Main Content
A guide to studying in South Korea
Know Before You Go
A. Packing Tips
- Passport (incl. Visa) and any other important documents
- Cash/Low or Zero Transaction Fee ATM or Credit Card
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Bug Spray/ Deodorant
- If you have a specific brand of deodorant that you want, you should bring enough to last you. Though you can find it in Korea, there's not much brand variety.
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Personal hygeine products (esp if you have a specific need in shampoo/conditioner)
- skincare products and sunscreen are ubiquitous in Korea, but you might want to do some research on brands/which one might be right for your skin type. Read the labels carefully!
- Tampons (these are less commonly found)
- Sneakers
- Swimsuit (available, but sizing might be limited)
- Small bag for day trips
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Socks & Underwear
- laundry can be difficult sometimes, so make sure you can get through a week or two - keep in mind, you'll be air drying all of your clothes
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Weather appropriate clothing
- Academic Year fellows have reported being unprepared for the cold winters! Remember to bring your thick jacket and layers
- Bath Towels - Bath towels can be small in Korea, so if you need a big American one, you'll have to bring it with you.
- Thin Robe/Shower Shoes (esp if your size wouldn't be available in Korea) - good idea if you're staying somewhere that has a shared shower facility!
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Waterproof Jacket & Umbrella (can also be bought in Korea)
- esp in the summer, you want to be prepared for hot weather + rain
- Common medications (Advil, Dayquil/Nyquil, a stomach medicine (like Pepto-Bismol) - There are plenty of pharmacies where you can get the equivalent inexpensively, but its good to be prepared. Melatonin in Korea must be prescribed by a doctor.
- Cell Phone
- Summer Clothing
- Gifts for teachers, friends, language exchange partners and/or roommates (Yale swag and local items from your hometown work well!)
- Plug adapters (can also be purchased in Korea)
B. Passport & Visa
Passports are required to enter Korea! For U.S. citizens: you'll need to apply at the post office using your original birth certificate or some proof of citizenship if you were not born in the U.S. More information about applying for a U.S. passport can be found here. Passport processing times can take a while, so budget this into your visa timeline.
- Your passport must have at least one blank page and have six months of validity after your return date in order to be issued a visa.
- When applying for a visa, please ensure that you are applying with the correct documentation for the student visa.
- Defer to your program on any advice or support for applying for a visa to participate.
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Fellows staying in Korea for a longer-term must apply for a visa - do your research to know which one applies to you!
- By the terms of this visa, students must register with the Korean Immigration Bureau (서울출입국관리사무소) within a few days of arriving in Korea. (The consulate will provide more information on this when you pick up your visa)
- More information can be found on the homepage of the Korean Immigration Service.
- The visa navigator is linked here
- Fellows staying long-term must also obtain an Alien Registration Card (외국인등록증) - registering with the Immigration Bureau allows you to obtain it.
Check your visa after receiving it back to make sure all of the information is correct. Mistakes in your visa might lead to delayed entry or even deportation.
Health and Safety
All students traveling while funded by a Yale fellowship are covered under Yale's International SOS policy. A description and resources related to the policy can be found here.
International SOS Group Number: 11B824535
24/7 Emergency Response Center [South Korea number]: +82 (2) 3140 1700
- For less serious illnesses, visit a local clinic - ask a local contact about a good place in their neighborhood or just go to some of the nicer-looking clinics around Sinchon Rotary
- The buildings across the street from Hyundai Department store are packed with great dermatology (피부과), internal medicine (내과), and ENT (이비인후과) clinics
- you'll need your Alien Registration Card, passport, and a bit of time, but once you see a doctor, you'll be treated and given a prescription to fill at a specified pharmacy (약국) nearby
- even without insurance, most routine visits and procedures rarely cost more than 15,000 to 20,000 won
- For routine problems like headaches, stomachaches, diarrhea, muscle aches, cramps, etc, fellows can simply go into a pharmacy and speak with a pharmacist who will then provide the treatment plan/prescription
Getting Settled & Adapting to Life in Korea
A. Getting from Incheon to Sinchon or SNU
Write down or take a screenshot of the address at which you'll be staying in English and Korean. You will need this for customs. If you're not sure, have the address for the office of your program. It's a good idea to find a temporary place to stay in advance while you find housing after arrival.
- When in doubt, ask the knowledgable, multilingual staff at the Transportation Information Counter about which bus to take to your destination, what time to catch it, and from which door to exit the arrivals area, etc.
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You can either take the subway or bus to get into Seoul (but if you have a lot of luggage, the subway is not recommended)
- The subway is the cheapest option, though and navigating the system is relatively straight-forward
- As for the bus ("airport limousine"), if you're heading to Sinchon (Sogang, Yonsei, Ewha), take the 6002 Cheongnyangni bus to Sinchon subway station (신촌역 - 신촌오거리 현대백화점) Cross the rotary underground by entering the subway station and heading toward exit 2/3 (Yonsei) or exit 6 (Sogang). The bus also continues to the Ewha station (이대역) close to the school’s main gate. The trip should take around 60 minutes by bus.
- If you are heading to the Seoul National University area, take the 6003 Seoul National University bus to the last stop, Seoul National University (서울대학교), 90 minutes.
- You can buy a one-time use ticket at the airport, or you can buy a T-card (transportation card) and load it with cash before leaving (Note: you can only re-charge a T-money card using cash)
- You can also take a taxi, but this will be the most expensive option - be sure to grab the white, orange or silver. Black taxis are "luxury" taxis with higher fares.
B. Finding Housing
Housing options for Fellows in Korea are vast, but the responsibility of finding a place to live will fall on you.
1. Arrival Housing - It's wise to wait until you've toured a place to decide and pay for housing. In the meantime, its far easier to find a hotel or hostel for a couple of nights! Research this in advance.
2. Goshitel/Goshiwon (고시텔/고시원)
- Goshitels are small, dorm-like rooms that are independent of any university.
- Rooms are small (think L-Dub), but well-equipped (incl. internet, a small TV, air conditioning, and a mini-fridge)
- It's close quarters, but a way to meet local peers - some students are preparing for college entrance exams, though, so be aware of your noise levels
- Most goshitels do not provide food beyond round-the-clock rice and kimchi, so you'll be responsible for procuring your own meals
- Some rooms include a shower & sink for an additional cost (still below the LF budget)
- some owners don't require the full months rent if you're not there for a full month
- Light Fellows who choose a goshiwon typically do so because of independence and privacy, plus, you save money that you can use to go out for meals or enjoy activities in the city!
- When touring a goshiwon pay attention to: cleanliness, AC/Heat (ask to turn it on and feel!), internet speed, laundry instructions, food provided etc
- Get started on Goshiwons here.
3. Hasukjib (하숙집)
- boarding houses that rent rooms out to students
- typically run by an ajumma who acts as both the landlady and surrogate mother
- Each one has its own set of rules, so be sure to follow them!
- typically larger than their goshitel counterparts, but may not have all the technology
- meals sometimes included in rent, depending (one former LF said that starting his day with a hot breakfast and Korean converation was a great warm-up for his classes)
- more communal and a great way to meet other students and build relationships
- might feel overly personal, but its a great immersive experience!
4. One-rooms (원룸)
- essentially a studio apartment with a bed, kitchen, bathroom and laundry facilities
- really only feasible for a year or so because you'll need to go through a real estate agent (부동산, budongsan) and sign a contract
- contracts are usually 1 year, but some fellows have negotiated for 10 month or 6 month contracts
- deposits are very high and you'll have to pay utilities, internet, etc., the overall cost is substantially higher than other options
- students considering this should think about moving in with a roommate
5. Homestays
- another option is to live with a orean family for a modest monthly fee
- similar to hasukjib in some ways
- often a guest room where you have interactions with host parents and children
- there are websites dedicated to this, or you can ask around your program to see if anyone has a connection to one
6. Dormitories
- SNU language schools offers an "off-campus dormitory" option, which is basically a one-room that you rent through the university
- apply online once you've been accepted into your program
- one advantage is that you'll know exactly where you're going after getting off the place
- located right near the university, about a 15-20 min walk or 5 min bus ride from class
- highly recommend this option! well-equipped and no long contract or huge deposit required
- note: you do have to pay up front for each term that you stay there
7. Air BnBs
- popular option for summer students
- costs vary, typically higher than any local option and not as immersive y any means
- term-time and academic year students are NOT advised to live in air BnBs as it impedes the process for applying for an ARC
C. Opening a Bank Account
If you're a student traveling for summer only, opening an account is basically impossible. If you're a longer term fellow, it is both possible and worthwhile.
- Once you have an ARC card (typically 10 days), you can open a bank account. E-transfer is a common way to pay for things and banks have teamed up with retailers to offer major discounts on some things.
- For foreign students, documentation is key. You'll need a longer-term visa to get an Alien Registration Card, which is necessary for both a bank account and a mobile phone account to which to link it.
- Bring your ARC AND your passport along - you should also have a valid address and phone number
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Do some research on which bank is best for you (ATM location, bank branch location, retail partnerships, online banking, etc.)
- Where possible, ask someone for help, if you can! You'll have to fill out a lot of documentation, so you might need to study up to understand it.
- If you choose Shinhan Bank, you can visit the Shinhan Global Center in Jung-gu for support from staff who speak English and can help
- Banks are usually open until 4pm in Korea - you can usually tell a greeter which category of service you require, and they'll provide you with a ticket
- Expect that you'll be communicating in Korean
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A basic account (계좌) comes with a debit card (체크 카드) and a magnetized account book (통장), both of which the bank will provide to you immediately upon establishing the account
- You choose a PIN (비밀 번호)
- Either allows you to make withdrawals at an ATM, but inserting the account book into the ATM or giving it to a bank clerk for an update will produce an itemized record of transactions involving your account.
- Your bank account also comes with a credit-card sized plastic card with a bunch of variations of pin numbers - you'll need those to wire money, so keep it handy!
- You can also use your debit card as a transport card, instead of getting a transport card which you re-load manually.
- Don't forget to withdraw your money and close the account before you leave
D. Cash, ATMs, and paying for things
- If you're planning on exchanging cash for won, there are a lot of foreign exchange places in myeongdong where you would have better rates than you would at the airport.
- If you're a summer fellow, withdrawing cash from an international ATM is sufficient. Pay attention to fees, though! Some debit cards have high fees for international transactions while others have none. Figure out your fees in advance!
- Credit cards are accepted in some places - if it's possible, don't take a credit card that has foreign transaction fees. One former fellow warned against the discover card, stating that it wasn't accepted in most places
- Note: a T-money card (transportation card) can only be re-filled using cash
- Apple Pay is not common place - do not expect to be using this.
E. Mobile Phone Contract
Life in Korea is impossible without a mobile phone. In order to accept a foreign sim card, your phone needs to be carrier unlocked. (This means it allows multiple carriers to use that phone)
- One former fellow warned against the "LG U+" sim options as they don't allow you to receive verification codes for registering a new kakao talk account / opening a new bank account
- Summer fellows might opt to have a phone with a pre-paid card
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Year-long fellows will inevitably require more sophisticted plans, equipment, and rates available through mobile phone contracts.
- Settle contract bills through auto-pay connected to your bank account or by bringing the bill to your nearest convenience store
- Contracts offer lower rates on calls and texts and in some cases, low-cost international calling
- allows for better, more reliable phones
- You can also look into e-sims if you're using your phone from home - In this case, you may be able to use both sims concurrently. - One former fellow reports that they got a data plan online before arriving at the airport and that was a mistake! If you get your number at the airport, you'll get a +082 area code, which proved to be quite inconvenient. Instead, its better to get a phone number with a 010 area code so that you can use it for text confirmations.
- some students who are in Korea under the age of 19 have reported encountering challenges getting a sim card. Some students choose to get "wifi eggs" which are basically portable WiFi pockets.
- For international calls, you could always turn on the Yale VPN and use your gmail account to make calls to the US for free or use an app like LINE, kakao talk, viber, whatsapp, etc.
- You'll need to bring your passport or ARC card along for registration purposes.
Since most people are using the app "KakaoTalk" to allow for texting and calling, it's useful to have a data plan or WiFi to communicate.
F. Mail
Post offices (우체국) abound in Seoul. Mailing packages is faster and cheaper than in the US and working with the friendly people at the Post Office is a great way to improve your formal Korean.
- Each university has its own post office and bank on campus and the people who work there are typically used to working with students from all over the world
- Like banks, post offices also ask student to take a ticket and wait for the number to appear above a clerk's counter.
- Purchase stationery and packaging supplies at the post office or at nearby stationery stores
- post offices make tape, pens and markers, scissors, and box-cutters freely availble for use at mailing counters
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2 options for mail and packages: regular (일반 우편) and EMS (express delivery)
- Shipping packages by boat (which takes 2-3 months but is much cheaper than EMS) is also an option sending items back to the US; just be sure to tape up packages tightly and insure them if you value the contents
- separate forms for domestic and international packages
- ask a clerk for the right form before getting in line
- Insurance, delivery confirmation, tracking, and other options are all readily available and easy to navigate.
- other parcel delivery services (택배) options are available (DHL, FedEx, Hanjin) - use naver to find out more information
- Getting Mail: ask your landlord about the particular, but it usually comes to the ground floor near the mailboxes
Write addresses when mailing from the largest unit to the smallest unit:
[City] [District] [Neighborhood] [Building and Unit Number]
[Name]
[Zip code]Ex: To give an illustration, a student living in Sogang University’s Arupe Hall would have the address: Student Name, 1-1 Sinsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, 121-742 [Korea].
In Korean, this would become:
[대한민국] 서울시 서대문구 신수동 1동1호
Student Name (귀하우) 121-742
G. Getting around Seoul
1. Subway
- The Subway is easy to navigate - every subway stop is labeled in Korean, English, and Chinese and are announced in both Korean and English
- Check opening and closing times - the metro is not open 24/7
- You can buy a T-money card from any subway station, convenience store, or corner shop - it can be recharged, but it can only be re-charged with cash.
- Swipe your T-money card upon entering and leaving the subway station or bus!
- The cost of the subway is adjusted based on the distance you travel
- be mindful of seats designated for the disabled, elderly, or pregnant people - they're usually a different color than other seats
- its generally a good idea to give up your seat if someone looks like they need a seat more than you
- subway lines are labeled by the important stops, not by their end stops, so pay attention to the direction in which you're going
- consider downloading a subway app or just use Naver Maps
2. Taxis
- Taxis are available at all hours of the day and are cheaper in Korea than in America
- Sometimes drivers might turn you away, depending on where you're going
- You can also use your T-money card to pay for taxis
- Download the Kakao T app for taxis (this is like uber or lyft)
- black taxis are more expensive and are considered "deluxe" - stick to the white, grey, or orange taxis
3. Buses
- Blue buses travel fairly large distances and pass through the central region of Seoul
- Green "village" buses travel within fairly small regions and connect local subway stations
- Red buses connect Seoul with nearby cities and tend to make fewer stops
- Yellow buses connect urban and suburban regions
- Use the "Seoul Bus" or naver apps to check routes and real-time bus locations
- Bus stops are located every few blocks and can be identified by either a booth or a signpost with a picture of a bus, sometimes, they are in the middle of the road
- Bus fees can be paid with either cash or T-money
remember that you'll need to pull the yellow string or push a button to indicate that you want to get off at the next stop! Don't forget to tap your card again before you get off the bus.
- If you wish to travel to distant regions (지방) you can use 고속버스. Major stations include 고속버스터미널, 남부버스터미널, 시외버스터미널 etc.
- Refer to this comprehensive guide on booking bus tickets in Korea
- When you get on, the driver will take half of your ticket - keep the stub! You might need to show it after a rest stop break
H. Laundry
- Don't expect to have a dryer - most people hang their clothes on a clothesline or rack to dry.
- Since you're not using dryer sheets, it's recommended to add fabric softener to your load to keep clothes from getting too stiff.
- For those staying in goshitels or hasukjibs, you'll have access to racks and clotheslines.
- Fellows staying for the year or in an apartment, should consider purchasing their own racks and clothespins from Grand Mart, Daiso or other smaller stores.
- It's important to pay attention to the rain as sudden rain can ruin a batch of clean clothes! You should have a good sense of the weather or be at home while you're drying clothes.
- When all else fails, you can visit a neighborhood laundry or cleaner for dry cleaning services. Some dry cleaners weigh by the kilogram, so they might take a big bag of clothes for far less than the cost in the U.S.
- Be careful of machine drying clothes that you buy in Korea when you get back to the US - the fabric isn't necessarily conducive to this!
I. Weather
- Summer can be extremely hot - hottest days in Korea are known as 복날 (expect high humidity and hot sun)
- be aware of Monsoon season (장마) - which is also for most of the summer : bring rain gear and know that you'll probably get wet. It's a good idea to bring an umbrella everywhere during this time as it will probably rain at unexpected times
- Autumn is the best season! - similar to the east coast, beautiful Fall colors, and a great time to hike - the 오색 trail at 설악산 is well-known and rather easy as long as you stick to the valley
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Winter is cold and sometimes snowy - many fellows say its colder than how it feels in New Haven (boots and a thick coat are a necessity!)
- try hiking Sobaeksan 소백산 or Taebaeksan 태백산, two mountains famous for their snow-covered landscapes in winter. There are also a few ski resorts within 1-2 hours of Seoul.
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Spring is wet with beautiful flowers - check out the cherry blossoms in the Yeouido neighborhood along the Han River
- Explore Boseong County 보성군, famous for its green tea fields.
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Mosquitoes - 모기
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Summer downpours bring pools of dirty rainwater, and pooled water is the perfect breeding ground for blood sucking mosquitoes
- Guard against them proactively or else you'll be kept up by them until October!
- You can use repellant, incense, plug-in sprays, etc. Incense works best if you place it by your window - If you can’t find it, ask for 모기약
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Summer downpours bring pools of dirty rainwater, and pooled water is the perfect breeding ground for blood sucking mosquitoes
Cultural Etiquette
Living in Korea means abiding by Korean household rules and customs. It's a good idea to be familiar on some level with what may appear offensive to friends, family, friends of family, or your hasukjib ajumma!
A. Home Etiquette
- Remove your shoes before entering someone's home - this applies to goshiwon and hasukjib. There's usually an area outside the hallway where you can remove your shoes and place them in a cubby.
- There's usually a separate set of shoes for bathroom/shower facilities.
- There's a complicated system for sorting garbage - Koreans pay for garbage disposal, but recycling is free. So, in order to reduce trash, recyclables (cardboard, glass, metal, and plastics) are all put into separate receptacles. If you don't sort correctly, you can be sure that someone will come along to correct you.
- Depending on where you're staying, you'll have to dispose your food waste in a separate container (usually a container near the sink) - ask your landlord about the trash conventions!
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Toilet paper is commonly available in restrooms, but sometimes you have to pay for it in a vending machine outside the bathroom
- sometimes a bathroom sign will remind you to not flush toilet paper, but instead dispose of it in the garbage can in the bathroom stall.
B. Mealtime Etiquette
- Seniority and age are important - alway swait for the eldest or most senior person at the table to begin eating
- Never fill or refill your own alcoholic drink - your responsibility is to fill and refill your partner's drink
- always receive something with two hands, especially from an elder
- never stick chopsticks or silverware straight up in a bowl during a meal - it resembles an offering to the dead
- In Korea, there's a tradition of seniors treating juniors, so don't be surprised if someone older than you treats you to dinner - you don't have to feel obliged to take it or treat your juniors, though, as the other person will likely understand that you're not used to it
- When groups of friends go out to eat, there's a tradition that people will take turns paying - if you're eating with other students or friends, you'll probably split the bill. Also, plenty of Korean peers are moving toward splitting meals - this is a great topic to ask your teacher or new Korean friends about
C. Appropriate Dress
- Koreans in Seoul are considered VERY well dressed! You'll often see women going out with makeup, heels, and perfect hair. Students should keep in mind that Koreans do dress conservatively - low cut tank tops are especially frowned upon (wear a sweater or a shrug on top!)
- Korean sizes tend to run smaller than US sizes
- Korean laundry machines are rougher on cheap clothing
- If you're looking for larger clothes, Itaewon (이태원) is your best bet (look for signs that say 큰옷). In addition, Dongdaemun (동대문) and Myeongdong (명동) are popular places for Koreans to shop for trendy clothing. In Sinchon, try the Japanese import UNIQLO for decent quality clothes at decent prices.
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Adventurous clothes shoppers should check out 동묘구제 시장, an extremely bizarre market near Korea University. At certain times, vendors lay out enormous tarps on the street and pile up mountains of used clothes that sell for extremely cheap prices.
- If you do this, be sure to wash your clothes thoroughly before wearing - to get the bugs out!
Only in Korea
A. Bangs (Rooms) - 방들
PC bangs, DVD bang, board game bangs, noraebangs 노래방 (karaoke): functional rooms are everywhere!
- Board game bangs are great to go with friends - the loser usually dons an embarassing cap and gets clonked on the head by an oversized air-filled plastic hammer
- Noraebangs 노래방 is a must try for every Korea light fellow! You'll find tons and if you don't have a favorite song, you'll have to find one soon!
B. Bars, Clubs, and Hofs - 술집과 클럽, 호프
- "hof" is a riff on a German word and are beer houses popular with students—you will see many signs that say “fried chicken and hof”
- Hongik Station 홍익역, Sinchon Station 신촌역, and Gangnam Station 강남역 have tons of bars and hofs
- Makgeolli 막걸리 is an unrefined rice wine. The number of Makgeolli houses, rough-and-tumble wooden huts ladling out the cheap countryside liquor and hearty seafood pancakes 해물전 to 운동권, members of Korea's Minjung Democracy Movement in the 1970s and 1980s, but redevelopment in the Anam 안암 and 고대 (short for 고려대) areas has thinned out the numbers somewhat.
- The saying goes "the Yonsei student drinks beer, and the KoDae student drinks 막걸리", so asking a 고대 friend out to 막걸리 and 해물전 (especially on a rainy day) is bound to work out
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Hongdae (홍대), which can be reached on the 2 line at 홍대입구역, is especially famous for the party scene - smoking is not outlawed indoors in Korea, you may find yourself around very uncomfortable levels of smoke.
- Expect prices to be around the 10,000 won range.
- Bring your passport or alien registration card for entry into some venues, but of course be careful not to lose them!
- t’s uncommon to find Korean girls and guys dancing together (they usually prefer to dance with same-sex friends)
- Make sure to wear nice shoes (no sandals!), or you may get turned away!
- There are these cheap jellies you can get at convenience stores for hangover prevention!
C. Saunas & Bathouses - 찜질방과 목욕탕
i. 찜질방
- After paying an entrance fee of around 10,000 won (though cheaper ones charge around 7,000 or 8,000 won), you enter separate sex locker rooms and will likely visit a 목욕탕 first before changing into the 찜질방 uniform
- After donning the 찜질방 uniform, you enter the sauna area (accessible to both men and women) where you will find steam huts, ice rooms, a large floor for resting, and a snack bar
- Some places may offer other amenities for a price, including computer access, exercise facilities, and massage services
- 찜질방 are usually open 24 hours a day, making it convenient to go at your leisure or even stay the night
- Burlap bags or sheets may be available to sit on or help shield your body from the infernal heat
- When you’ve had enough (or when you’re ready to pass out), you can enter a cooler room or re-hydrate with a cold fruit juice or iced green tea, available at the snack bar
- try the 미숫가루, a cold sweet drink made of ground grains and beans, and 식혜, a rice drink so sweet and refreshing it will taste like nectar after a long session sweating
- try the 미역국, a traditional seaweed soup
- If you're feeling tired, you can take a nap on the wooden floor in the center of the sauna, supporting your head with a wooden block.
ii. 목욕탕
- In the same-sex locker room, you remove all of your clothing (yes, you’re naked) and proceed to the public bath area, which is also separated by gender.
- You are required to shower before entering the baths, so bring your own shampoo if you do not want to purchase some inside. (Soap is provided, however.)
- Once inside, you can experiment with any number of hot tubs, cool (or even cold) swimming pools, massaging waterfalls, and aromatherapy tubs
- you can also get a traditional Korean exfoliation, a somewhat brutal scrubbing session. If you’re interested, make sure to inquire about the cost.
If you visit a 찜질방 or 목요탕, beware: thieves WILL capitalize on your carelessness. Patrons often take their smartphones to rest areas and fall asleep reading or listening to music, only to wake up with their phone and earbuds gone forever. Please know that 찜질방 are still perfectly safe and fun, especially if you go with friends. Just secure everything you brought in the locker rooms, and if you sleep, sleep without your things!
D. Online Resources
- http://www.naver.com - This is the most widely used homepage in Korea. Some 60-70% of all Koreans use Naver for search purposes. One of its nice features is its 지식iN search. The Knowledge Search returns user-generated answers to all kinds of questions such as how to cook ramen.
- http://dic.naver.com - This is the address for Naver’s Dictionary, arguably the best online dictionary. The company put in quite a bit of investment to develop it. It features example sentences for Korean words, Korean-English/English-Korean dictionaries, an encyclopedia, a user-generated slang dictionary, etc.
- https://map.kakao.com/?index.jsp - Here’s one of the best maps online (Daum is the second most used search portal site after Naver). You can learn how to take mass transit from one place to another using 대중교통길찾기 (at the top of the site). Inside the map, to the top right, you can access satellite view (스카이뷰) and street view (로드뷰). Before you go anywhere in 경기도, you can check how the place looks from the street. Daum Maps also has a great app for smartphones.
- https://www.gmarket.co.kr/ - GMarket is the most widely used site for online shopping for Koreans, a parallel to Ebay and Amazon for Americans.
- Download NaverApp for a map app as an alternative to Google Maps
- Kakao T - this is an alternative to uber/lyft - you can reserve a taxi and pay through cash, card, or T-money card
- KakaoTalk - a messaging app that everyone uses to message, make calls, and send pictures/videos
- -Yogiyo/배달요기교 (Korean only): Food delivery is huge in Korea, and for good reason--it’s fast, convenient, and free! Although you can have your food delivered simply by calling the restaurant, you can also order your food via apps like Yogiyo. You need to have a phone number to use.
Sightseeing & Exploring
A. Seoul Museums to Visit
- Gyeongbok Palace (경복궁) - main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty (and other palaces: Changdeokgung 창덕궁, Deoksugung 덕수궁)
- Leeum Samsung Art Museum (삼성 미술관 리움) - a must see for anyone interest in Korean culture or history
- Korean Stone Art Museum (우리 옛 돌박물관) - an incredible collection of stone art from throughout Korea's history, especially featuring Buddhist pieces
- The Blue House (청와대) - Until Summer 2022, the active residence and official office of the South Korean president - make reservations before visiting
- The Democracy and Human Rights Memorial Hall (민주 인권 기념관)- A site where dissidents were silenced is now a museum to democracy
- Yi Sang’s House (이상의 집) - Korea's pre-eminent modern artist at the beginning of the 20th century's house before he moved to Tokyo
- Lee Sangbeom’s House (청전 이상범 가옥) - Lee Sangbeom - Korea's leading landscape painter during the Joseon and Japanese occupation periods, maintained and still lived in by his 4th and 5th generation descendants
- National Museum of Modern Art - MMCA (국립 현대 미술관) - features English-language exhibitions of modern art
- Lee Han-Yeol Memorial (이한열 기념관) - this memorial celebrates the life and work of student activist Lee Han-Yeol, whose death helped spark the 1987 Democracy Movement
- Yun Dong-Ju Memorial Hall (윤동주 기념관) - Yun Dong-Ju's old classroom, features the work of Korea's 20th century poet
- National Museum 국립중앙박물관
B. Seoul Places to Visit
- Euljiro Streets (을지로) - trendy area near the heart of Seoul, a mix of traditional and contemporary - at 인사동
- Seoul Forest (서울 숲) - a forest opened in 2005 as part of the government's urban greenery project, sits on the site of the old Joseon king's hunting grounds - now home to a large park, hip coffee shops, and public sports facilities
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Walk Cheonggyecheon (청계천), Gwanghwamun 광화문 and City Hall 시청
- After being buried for decades during Seoul’s industrialization, the government artificially reconstructed the stream in 2005 to offer some nature in the city. Whether you step into the stream and play with the water or lie by the stream taking in the nice sun, it’s a very relaxing place to be and is very popular among Korean couples, especially at night. The stream goes from Jongno, at the center of old Seoul, all the way east past the Great East Gate (동대문). Along the way, you will walk by Namdaemun Market (남대문 시장) and Gwangjang Market (광장 시장), where you can stop to shop or just get a bite to eat. If you’re in the mood for some city scenery, Gwanghwamun 광화문 and City Hall 시청 are great places to go and explore.
- Visit Myeongdong Cathedral (명동성당) - built near the end of the Joseon dynasty, the seat of the Archdiocese of Seoul, and one of the central locations of the Democracy Movement
- Coex Mall (코엑스) - largest underground shopping center in the world - watch a movie at Megabox, or study at Starfield Library (별마당)
- North Seoul Tower at Namsan (남산) - If you are going to make the obligatory visit, do not take the cable car, but walk down the mountain toward Jongno along one of the many footpaths around the tower. There are great views of the city as you descend. The mountain is one of three physical locations mentioned in the country’s national anthem.
- Yeouido (여의도) - A financial district at the center of the city, you can see the National Assembly building, shop at the IFC Mall, or walk down toward Han River to picnic.
- Obligatory Picnic at Han River (한강) - If you enter near the center of the park at the 여의도 area, you can rent a tarp/blanket, get chicken at one of the stands, at the permanent floating store on the river, or order delivery to the designated delivery pickup site near the subway station
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문 디자인 플라자) - get to the top of the structure by climbing up a set of stairs to a small artificially-made grass hill atop the complex with a great view of Seoul
- Apgujeong Rodeo (압구정로데오) -A nice area with good restaurants and shopping malls. The Shinsegae Gangnam (신세계 백화점) store became the single highest grossing department store in the world in 2021, passing Harrods of London
- Samchangdong and Insadong - You can see hanok villages that have been preserved for years as well as shop for modern clothes in a snug area between these traditional houses. You should definitely check out all the palaces (궁궐) when you’re in Korea.
- Amusement Parks - Lotte World (롯데월드) and Everland (에버랜드) are two popular amusement parks in Seoul, with Lotte World being one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world, and Everland being Korea’s largest amusement park. Lotte World and Everland are surprisingly cheap compared to American amusement parks and are most fun when with friends
- Hike Namsan - some light mountain climbing in the center of Seoul
- Bukhansan National Park 북한산국립공원 - for mountain climbers looking for training or more challenging climbs - multiple trails with multiple peaks, including the highest point of elevation in the Seoul Metropolitan area - be sure to bring proper hiking gear, food, water, and some first aid supplies for the climb
- Daehangro 대학로 Arts District
- Dongdaemun 동대문 and Namdaemun 남대문 markets
- Noryangjin Fish Market south of the Han River
- Yeoeuido 여의도 and 63 Building
- Gwanghwamun area 광화문
- Myeongdong 명동
- Jongno 종로, Tapgol Park, 인사동, Samcheongdong 삼청동
- Cheongdong Theater 청동극장
- Seoul Grand Park Zoo 서울동물원 and Children’s Grand Park 어린이 대공원
- Temples (Jogyesa 조계사, Haeinsa 해인사, Songgwangsa 송광사, etc.)
C. Other Activities
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Festivals!
- Boryeong Mud Festival 보령머드축제, held in June at Daecheon Beach in Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do (대천, 보령시, 충청남도)
- If you are into the arts, Korea is a growing culture hub for film and music with festivals in Incheon 인천, Daegu 대구, Jecheon 제천, and Jeongdongjin 정동진
- For your inner child, check out the Muju Firefly Festival 무주반딧불축제.
- Sign up for various activities! - Whether its taking up a cooking class, dance class, etc, it's a great way to make friends and prepare for life after graduating
- If you want discounts on trips and excursions, try www.trazy.com
D. Longer Trips
If you have a weeklong vacation, plan a big trip. It's easy to visit other areas of Korea by bus, train, or plane. Here are some ideas on places to visit:
- Honam 호남 in the Jeolla Province
- Yeongnam 영남 in the Gyeongsang Province
- Gyeongju 경주 - capital of Korea's Silla dynasty, a leading historical site, and home of the oldest astronomical observatory in Asia
- Daejeon 대전
- Gwangju 광주
- Donghae 동해
- Busan 부산 - take KTX or fly to spend a weekend in South Korea's leading port city
- Seoraksan 설악산,
- Jeju-do 제주도
- Gangneung (강릉) - a popular beach destination on the east coast of Korea within 2 hours of Seoul
- Gapyeong (가평) - Rent a pension in the countryside with friends or take a day trip to see Nami Island (남이 섬)
- Suwon 수원
- Chuncheon 춘천 (home of 닭갈비; also known for 남이섬)
- Gyeongju 경주 and Bulguksa 불국사, Seokguram 석굴암, Yeongnam 영남, Daegu 대구, and Donghae 동해 (East Sea)
- Jeonju 전주
- Yeosu 여수
- Paju Book City 파주시
Program Information
Meeting with a language exchange partner in addition to attending class is a great way to learn Korean, make a friend, and learn more about the culture of your community. If your program doesn't include a language tutoring program, start with exploring your hobbies and interests or asking your friends/classmates to introduce you to their Korean friends! Join on-campus organizations or attend Language meet-ups
A. Sogang University
- program is comprised of students from various countries, so speaking with your classmates is all in Korean
- it can get easy to get used to only hanging out with your classmates - you should go out of your way to make Korean friends - sign up for Sogang's language partner program!
- focused largely on speaking practice and covers one lesson over 2 days
- no quizzes, but you must study in advance in order to keep up with class
- Sogang does not arrange field trips for KLEC students, but if you're an Academic Year fellow, you should join any of the school clubs or activities
B. Yonsei University
- well known for its somewhat rigid style of teaching and rote memorization, but fellows come out showing improvement in reading and writing
- If you're learning style is more speaking-centered, I would go with Sogang, whereas if you're looking for extremely intensive, Yonsei
- Criticisms of Yonsei from previous students are that it dents to be a predictable daily structure and some students may not emerge with stronger conversational skills
- recommended for students who needs to have a strong written and reading-based understanding of Korean language program
- lower levels have access to small class field trips and extracurricular activities
- attend and participate in the end of semester show!
C. Ewha University
- while the university is a women's university, the language program is open to everyone
- teachers are known to make an effort to help students outside of the classroom with a balance of all four skills
- Ewha offers some housing on campus, but you need to make sure that you apply early
- A former fellow who participated in both Yonsei and Ewha said "Ewha was more caring and laid back"
- Ewha also has mental health support and resources for students
D. Seoul National University
- has an emphasis on advanced reading and writing, but some former fellows report that is well-rounded, but "probably less rigid/old-fashioned" than Yonsei"
- textbooks have been updated post-pandemic
- upper levels often have opportunities for debate and speech competitions
- Location is unique, it has an actual campus and students can participate in the buddy program - a great way to gain a friend and practice your Korean
E. Pusan National University
- students have access to on-campus housing, a renovated library, and meals in the dining hall included
- extremely immersive experience - students have less exposure to English
F. Sungkyunkwan University
- upper level content courses in-language
- geared towards students with specific research interests
- graduate students and graduating seniors are most likely to succeed in this program
Since programs do not have language pledges, it's integral that you create an immersive experience for yourself. The more you speak Korean outside of class, the more you'll find local friends or opportunities to chat! You'll have to get out of your comfort zone, but the rewards are immense - Note that most students participating in these programs are not American, so you'll hear a lot of different langauges in the classroom
Useful Vocabulary
A. Food/Dining - 음식/식사
i. Dishes 음식
- 갈비: Kalbi, Grilled ribs 닭갈비: Chicken kalbi 돼지갈비: Pork kalbi 소갈비: Beef kalbi
- 김밥: Kimbap, Korean-style sushi rolls
- 냉면: Buckwheat noodles 물냉면: In soup 비빔냉면: With hot sauce
- 떡볶이: Rice cakes in spicy sauce
- 돈까스: Tonkatsu, Japanese fried pork dish
- 볶음밥: Fried rice
- 불고기: Thinly sliced marinated meat
- 비빔밥: Rice in a bowl mixed with vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat
- 누룽지: The tasty crust of rice that forms at the bottom of a hot rice pot
- 돌솥 비빔밥: In a stone bowl, it’s hot and there will be 누룽지 at the bottom
- 삼겹살: Grilled pork similar to bacon
- 삼계탕: Chicken stuffed with ginseng, fruits, and raisins in a refreshing soup
- 생선구이: Grilled fish
- 순대: Boiled or steamed pork intestines stuffed with various ingredients; a kind of blood sausage
- 순두부: Tofu soup with egg and often seafood
- 알밥: Fresh salad greens topped with roe 산낙지: Freshly cut squid, tentacles moving
- 칼국수: Somewhat thick noodles in a broth with refreshing vegetables
- 파전: Fried scallion pancakes
- 팥빙수: A Korean dessert with frozen yogurt, ice, berries, other fruits, etc.
- 자장면: Chinese noodles w/pork & black bean sauce
- 족발: Pig’s feet
- 짬뽕: Chinese noodles in spicy broth with seafood
- 찌개: Korean stew (김치찌개, 된장찌개, etc.)
- 우유: Milk
- 저지방: Low fat 무지방: No fat
- 소주: Soju, Korean alcohol
- 맥주: Beer 카스: Cass 하이트: Hite
- 백세주: A Korean alcoholic drink
- 청하: A Korean alcoholic drink similar to sake
ii. Ordering 주문 (* ___ indicates a blank spot where you would put in an appropriate word)
-
Ways to ask for something:
- ___ 주실래요?
- ___ 좀 주세요
- ___ 주시겠어요?
-
___ 좀 더 주실래요?: Please give me some more ___
-
Useful words for this phrase:
- 간장: Soy sauce
- 고추장: Hot sauce
- 상추: Lettuce
- 쌈장: Bean paste
- 됀장 찌개: Bean paste casserole
- 마늘: Garlic
- 물: Water
- 반찬: Side dish
- 부침개: A sticky, flat cake
-
Useful words for this phrase:
iii. Other
- 뭐가 제일 맛있어요?: What’s the best dish?
- 뭐가 제일 많이 팔려요?: What dish is sold most?
- 뭐로 만든 거예요?: What’s this made out of?
- 불판 좀 갈아 주세요: Please change the grill
- 따로따로: Separately (for example, if you want to pay separately)
- ___을 빼주십시오: Please remove/leave out _____
B. At the Post Office - 우체국에서
- account book 통장
- bank account 은행계좌
- credit card 신용 카드
- currency exchange 환전
- debit card 체크 카드
- deposit 입금
- wire transfer 송금
- withdrawal 인출
- How much do you charge for a wire transfer? 송금 수수료는 얼마예요?
- I would like to open a bank account. 은행계좌를 만들고 싶습니다.
C. Housing - 집에 대해서
- 고시원: Small hotel-like dorm
- 하숙집: Smaller dorm-like living space
- 공간: Space, area
- 관리: Maintenance
- 난방: Heat
- 냉방: Air conditioning, also 에어컨
- 냉장고: Refrigerator
- 베개: Pillow
- 침대: Bed
- 변기: Toilet (refers specifically to the toilet, not the bathroom)
- 불: Light
- 선풍기: Fan
- 세탁기: Washing machine
- 세탁제: Laundry detergent
- 싱크대: Sink
- 아줌마: Term for a middle-aged woman, often the landlady of a 하숙집 is an 아줌마, but call her 아주머니 to be polite
- 이불: Blanket
- 원룸: One-room, similar to an apartment
- 월세: Monthly rent
- 집세: House rent
- 치약: Toothpaste
- 칫솔: Toothbrush
- 비누: Soap
- 샴푸: Shampoo
- 하수구: Sinkhole
- 휴지: Toilet paper or tissue
- 끄다: To turn off
- 켜다: To turn on
- 막히다: To be blocked, stopped up
- 안 되다: To not work
D. Etiquette - 예의
- 분리: Separation
- 쓰레기: Garbage 음식물 쓰레기: Food garbage
- 재활용: Recycling
- * ___ -{아/어/여}도 돼요? May I ___?
- * ___ -(으)면 안 돼요 You may not ___
- * ___ -지 않으면 안 돼요: You must ___
- * 안 ___-{아/어/여}도 돼요: You don’t have to ___
- 건배!: Cheers! (a toast)
- 명함: Business Card
- 선배: Senior
- 후배: Junior
- 돌아가면서 돈 내다: To take turns paying the bill
- 챙기다: To treat someone
- 코 풀다: To blow one’s nose
- 한 턱 낼게요: I’ll treat you
E. Healthcare - 의료혜택
- 약: Medicine
- 멀미: Car/motion sickness
- 어지럽다: To be dizzy
- 건강 보험: Health insurance
- 고통스럽다: To be painful
- 기침하다: To cough
- 넘어지다: To fall
- 다치다: To injure, be injured
- 감기: Common cold
- 독감: Flu
- 두통: Headache
- 목이 부었다: For the throat to be swollen
- 미끄러지다: To slip
- ___(이/가) 부러지다: For (part of body) to break
- ___(을/를) 삐다: For (part of body) to twist
- 상해: Injury
- 소화 불량: Indigestion
- ___(이/가) 아프다: For (part of body) to hurt
- 알레르기: Allergy
- 흉터: Scar
Many thanks to all of the Light Fellowship Alumni, affiliates, and instructors who contributed to making this guide - we crowdsourced all of this information and appreciate your help and hard work!