Project Introduction
Share your own massage techniques with your loved ones!
In South Korea, which has some of the longest working hours among OECD countries, many people struggle with accumulated fatigue.
On the subway ride home after work, you can see office workers who, after enduring a day of mental and physical labor, return home with drooping shoulders. These people might be ourselves or our parents, spouses, or friends—people right next to us.
Have you ever felt helpless seeing your loved ones suffering from fatigue and wished you could do something for them?
How wonderful would it be if you could relieve the fatigue of those around you with a massage after work? You can become a remedy for your loved ones' fatigue with a massage therapy you learn over a week. This project is an intensive course on Thai traditional massage. You will attend classes at a campus located in downtown Bangkok and have free time to enjoy life in Bangkok. Bring back the benefits of massage therapy from your travels and share them with your loved ones in Korea!
Project Activities
■ Activity Details
- This project will be conducted over 5 days (a total of 30 hours).
- Classes will be held from Monday to Saturday and can start on any desired date. (Note: Excludes Sundays)
- Classes will be held between 9 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM.
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
9 AM ~ 12 PM Class (3 hours) | No Class | |||||
Lunch Break | ||||||
1 PM ~ 4 PM Class (3 hours) |
■ Traditional Thai Massage
Traditional Thai massage is a form of traditional Thai medicine that helps to relax muscles, improve blood circulation, and remove toxins by applying pressure to the body's acupressure points, known as Sen. Unlike other types of massage, Thai massage does not use oils and is performed while wearing loose, comfortable clothing. This 5-day course includes theoretical lessons on Thai traditional massage to enhance understanding of Thai medical techniques.
Additionally, the course covers important aspects such as precautions during the massage, understanding acupressure points, techniques, and procedures, allowing participants to acquire comprehensive knowledge and skills in Thai massage. The classes involve practical exercises where students work in pairs.
* All participants who complete the project will receive a certificate of completion issued by the local organization.
■ Additional Courses
Oil Massage / Aromatherapy / Infant Massage / Women's Health Massage
After completing the basic course in Thai traditional massage, you can apply for additional courses such as Oil Massage & Aromatherapy, Infant Massage, and Women's Health Massage. Additional fees will apply, so please contact Korea Gap Year (02-318-2553) for more details.
English Requirement ★★☆☆☆
All classes on Thai massage theory and techniques are conducted in English, so a basic level of communication ability to understand explanations and follow instructions is required.
" After working non-stop for 4 years, I took my first month-long break " During this break, while traveling in Thailand, I wanted to experience a project that would enrich me, so I found Gap Year through online search. After dedicating myself to work for 4 years, I felt strongly that I was burning out. Therefore, my goal with the Gap Year was to rejuvenate and find new inspiration through experiences unrelated to work. In the evenings after work, we gathered in the meeting room on the first floor of the accommodation to chat and practice the massage techniques we learned that day. Although communication is primarily in English, the nature of the massage school means that we learn and teach each other more through actions than words, so there's no need to worry about language barriers. |
* Detailed participant reviews can be found on Gap Year Stories (Click).
* More participant reviews can be found at the bottom of the project page under the "Participant Reviews" section.
Support
Local Orientation | Online Orientation | Online Consultation | Certificate of Completion |
KGY Certification | Pre-Departure Care | KGY Consultation | OT Documents |
24hr Emergency Care | Flight Ticket Booking Assistance | Real-Time Consultation Service | KGY Note Book |
Project and Participation Costs | Project Progress and Training |
Not Included
- Round-trip airfare
- Individual travel insurance
- Accommodation and meals during the project period
- Other local expenses
- Round-trip airport transfer
Institution Introduction
The history of Thai Traditional Massage dates back to ancient times, originating from Buddhism in Thailand. Monks who had to maintain the same posture for extended periods performed daily stretching to relieve their muscles, which led to the development of Thai Traditional Massage techniques. This oral tradition of techniques eventually formalized into an educational institution starting with this organization. This organization is now recognized as the leading Thai Traditional Massage school in the world.
The organization began as a Thai Traditional Massage school within a Buddhist temple in the 1950s. Located in Bangkok, this temple was Thailand’s first medical university and is also a place where records related to Thai Traditional Massage are permanently preserved. You can learn Thai Traditional Massage directly from the birthplace of Thai medicine. The institution produces numerous graduates each year from both local and international backgrounds, attracting students of various nationalities.
Location Introduction
Location : Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, with its high-rise buildings, grand palaces, and temples, has established itself as a must-visit city in Southeast Asia. As Thailand's capital, Bangkok is a cultural, artistic, and transportation hub, featuring towering and ornate buildings alongside temples and palaces where you can fully experience Thai Buddhism. It truly is a city where modernity and tradition blend together.
Additionally, wandering through the streets of Khao San Road, meeting other travelers, enjoying Thai cuisine, and getting a relaxing massage will add to the exotic fun of your Bangkok trip. Enjoy your captivating Bangkok adventure with your unique experiences through this project!
1. Khao San Road
Khao San Road has long been a gathering place for backpackers traveling the world. Enjoy barbecue dishes at colorful restaurant lights, and listen to fellow travelers share their stories at guesthouses—it’s a place that truly embodies the dream of free-spirited backpacking. The scene of street fruit juices, various foods, people with reggae hairstyles, and massage shops makes it the perfect place to enjoy the exotic atmosphere of Thailand.
2. Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew, famous for its mystical emerald Buddha statue, is a must-visit Buddhist temple for all tourists coming to Bangkok. In Thailand, a country deeply rooted in Buddhism, there are hundreds of temples within Bangkok alone. Among them, Wat Phra Kaew stands out as a temple exclusively used for the royal palace and can be considered the finest temple in Thailand. For those who wish to fully experience the splendor of Thai Buddhism, this temple, with its golden buildings and decorations, comes highly recommended!
3. Chaophraya River
The Chaophraya River, flowing through the heart of Bangkok, once played a crucial role in Thai agriculture and transportation. Although it has largely lost that function, it now offers stunning views to tourists. Enjoy the relaxing experience of taking a ferry along the Chaophraya River, where you can see the city's landmarks, including the royal palace, from a unique perspective. In the evening, you can also enjoy a scenic dinner cruise to experience Bangkok's night view in a charming setting.
- Anyone aged 18 and above
- Anyone who wants to master traditional Thai massage in a short period
- Anyone looking for their own secret to relieve a loved one's fatigue
- Anyone who wants to ease the shoulders of their parents after work
- Anyone who wants to have a meaningful experience while traveling in Bangkok
Schedule and Prices
■ The duration of this project is 5 days.
■ Participation Fee
5 days - 614 USD
* For popular projects, there might be no slots available, so please apply quickly to secure your spot.
■ Early Bird Discount and Urgent Application Information
All gap year projects recommend applying at least 3 months before the project start date due to normal processing procedures and preparation time. Applications should be submitted no later than 2 months before the start date. However, if urgent participation is needed, additional fees for the urgent application service can be paid to expedite the process.
* While we strive to expedite the process, please note that communication with local agencies and confirmation times may still be required. Therefore, participants using the urgent application service must actively cooperate with the Korea Gap Year Operations Team.
** Participants who apply at least 180 days before the start date can receive an Early Bird Discount.
*** The urgent application service can be selected from the options above. For inquiries about the urgent application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
- What We Provide: Automatic application for gap year missions and notes / Complete provision of orientation materials upon confirmation / Additional placement of urgent personnel / Support for document preparation if needed, etc.
* If you have difficulty calculating dates, please refer to Naver Date Calculator >> Naver Date Calculator
** Note: For extremely urgent applications, there may be no slots available due to local circumstances, and the process will proceed according to the gap year refund policy. Additionally, any issues arising from the participant's lack of cooperation are the responsibility of the participant.