Hankuk University of Foreign Studies South Korea
Accommodation

Accommodation:

Dormitory
Students at the Seoul campus can stay at the GlobeeDorm while those at the Global (Yongin) campus can stay at either the Mohyun Dormitory or the Second Dormitory (newer).

For more information, click here!

Flying Chalks’ tip: Do note that the rooms do not come with bed sheets, blankets, pillows, pillowcases etc. Hence, set aside some time on the first day to get all the above necessities!

Goshiwon (고시원)
Goshiwons (a.k.a Goshi-tels, one-room-tels and living-tels) are residential facilities with small rooms that are usually furnished with a bed, desk, and mini-fridge, as well as a common restroom, showers and laundry room on each floor. Most Goshiwons have separate floors for different genders.

Originally occupied by students preparing for various national exams, Goshiwons today are also home to many young working individuals. Rents vary by its location, facilities, room size and type (e.g. private restroom).

Flying Chalks’ recommendation: Goshiwons are perfect for students who are on a budget and just want a comfortable no-frills accommodation to reside in.

Goshipages (link here!) is a website that allows you to find Goshiwons and other housing options near your host university!

Hasukjib (하숙집)
Hasukjibs are similar to Goshiwons in that it provides rooms that usually furnished with a bed, desk, and mini-fridge, as well as a common restroom, showers and laundry room on each floor. It also usually has separate floors for different genders and rents vary by its location facilities, room size and type (e.g. private restroom).

Key differences are that meals are often included in the monthly rents and service levels a notch higher based on general consensus.

Flying Chalks’ recommendation: Hasukjibs are suited for students who do not want to over-spend on accommodation, yet values a comfortable stay and having meals provided. Should you plan to eat out often, you may want to negotiate with the owners to see if you can opt out for the meals option.

Guesthouse
Guesthouse can be viewed as a category that is in-between that of Hasukjib and hotels. While it is slightly pricier than Hasukjib, guesthouses usually provide room services like that of hotels. Room rates may vary by season and length of stay. The longer the stay, the cheaper the room rates are.

Flying Chalks’ recommendation: Guesthouses are popular among backpackers and students seeking short-term stays (up to 1 month). If you are one who values room service (i.e. lazy to clean your own room) and would not mind paying slightly more for it, guesthouse may be your desired choice.

Apartment / room rental
For students who are considering to rent an apartment or a room, do note that it is common in Korea for heavy deposits, which can amount to several months’ rental, to be paid in advance.

By
2016-11-01 01:59:22
My visa application cost SGD 125 and took 2 weeks to be approved. I had to undergo medical examinations on top of the usual filling up of application forms. I would definitely recommend those who are looking to travel outside of Korea to apply for multiple visas, take the opportunity to try out new things and step out of your comfort bubbles. If you’re already thinking of the negative “what ifs”, purchase an insurance plan from your trusted source. On top of that, as mentioned in the other reviews, plan for contingencies! ALWAYS have plan Bs especially with cash! I managed to spend as little as SGD40 on transport but printing and photocopying cost me about SGD100 (which I hadn't plan for)… So I guess top tip for anyone looking to embark on their overseas studies or exchange is expect the unexpected and not to forget, Enjoy Yourselves! :D
By
2016-10-15 19:07:44
My overseas study experience was an unforgettable on that benefited me greatly! I enjoyed every bit of my exchange at Ewha University. Not only did I get to build my independence, confidence and social skills, I also managed to really exit my comfort zone, explore places alone which I never used to do before and make lifelong friends! New skills like conversing in Korean and improved interactive Skills were also picked up during my exchange! One important thing that I’ve learnt is that one’s greatest gift to others is self-development become more independent, to take care of myself and others’ needs. Coming home to Singapore was really much of a reluctance as I miss everything about Korea. But it felt good to be back home where my friends and family are.
By
2016-10-12 02:41:57
My experience at HUFS was an eye-opener in the sense that I managed to understand new cultures and sensitivities. When we first arrived, we were told that Singaporeans speak very quickly, making communication challenging. In addition to that, as the educational system in Singapore trains us to be competitive “kan chiong spiders”, studies in Korea were pretty laid back, making group work difficult to manage because we weren’t used the way people work. Through my exchange, I also learnt to appreciate little things that many take for granted, such as Singapore’s cleanliness. Even if you visit a city twice, you won't have two identical experiences. Therefore I recommend going for the exchange!
By
2016-10-10 21:30:56
I would definitely recommend staying in the accommodation provided by the University! The en suite, well-furnished, double-bed room comes with internet access and everything a student needed while remaining affordable (SGD500 per month). As it is located near the town area, we managed to spend as little as SGD30 per month on transport! Talk about convenience, the university also has banking, money transfer and medical services can be found on campus! You can secure your accommodation through the university’s online portal before leaving your home country!