-based. Tuition, alongside grants, individual donations, sponsorships, and other revenue sources, helps to cover the expenses of running programs, allowing FWYSO to provide life-changing experiences for young musicians.
FWYSO is committed to creating accessible opportunities for all students. Learn more about our tuition assistance opportunities and our rehearsal assistance discount below.
Paying Tuition
After enrollment in a program, families will receive an invoice via the primary email address on file approximately 1-2 weeks before the first payment due date, and can use the payment links below to pay their musician’s tuition costs.
Please do not attempt to pay for your musician’s tuition until you receive your official tuition invoice. Payment links will go live on that date, and all information will be included in your invoice. Additionally, invoices will be customized to your student’s tuition rates, including any potential discounts for which you may qualify.
FWYSO is going on tour! In the summer of 2027, FWYSO will travel to S. Korea for a ten-day tour, visiting and performing in two cities.
WHEN
July 19–August 3, 2027
- Monday, July 19–Friday, July 22, 2027: Pre-tour rehearsals
Monday, July 19, 2027, 6 pm–9 pm
Tuesday, July 20–Wednesday, 21, 9 am–5 pm
Thursday, July 22, 2 pm until end of concert - Thursday, July 22, 2027, 5 pm: Pre-tour concert for parents
- Friday, July 23–Monday, August 3, 2027: FYWSO on tour in S. Korea
The tour will be visited and perform in two cities in Korea— Jun Joo and Uhlsan (We will visit Seoul too).
Rehearsals will be held at FWYSO Academy (33320 Pacific Hwy S #108, Federal Way, WA 98003).
FACULTY
Coming soon!
EXPECTATIONS FOR ORCHESTRA MEMBERS
On tour, our group will consist of up to 30 members. Orchestra members are expected to be punctual, maintain cleanliness in their areas (including on the airplane, bus, hotel or host family’s rooms, rehearsals, and dressing rooms), and contribute positively to the success of the tour. Key responsibilities include personal grooming, taking care of their instruments, music stands, and music, and being respectful roommates and tour participants.
The use of alcohol, recreational drugs, or illegal substances is strictly prohibited for all orchestra members, regardless of local legal age restrictions. We adhere to Washington State laws during the tour. Additionally, any form of bullying, harassment, intimidation, or discrimination will not be tolerated. As guests in various hotels or host family, concert venues, and communities, we expect everyone to represent FWYSO, Washington State, and the United States with respect and appropriate manners.
Apply
Application fee: $30
Piano & Harp Musicians: Before applying, contact Dr. Kong (Executive Director) at [email protected]
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Submit your application
- Video submission requirements if you are not FWYSO member:
All new students who have not participated in FWYSO must submit a video audition. Audition videos should include a solo piece or excerpt of your choice, up to three minutes long. Videos should be submitted as unlisted YouTube videos.
Non-FWYSO students must submit a video audition. Audition videos should include a solo piece or excerpt of your choice, up to three minutes long. Videos should be submitted as unlisted Youtube videos.
PARENT/GUARDIAN CHAPERONES
Once a student is accepted to the tour, parents/guardians will be able to indicate interest in being a parent chaperone on the enrollment form provided after an application has been accepted into the tour. Please note that chaperones will also be required to pay the same tuition amount as students.
Eligibility
To participate in FWYSO’s 2027 Korea Tour, applicants must meet the following criteria.
- Advanced strings, winds, brass, percussion, harp*, and piano* musicians
- At least 13 years of age by July 24, 2027
- Alumni under the age of 23 as of July 24, 2027
Key Dates & Timeline
- September 10, 2026 – Application opens
- September 24, 2026 – Review of applications begins
- October 1, 2026 – Acceptance letters begin to be sent
- October 15, 2026 – First tuition payment due*
- May 15, 2027 – Final tuition payment due*
- Monday, July 19–Friday, July 22, 2027: Pre-tour rehearsals @ FWYSO Academy
- July 22, 2027 – Rehearsal & Pre-tour concert for families
2–6 pm: Dress rehearsal
6:30 pm: Farewell concert - Friday, July 23–Monday, August 3, 2027: FYWSO on tour in S. Korea
TUITION RATES
$4,000
Tuition payments will be due on the 15th of each month, October 15, 2026 *through May 2027.
TUITION PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Tuition payments will be due on the 15th of each month, October 2026 through May 2027.
Minimum tuition payment of at least $1,700 is due by January 15, 2027.
Full tuition payment of $4,000 is due by May 15, 2027. If you do not pay by this date, you may not be able to participate in the tour.
FWYSO reserves the right to charge the credit card on file for an outstanding tuition balance after these deadlines.
If you decide to cancel your participation in the tour, you will owe any outstanding tuition balance based on FWYSO’s cancellation refund policy (located in the FAQs tab on this page).
Please contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns about your tuition payments. We’re here to help!
INCLUDED IN TUITION
Your experience will include:
- Full orchestra rehearsals and a pre-tour concert before departing
- Sectionals with local professional music coaches
- 9-day tour to two cities in Korea, including Jun Joo and Uhlsan
- Roundtrip airfare
- Host home (typically two people in a house or a room, separate beds)
- Breakfast and dinners, and most lunches during English camp
- Local tours with peer group, including entry fees to local museums associated with the guided tours
- Local transport by tour bus(es) and public transit
- Two concerts in two different cities
- Sightseeing, excursions, and opportunities to explore
- English camp activities with local students
- Some lunches and snacks
- Cost of passport (visas typically not required, there may be exceptions for those who are not U.S. citizens)
- Travel insurance (highly recommended but not required)
- Instrument insurance
- Fees for oversized/overweight luggage
Repertoire information coming soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your cancellation policy if I am no longer able to participate in the tour?
If a student is no longer able to participate in the tour after accepting their seat, they will be able to cancel their participation. Cancellations are subject to the below cancellation schedule and fees.*
- Before January 15, 2027 Payments refundable
- By January 15, 2027: Payments refunded, except for $500
- By March 15, 2027: Payments refunded, except for $1,000
- By April 15, 2027: Payments refunded, except for $2,000
- By May 15, 2027: Payments refunded, except for $2,500
- After May 15, 2027: No refund available
*Application fee is non-refundable
Is FWYSO using a tour company?
No! It is expensive to hire it. We have experience of touring together. Our host agencies are helping with expenses of stay and meals.
Can my family travel on the tour?
Families can travel with the tour; you have to volunteer as chaperon and help during English camp as assistant following the orchestra’s itinerary.
My family will be in Korea. Can I spend time with them?
Yes, this can be arranged with FWYSO staff if parents sign a waiver beforehand. Musicians can only miss events on non-concert days. They can stay in Korea before or after group tour. Please contact Dr. Kong at [email protected] for a waiver.
Can I fly to Korea separately?
Yes, you can do it. Please contact Dr. Kong at [email protected] for itinerant. If the airfare is different, you have to pay for the differences.
Can I fly back from Korea separately and have my tuition prorated/reduced?
Flights are included within tuition, and the tuition amount cannot be prorated or reduced. However, students may make other return flight arrangements as long as FWYSO is informed before March 15, 2027.
Can I forgo excursions during the tour?
All students are required to participate in excursions as a group. But don’t worry! We will build in downtime for students to relax and rejuvenate.
Do I need to bring my own instrument? How do I pack it? But what if my instrument is too big to bring?!
For violins, violas, trumpets, flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and similar-sized instruments, each musician is expected to bring their own instrument on tour. The instrument must be in a case that is substantial enough to withstand air travel and baggage handlers, as they may be required to check their instrument. At times, smaller instruments can go on board the airplane as a carry-on.
For larger instruments such as cellos, French horns, trombones, tubas, and small percussion, we will work with our tour company and the airline to have special loading options or rental options. This generally works well at SeaTac but is not always as predictable on the return trip. Having a standard hard-shell instrument case typically works well.
For cello, string bass, timpani, larger percussion, harp, and piano, we will make arrangements to rent them in Korea. There will not be an additional fee for the orchestra member in these cases. Cello and Bass players will need to take their own bow in a hard-shell case.
We will have instrument packing instructions a few weeks prior to departure.
How much money should musicians bring for daily expenses?
Students should bring extra money for souvenirs, snacks, and general spending. These experiences can offer a unique glimpse into the local culture. We recommend checking out grocery stores, markets, food stands, and delis, which often have a wide variety of lunch options. Exploring these spots can be both delicious and educational. If you’re looking for recommendations on cafes or restaurants, our coaches will be there to help! Budgeting around $20-50 per day for lunch and snacks is a good guideline.
When it comes to souvenirs, keep in mind the size, weight, and fragility of the items you choose, as these factors will affect how easy they are to pack and bring home. While it’s possible to mail or ship items home, it can be expensive, and all items must meet U.S. Customs requirements.
What form of money should I bring?
We recommend using a combination of Korean Won (₩) and debit/credit cards for payments during your trip.
Currency Exchange: U.S. dollars are not accepted as currency in Korea. If you’d like to exchange currency before departure, check with your local bank, AAA, or visit Travelex.com, as exchange rates and fees can vary. Be aware that while currency exchange is available at SeaTac or Seoul airport, the rates may be less favorable.
Debit/Credit Cards: Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Korea, however, many small shops and ryokans prefer cash. Both American Express (Amex) and Discover are not welcomed in Korea. While acceptance is strong in cities like Seoul , Jun Joo, or Uhlsan, it is less consistent in rural areas, making it necessary to carry cash or a backup Visa/Mastercard. To avoid any issues with your cards being frozen due to suspected fraud, we recommend notifying your bank of your travel plans before you leave. Also, ensure your card has a Personal Identification Number (PIN) and test it at an ATM before departure to confirm you can withdraw cash if needed.
Traveler’s Checks: We do not recommend using traveler’s checks, as they can be difficult to cash.
Should I get travel insurance?
Travel insurance is highly recommended, though not required. It can cover trip cancellations, health issues, and other contingencies. Instruments should be insured under your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. While not required, please note that SYSO is not responsible for damaged or stolen instruments.
What kind of travel documents are required to travel on the tour?
All tour members must have a current passport valid for at least six months beyond our return date. Our anticipated return date is August 3, 2027, so passports must be valid through February 3, 2027. No visas are required for U.S. citizens for stays less than 90 days in Korea.
What safety measures is FWYSO taking for the tour?
Chaperones play an essential role in our tour structure, typically overseeing groups of about ten orchestra members each. We will conduct frequent daily checks to ensure that all tour members are healthy, accounted for, and on schedule. During free time, orchestra members are required to be with either a designated tour adult or travel in groups of three or more. In the evenings, all members are typically required to remain at the hotel unless participating in a supervised special event. At night, there will be a curfew after which orchestra members must stay in their rooms.
What if I have food allergies, medical conditions, or need health support?
FWYSO staff have experience accommodating individuals with life-threatening allergies, specific dietary needs, and other health conditions to ensure a successful tour. All medical and health-related information is kept confidential. For those with dietary requirements, we work closely with students to coordinate special requests with airlines and restaurants. While in Korea, the FWYSO staff will assist with these arrangements.
What common medications are banned in Korea?
Many common US over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications are banned or strictly restricted in Japan, particularly those containing stimulants, pseudoephedrine, or codeine. Commonly banned items include Sudafed, Adderall, Vicks inhalers, and many OTC cold medicines like NyQuil, Actifed, or Advil Cold & Sinus. Importing stimulants or exceeding allowed, small quantities of psychotropics can lead to arrest and deportation.
What about parent/guardian chaperones? How many will there be, and what will they do?
We welcome parent/guardian chaperones to join our tours. An interview process is typically required and we’d like to include six to seven chaperones. The tour fee for chaperones is the same as for orchestra members.
Chaperone responsibilities will include monitoring the health and safety of orchestra members, supervising, guiding, and supporting both structured and unstructured activities, and participating in the daily routine. Chaperones also stay their own hotel with own expenses.
We expect chaperones to model appropriate behavior by being punctual, assisting with daily activities, and fulfilling related duties. Some light responsibilities during rehearsals and concerts may also be required. Chaperones will also have some free time for independent exploration and shopping during English camp.
Tuition at FWYSO
Many of FWYSO’s programs are tuition-based. Tuition, alongside grants, individual donations, sponsorships, and other revenue sources, helps to cover the expenses of running programs, allowing FWYSO to provide life-changing experiences for young musicians.
FWYSO is committed to creating accessible opportunities for all students. Learn more about our tuition assistance opportunities and our rehearsal assistance discount below.
Paying Tuition
After enrollment in a program, families will receive an invoice via the primary email address on file approximately 1-2 weeks before the first payment due date, and can use the payment links below to pay their musician’s tuition costs.
Please do not attempt to pay for your musician’s tuition until you receive your official tuition invoice. Payment links will go live on that date, and all information will be included in your invoice. Additionally, invoices will be customized to your student’s tuition rates, including any potential discounts for which you may qualify.