Hello everyone! I am Stephanie Bulega a Law & International Relations double major. During the spring ’22 semester, I studied abroad at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. I enjoyed being a student at Yonsei University because there were many different events on campus and even off campus there was so much to do that I was never bored.
My Tips for Living in Seoul (At Yonsei):
1. Traveling to/around Seoul, to the airport, or KTX
Take a taxi to/from the airport especially if you have a lot of luggage . Most train stations have escalators, but sometimes there are only stairs and the elevators are usually reserved for families, the elderly, and those with disabilities. Seoul is a walkable city with roads laced with brick sidewalks on either side.
2. If you’re living in the Yonsei dorms
When taking a taxi to the dorms, tell them the name of the dorm you’re living in. If you only tell them “Yonsei” you will end up at the main gate and will have to carry your luggage up many hills.
3. ARC (Alien Registration Card)
Arriving in Seoul, you’ll need an ARC if you’re staying for more than three months. Yonsei can help you apply or you can do it yourself. Stay on top of the process so you don’t face immigration issues, and pay the small fee to save yourself time and have it delivered. Also, if you already have Korean insurance, waive the one they give you, otherwise, the bills keep coming.
4. Join the Yonsei Facebook, WhatsApp, & Kakao group chats
These groups are full of exchange students and you can use them to find a roommate, ask questions, and make new friends in Seoul!
5. Convenience stores in Korea like GS25, CU, E-mart, & 7/11 are actually convenient.
Convenience stores are open 24/7 and near them, you can find ATMs that take foreign cards. At the GS25s you can buy a T-money pass (train & bus card) and fill it there with cash. At the convenience stores, you can get a week’s worth of groceries for 30,000-50,000 won ($30-$50). The stores that are similar to a traditional grocery store are No brand and E-mart, which are around a 15-20 minute walk from the Yonsei dorms. However, they’re closed on the third Sunday of every month.
6. Meal plan
Yonsei University does not have meal plans and the cafeteria isn’t open on the weekends, however, for 5,000 won ($5) you can get a meal with free side dishes. The portion sizes are huge and they usually serve donkatsu, bibimbap, noodles, & other Korean dishes.
7. ATMs
There are ATMs in the campus store and on the Sinchon main streets, but there is usually a small fee you will always have to pay when using a foreign card. Most stores and cafes take cards, but you will need cash for street vendors, markets, and in train stations. To avoid fees, consider opening a Korean Bank account through the school.
8. Housing: Dorm vs. Rental/Airbnb
The dorms are cheaper than an Airbnb and allow you to meet new friends that are studying abroad with you. However, an Airbnb gives you your own space, and basic house supplies, and is a way to immerse yourself in a Seoul lifestyle.
9. Download Papago
Papago is a popular app for translating Korean and you’re even able to take pictures and translate the image. Download Naver Maps (google maps is not reliable for traveling around Korea), it shows you reviews/ pictures of places and provides bus and train schedules.
10. Learning basic Korean will make your semester abroad easier
While there are signs, menus, and usually a person who speaks English, there will be times when you won’t be able to communicate in English. Learning the basics of the alphabet can make daily life easy, and it’s not too difficult since it is around 28 characters (a good resource is TTMIK which I use to keep learning).
11. In my experience, Korea is a safe country.
However, you are an exchange student in a foreign country where you may not be fluent in the language and upheld to a different standard, especially as a foreigner. If you decide to go out in Hongdae, Itaewon, or Gangnam, go out with a friend or buddy, just in case.