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. 

1. 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!

2. Seoul Bus (Seoul only)
Apart from subway, buses are another convenient form of transportation.

3. 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

4. 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!

5. 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.

6. Domestic flights and Ferries are also available!

Banking Services:

To set up a bank account, you will 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’ tip: There’s a Shinhan Bank on Ewha campus!

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)
Their homepage is available here!
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)
Their homepage is available here!
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)
Their homepage is available here!
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)
Their homepage is available here!
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 on campus, located on the first basement level of the Alumnae Building.

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

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.

University Health Service Center

Flying Chalks’ tip: you will be glad to know that Ewha University has a clinic on its campus! It is open to all students upon payment of a Student Health Fee of KRW $23,200 per semester (as of 2015).

Payment can be made via the following means:

• Visit the Ewha Student Health Insurance Office
• Pay together with your tuition fees

Located on the B1 floor of the Human Ecology Building, the University Health Service Center provides healthcare and medical treatment to students. Should there be a need for you to visit the hospital, you may be referred to Mokdong hospital.

Severance Hospital and the International Clinic

Severance Hospital is the oldest hospital in Korea and also one of the most reputable. Located on Yonsei University’s campus, it is highly accessible for students studying there!

Severance Hospital manages the Allergy Clinic, Cancer Centre, Cardiovascular Hospital, Child and Adolescent Clinic, Diabetes Centre, Eye and ENT Hospital, Emergency Care Centre, Rehabilitation Hospital and Stroke Intensive Care Unit. It also has an International Health Care Centre which is staffed by doctors and nurses who are fluent in several languages and are ready to serve the medical needs of the international community.

Opening hours
Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 12noon
Appointments can be made at (02)2228-5810 or (02)392-3404.

For 24-hour emergency service, dial 012-263-6556 from a touch-tone phone. After the beep, please enter your mobile number, wait for the second beep, and then hang up. Your call will be returned immediately. For more information, you can click here!

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.”

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.

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.