Different modes of transportation include the subway, bus, and train, amongst many others! The subway is the most convenient to get from one place to another. However, it is best to do some homework on studying the subway system before travelling as getting to one destination might require many transfers. Getting used to walking long distances is important too! In Korea, automobiles drive on the right while people usually walk up the stairs on the left.

The T-money transport card can be used for both the subway and buses in Busan. It can also be used in other major cities like Seoul. The student identification cards issued by Korean universities have the T-money function. Other than the T-money card, you can also use the MyBi Card or the Hanaro Card in Busan.

      i.         Subway

Seoul boasts one of Asia’s most comprehensive subway systems that allow commuters to get to most parts of the city without having to transfer to another mode of transport. While it may be convenient, the complex network of subway lines may prove to be daunting for first-time visitors to the country.

Flying Chalks’ recommendations: There are many free mobile applications that you can download to help navigate Busan’s subway system.

For Android users, you can download “Metro Busan Subway” or “KakaoMetro – Subway Navigation”. For IOS users, you can download “Metro Busan Subway” or “Busan Metro”

For those who can read and understand basic Korean, the highly popular “Daum Maps” can help you navigate around by recommending the fastest options via public bus and subway.

Basic fare for 10km: 1100 KRW (Transportation card); 1200 KRW (Single Ticket)

• Distances after the first 10km travelled: 1300 KRW (Transportation card), 1400 KRW (Single Ticket)

To begin your commuting journey, simply purchase a transit card at any of the ticketing machines or from the metro office located at the stations.

Busan Metro map:

Interactive subway map:

http://www.humetro.busan.kr/homepage/cyberstation/mapeng.do

     ii.         Busan Bus

There are 3 types of buses in Busan, and the prices differ across all 3. The adult fare is reflected below. Do note that there are further discounts for youths and children. More information can be found here.

   iii.         Express and Intercity bus

Express and Intercity buses are the most popular option to get region to region. The extensive network of buses offers a comfortable and convenient way to get to and from even the smallest towns in Korea.

For more information, you can visit:
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRP/TP_ENG_5_2.jsp

   iv.         Rail

Another favoured option to travel between cities in Korea is by train.

Seoul is connected to the country’s other cities via train networks. Ticket prices depend on the distance travelled and the train classification. KTX trains offer high-speed travel with comfortable seating.  For the budget conscious, there are cheaper options such as the Mugunghwa trains. Taking the train is a good way to experience travel in Korea and enjoy the special rail lunch box sets available at the train stations.

Click here for railroad map:

http://info.korail.com/mbs/english/subview.jsp?id=english_050401010000

Click here for more details on the KR Pass:

http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/TR/TR_EN_5_6.jsp

     v.         Taxi

Taxis are plentiful, clean, safe, and affordable in Korea.

Taxi Fares (as of December 9, 2013)

Flying Chalks’ tip: Deluxe taxis can be recognised by its signature black body with a yellow sign on the top. Avoid hailing these taxis should you not want to find yourself paying more than the usual for a ride. 

To set up a bank account, you would require:

• Valid passport
• Alien registration card (as proof of residency)

Once a bank account is open, the bank will issue a check card with ATM deposit / withdrawal functions (in Korean won). The time taken to issue check cards may vary by bank.

Major Banks in Korea:

1.    Korea Exchange Bank (KEB)

Of all local commercial banks, Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) is the only one that offers foreigners-only bank accounts that record all transactions in English.

Procedures:

1.    Visit the nearest Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) branch

2.    Take a ticket from the queue ticket machine at the Foreign Exchange section and wait for your turn

3.    Proceed to the desk that displays your number

4.    Present your passport and alien registration card in order to open a bank account. Apply for a check card with ATM deposit / withdrawal functions

Opening hours: Hours: 09:00-16:00 (Monday-Friday; closed on holidays)

Homepage: http://www.keb.co.kr/main/en/

Customer Service: +82-2-3709-8080, 1544-3000

2.    Hana Bank

Check cards with ATM deposit/withdrawal functions are issued on the spot. The Hana Bank World Centre branch in Jung-gu, Seoul offers consultation in English.

Opening hours: Hours: 09:00-16:00 (Monday-Friday; closed on holidays)

Homepage: http://www.hanabank.com/contents/eng/index.jsp?Ctype=B&cid=new_site_TopUtil&oid=English

Customer Service: +82-2-520-2500, 1599-1111

3.    Kookmin Bank (KB)

Check cards with ATM deposit/withdrawal functions are issued on the spot.

Opening hours: Hours: 09:00-16:00 (Monday-Friday; closed on holidays)

Homepage: https://omoney.kbstar.com/quics?page=oeng

Customer Service: +82-2-6300-9999, 1599-9999

4.    Shinhan Bank

ATM cards are issued on the spot while check cards are issued after three months of opening the bank account.

Opening hours: Hours: 09:00-16:00 (Monday-Friday; closed on holidays)

Homepage: http://www.shinhan.com/en/index.jsp

Customer Service (09:00-17:00): 1577-8380 (Extension: #1-English, #2-Japanese, #3-Chinese, #4- Vietnamese)

5.    Woori Bank

You will be issued the check card and a bank book on the spot. There is no charge for opening the bank account as with most banks in Korea.

Customer Service (for foreigners): 1599-2288 (Extensions 1-7 for English, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Mongolian, Thai or Indonesian speaking service)

Post Office services

There is a post office located on the first floor of Oullim Hall. It is opened from 9am to 6pm, and is closed on weekends and holidays.

Medical Services

With Korea being a developed country, it may be surprising to foreigners that there is a lack of private clinics. Most Koreans either go to hospitals or simply buy medicine from pharmacies to treat their illnesses.

Flying Chalks’ tip: You will be glad to know that you can get medical services on the 4^th Floor of Oullim Hall! In addition, there is a pharmacy there. 

There are 3 mobile telecommunications service providers in Korea: KT, SKT, and LG U+. These providers operate authorized service centres and phone retail stores called 공식 인증 대리점 (gongsik injeung daerijeom), where you can subscribe to a phone service and purchase a mobile phone. An authorized store should carry the logo of its parent company as well as a sign that says “공식 인증 대리점.”
 

1.    KT

KT operates authorized stores with signs that read “Olleh”. The most representative KT center, located in Gwanghwamun offers consultation in 17 different languages.

2.    SK Telecom

SK Telecom operates authorized stores with signs that read “T World” or “SK Telecom” as well as a customer call center exclusively for foreigners. You can call the customer center to find out which stores provide interpretation services as not all of them do.

3.    LG U+

LG U+ operates authorized stores with signs that read “LG U+”.

Weather:

Korea’s climate is characterized by 4 distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.

1. Spring lasts from late March to May, and is signalled by the picturesque sight of cherry blossoms blooming all over the country.​
2. Summer lasts from June to early September. It is a hot and humid time of the year where temperatures can soar above 30 °C in some areas.
3. Autumn lasts from September to November. It is generally regarded as the best season to visit Korea with its cool temperatures and scenic autumn foliage.
4. Winter lasts from December to mid-March, where temperatures can plunge to as low as −20 °C in some areas.