From Hawaii to Hanbok: Pt.2 of Study Abroad Prep Guide for South Korea

 Aloha everyone! 다시 조이스예요~

In my first post, I discussed pre-departure considerations, and now I’ll share some thoughts on what to expect upon arrival. You’ll need to make several adjustments to settle in effectively. 

So you made it! You landed in South Korea, collected your luggage, and now… what? Time to get settled in! Here are a few essential aspects to consider:

Transportation Essentials  

Before anything else, get a T-Money card. It functions similarly to a U-Pass or Holo Card (basically Korea’s version), and you’ll use it for buses, subways, and sometimes even convenience stores. The easiest place to grab one? The airport and you don’t have to pay for it! Just get it right after landing and load some cash onto it. 

Must-Have Apps 

A list of mobile applications that will significantly enhance your experience:  

1. Naver Maps – Forget Google Maps hehe, this is the go-to navigation app in Korea. 

2. KakaoMetro – Works with Naver Maps, which is helpful for planning subway routes and subway stops. 

3. Kakao T – The go-to app for booking taxis.  

4. KorailTalk – Necessary for reserving bullet train tickets or KTX (yes, you’ll want to take trips!). If you're considering your travel options, I highly recommend taking the subway. It's not only more affordable, but it also provides a chance to experience the local vibe and energy of the city. You can observe the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

However, if you're pressed for time and need to get to your destination quickly, KTX would be an excellent alternative. This high-speed train can get you where you need to go in no time. Just be sure to book your tickets in advance, as they can get quite popular during peak travel times.

On the other hand, if you have a more leisurely schedule and enjoy taking in the scenery, consider opting for a regional train or bus. These routes often take you through beautiful landscapes and quaint towns that you might otherwise miss when traveling at high speeds. Whichever option you choose, make sure to enjoy the ride!

5. KakaoTalk – This is the social messaging app in Korea—more popular than Insta, WhatsApp, or Snapchat.   

6. Papago – An effective translation tool for basic conversations especially if you’re still learning Korean.  

7. ChatGPT – Surprisingly useful for translating phrases with contextual accuracy.  

Learning Hangul  

Even if you’re not fluent and even when fluency in Korean is not required, learning how to read Hangul will make your life easier. You don’t need to be a language expert, but knowing how to decode store signs, menus, and directions will save you so much confusion.

SIM Cards & eSIMs  

If you have an eSIM, get one at the airport—it’s super convenient. If you do not require an eSIM, you can obtain a local SIM card from the university or nearby stores. Although my existing phone plan worked, I found that local Korean SIM cards offer better coverage and affordability, particularly for frequent travelers. Even though some international phone plans work in Korea like mine, honestly? Getting a local SIM is way cheaper and more reliable.  

Making Friends & Cultural Etiquette  

The people here are super welcoming. Korean students are generally welcoming and eager to introduce international students to local attractions. However, cultural differences should always be respected. Patience and understanding will go a long way in building meaningful connections.  

Language Exchange & Campus Events 

Participating in language exchange programs is an excellent way to meet local students. In my case, students from America (미국) had between six and eight exchange partners—I personally had eight and enjoyed each experience. So, language is a 10-week program. They'll pay you about 120,000 won, which comes to about 100 bucks—not too bad! It is a solid way to pick up some new skills or experiences. The 10-week commitment feels just right; it’s long enough to really engage with the students but short enough that it doesn’t feel overwhelming. 

Also, don’t skip on-campus events like Global Day, Cafe Hours, and Festivals! Spring festivals here are magical—from small local celebrations to cherry blossom festivals and even huge university concerts featuring K-pop artists. Basically, don't miss out!

From Hawaii to Hanbok: Pt.1 of Study Abroad Prep Guide for South Korea

 안녕하세요 여러분, 만나서 반가워요! If you’ve somehow stumbled onto this blog, you’re probably dreaming about—or already planning—a study abroad semester in South Korea. If so, be ready, because I’m about to give you the lowdown on everything I wish I had known before hopping on that plane.  

I’m Joyce, a sophomore nursing student currently making memories on an exciting study abroad journey in South Korea for the spring 2025 semester. Studying abroad is a wonderful experience, but preparation is key to ensuring a smooth transition. As a Nursing student, before committing to the program, I strongly recommend completing your major coursework first to avoid any complications with credit transfers. Trust me, you don’t want to deal with credit transfers messing up your graduation timeline.  

Now, let’s talk about pre-departure prep—because no one wants to land in a foreign country feeling totally lost.  

Essential Pre-Departure Considerations  

Visa Requirements:

Aside from the usual documents required by the Korean consulate, they also asked for an original copy of my grades and class schedules. Yep—my actual, physical copy. Depending on where you’re from, you might need different documents, so always double-check with the consulate. Pro tip: If your visa process requires an in-person visit (I processed my visa in person, so I advise checking the requirements well in advance to ensure you have everything ready.), book that appointment early to avoid last-minute panic.  

Packing Wisely: 

Listen, do not overpack. I repeat: DO NOT OVERPACK. Just bring what you need. It is important not to overpack.  If you know deep in your heart that you’re going to be hitting the shops (and trust me—you will), then resist the temptation to bring your entire wardrobe (like me). You will likely want to get back many items from Korea. Keeping your luggage light is a strategic decision. South Korea has amazing fashion, beauty products, and quirky souvenirs that you will want to bring home and may tempt you during your stay. Save space for those future hauls! 

Weather Awareness:

If you’re coming for the spring semester, bring a few warm layers for February and March, but don’t go crazy with winter clothes. As someone from Hawaii, I personally found February and March to be way colder than expected. However, the weather gradually became warmer. Bringing a few cold-weather essentials is advisable, but heavy winter clothing may not be necessary (for the spring semester!). Also, I've noticed that my skin gets super dry here. I really recommend bringing your own lotion because we all have different skin types. It's best to have something on hand that works for you to keep your skin moisturized.

Comfortable Footwear:  

Walking is an integral part of daily life in South Korea. Between campus commutes, trips to local markets, and city explorations, a sturdy pair of walking shoes will be invaluable. Personally, I noticed an increase in muscle tone in my legs due to the extensive walking! The stairs? Endless. The hills? Unforgiving. The walking distances? Surprisingly long. Please, do yourself a favor and invest in solid walking shoes before arriving.

Life at Sea and Everywhere In Between

Life on board the MV World Odyssey during Semester at Sea is something I don’t think I could ever fully explain unless you’ve lived it yourself. From the moment you step on the ship, you realize it’s not just transportation-it’s a floating community, a home, and honestly, its own little world.

There is always something happening on board. Every day is packed with events, activities, and opportunities to get involved, and it’s impossible to be bored unless you choose to be. One of my favorite parts of ship life was helping plan events that brought people together. I was involved in organizing SASsassin, a massive game of assassin played across the ship, Decades on Deck, where everyone dressed up and danced through different eras, and Are You Smarter Than a Ship Kid, which was exactly as chaotic and fun as it sounds. Seeing people laugh, compete, and connect during these events made the ship feel like a big extended family.

That’s really what Semester at Sea becomes- an extended family. You eat meals together, study together, travel together, and celebrate together. You start recognizing faces everywhere, waving in hallways, sitting with people you didn’t know a week ago. My biggest advice to anyone going on Semester at Sea is to say yes to everything. Go to the events. Join the activities and clubs. Stay out late talking on deck. Do as much as you possibly can, because those moments are what make the experience unforgettable.

And then there’s port life- which somehow feels even more surreal. You go to sleep in one country and wake up in another. You open your curtains and suddenly you’re somewhere completely new. Every port feels like a reset, a new adventure waiting right outside the ship.

Some of my favorite ports were truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. In Morocco, we rode camels through the desert, something I never imagined I’d get to do. In Vietnam, I went caving and explored places that felt untouched and unreal. And in India, seeing the Taj Mahal in person was one of those moments that makes you stop and think, I can’t believe this is real. Pictures don’t do it justice- standing there was overwhelming in the best way.

Semester at Sea taught me how much can happen when you put yourself out there. Between life on the ship and experiences in port, every day felt full, exciting, and meaningful. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. If you’re given the chance to be part of this program, my advice is simple: do everything you can, say yes as often as possible, and let the experience change you.