Transportation:

City bus & Taxi

Semyung University students usually take the city bus to get around as it is convenient and cheap. If you’re rushing for time, you can also take a taxi. As Jeochen-si is a small city, it is cheap to travel anywhere by taxi!

• Bus fare (single trip) – KRW $1,100
• Taxi fare – ~KRW $6,000 (from the bus terminal to Semyung University)

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.

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:

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

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’ tip: There’s a Woori Bank on Yonsei campus with customer service that speaks decent English!
 

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:

There is a post office on campus, located at Professors’ and Students’ Center. You can also go to a convenience store for postal services. 

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

Medical services:

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

Flying Chalks’ Tip: You’ll be glad to know that there is a clinic at the Professors’ and Students’ Center. It is free of charge for students.

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+”.

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.