Transportation

The modes of transportation available include subway, bus, and train, amongst many others! The subway is the most convenient way of getting from one place to another. However, it is best to read up on the subway system before using it as one may need to make many transfers. It is also important to get used to walking long distances! 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 in both the subway and the buses in Seoul. It can also be used in other major cities such as Busan. The student identification cards issued by Korean universities can also be used as T-money transport card

i.         Subway

Seoul has one of Asia’s most comprehensive subway systems. It allows commuters to get to most parts of the city without having to use another mode of transport. While it may be convenient, the complex network of subway lines may prove to be daunting for people visiting the country for the first time.

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 to recommend the fastest public transportation options.

Basic fare for 10km: 1050 KRW (Transit card); 1150 KRW (Ticket)

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

To begin your commuting journey, simply purchase a T-money card at any of the ticketing machines or metro offices located at the subway stations.

Interactive subway map:

http://www.smrt.co.kr/program/cyberStation/main2.jsp?lang=e

ii.         Seoul Bus

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

iii.         Express and Intercity bus

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

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRP/TP_ENG_5_2.jsp

iv.         Rail

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.

Taxi Fares (as of December 9, 2013)

Flying Chalks tip: Deluxe taxis have a signature black body with a yellow sign on top. These taxis usually charge a higher rate so avoid them when possible. 

Banking Services

To set up a bank account, you will require:

• A valid passport
• An 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 with the bank.

Flying Chalks’ tips:

• Woori Bank has a branch located in the 600^th Anniversary Building and another at the function hall building beside the main gate.
• 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:

1.    Korea Exchange Bank (KEB)

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

Procedure for setting up a bank account:

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: 0900-1600 (Monday-Friday, closed on public 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 at the branch on the spot. The Hana Bank World Centre branch in Jung-gu, Seoul offers consultation sessions in English.

Opening hours: 0900-1600 (Monday-Friday; closed on public 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 at the branch on the spot.

Opening hours: 0900-1600 (Monday-Friday; closed on public 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 three months after the opening of the bank account.

Opening hours: 0900-1600 (Monday-Friday; closed on public 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 a check card and a bank book immediately after opening a bank account. There is no charge for opening a bank account, as with most other banks.

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

• Flying Chalks’ tips:
  • There is a Woori bank branch in SKKU, located on the second floor of the Welfare Hall. You can contact the branch at 031-290-5434. Their staff members have a basic level of proficiency in English and will guide you through the application process.
  • Although it is stated that the alien registration card is required to open a bank account, most students were able to open an account with only their passport. Closing your bank account is also fast and convenient. You will have to bring your passport down to the branch and your deposit will be refunded in cash.
  • It is easy to find Woori Bank ATMs around the campus. You can also pay with your debit card, especially when you are buying groceries in supermarkets. Having a Korean bank account will save you the hassle of holding large amounts of cash.

Post Office services

http://www.koreapost.go.kr/eng/main/index.jsp

Sending packages home in Korea is very convenient as Korea Post offers cheap and speedy postage services. There is a Korea post office branch located at 2F, Welfare Hall and you can contact them through this number: 031-290-5445. All you have to do is pack the items you wish to send in an empty box. The post office provides tape for you to seal your parcel.

If you stay in one of the SKKU dormitories, you can approach the security guard, otherwise known as ajusshis, if you need any help.

Medical services

There is a medical centre located in SKKU’s Suwon campus.

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+. They have 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, including English.

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.

You can find a SK Telecom branch located with campus on the third floor of the Welfare Hall!

3.    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.