Transportation:

Different modes of transportation include 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 Seoul. It can also be used in other major cities like Busan. The student identification cards issued by Korean universities have the T-money function. 

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 Seoul’s subway system.

For Android users, you can download “Subway Korea” or “Korea, Seoul Metro Navi”.
For IOS users, you can download “Subway Korea” or “Seoul City Metro Lite”.
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: 1050 KRW (Transit card); 1150 KRW (Ticket)

Total distances exceeding 10 km (within Seoul): 100 won for each additional 5 km
Total distances exceeding 40 km (within Seoul): 100 won for each additional 10 km
Total distances exceeding 30 km (outside Seoul): 100 won for each additional 5 km

To begin your commuting journey, simply purchase a transit card (more commonly known as the T-money card) at any of the ticketing machines or from the metro office located at the stations.

Interactive subway map can be found here!

Seoul Bus (Seoul only)

Apart from subway, buses are another convenient form of transportation.

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

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.
Click here for more details on the KR Pass.

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.

Domestic flights

Ferries

Banking Services:

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.

Flying Chalks’ tips: 

• Woori Bank has a branch in the 600^th Anniversary Building and another at the function hall building beside the main gate.
• Citibank ATMs can also be found. Citibank ATMs do not charge for overseas withdrawals unlike most banks that charge a fee of about 3-5% of the withdrawal amount.
   

Major Banks in Korea:

Korea Exchange Bank (KEB)

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.

Post office Services:

Korea Post offers cheap and speedy postage services. There is a Korea Post office on the 1^st floor of the 600^th Anniversary Building where you can send things home easily. They have a weighing scale there to weigh items and boxes of different sizes are available for purchase. Free flow of tape and stationery are provided at the post office. Sending packages home in Korea is fuss-free and pretty convenient. If you stay in one of the SKKU dormitories, you can approach the security guard ajusshis to borrow a trolley cart to transport the package up the hill (also advisable to get help from a friend).

Flying Chalks’ tip: Regular shipping will set you back about SGD $5 per kilogram of postage.

Medical services:

The nearest English-speaking medical centre is the Seoul National University Hospital near Hyehwa station, exit #3. The Seoul Emergency Medical Information Center at SNUH runs 24/7 in both English and Japanese (82-2-1339). 

Medicine

Pharmacies are located all over the city and can be identified with a sign that reads, 약국 or "Yak". You can purchase both prescription and over-the-counter drugs for colds, headaches, and other minor ailments there.

Telecommunications:

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.”

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

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.

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

http://www.egsimcard.co.kr/eng/main/index.asp

Alternatively, you can purchase EGsim online and collect it at Incheon Airport or a collection point of your choice. Download the EGsim app to track your balance and top up your account easily.

The EG SIM card is a prepaid card with three data plan options:

The 1 GB plan should be more than sufficient for your data usage if you can connect to the campus Wi-Fi.

Should you face any problems with topping-up your SIM card, you can show the following image on your phone to the GS25 staff. The number below is a toll-free number, so feel free to call if you require any assistance.

Weather:

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

Spring 
Lasts from late March to May, and is signalled by the picturesque sight of cherry blossoms blooming all over the country.

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.

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.

Winter 
Lasts from December to mid-March, where temperatures can plunge to as low as −20 °C in some areas.