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.

Preparing for Soonchunhyang University

Soonchunhyang University

So you want to go to South Korea and of all the schools you choose to go to Soonchunhyang University, well there are a handful of things that you need to know before getting there to start your semester adventures.

Arriving in the Country

I didn't have to worry about getting from the airport to the school because I had my own form of transportation.... family.  I was also there several days before I needed to even be there.  I did though get information about the experience from the people I made friends with during the semester.  

Everyone was told to meet up at the A gate, but depending on when your flight arrives, it could be a very long wait.  Incheon has a baggage holder that you could use to store your luggage.  Incheon International Airport also has things to do such as a museum and even a movie theater.  Personally, I would have just gone and seem multiple movies.  When meting up with others, be ready to wait a while, but use this to your advantage.  Make friends with the people around you, they will be everywhere with you for the next 4 months.  

Campus

GV - Global Villiage

One of the study lounges in GV

When you arrive at Soonchunhyang University, they will immediately be taking you right up to Global Village.  This will be the dorms you are staying in for the next 4+ months.  They are not the greatest dorms in the world, but they are functional.  In all honesty that was enough for even me.  The suites are set with 6 rooms and 2 bathrooms.  There are going to be a total of 12 people in a suite and 2 people per room.  The rooms were small, but the living spaces was functional.  It sounds like a lot and most people did not like the idea at first.  Even I was very skeptical, but it turned out to be great and a lot of fun.  About half way though the semester I learned my room was not functional to like in anymore.  The heater was not working and I spend more time freezing than actually enjoying my quite space.  The head RA ended up moving me and my roommate to another room.

My second room of the semester

As a warning though, PLEASE CLEAN EVERYTHING BEFORE USING!!!  I was the first to arrive in my suite and it was disgusting.  The bathrooms were gross and I didn't feel comfortable until I cleaned everything.  Don't just wait for others to arrive.  Go do it already.
There are also things that you will need to buy before the semester starts.  Toilet paper and cleaning supplies is a must.  There are also smaller things that you may want.  Items like hangers, hairdryers, and even metal wall hooks.  There is a store right at the bottom of the hill is where you can get food and all the house hold supplies.
There is also a Daiso down the street where you can get everything very cheap.  This is the best place to get small makeup products, school supplies and anything else you might want.  In the first week of being at Soonchunhyang I am positive I was there everyday.  Love that store.  

Death Stairs #1

 Also, on the way to the dorms on the bus, you will notice driving up a pretty decent sized hill.  Four words, GET USE TO IT!  The campus is built on a mountain and there are a lot of hills and stairs.  I am not joking..... who needs a workout routine when you have to walk up and down the hills and stairs all the time.  The stairs are absolutely everywhere and they are huge!  I'm surprised I never fell down them.  Thank goodness it didn't snow or ice over while I was there or else I might have slipped.  

Now, based on what I just said about falling, do yourself a favor and just purchase the medical coverage from the school.  It is only $50 at the beginning of the semester.  I didn't do that and kept mine from home and it turned out to be a very bad situation for me.  Only when I wasn't prepared, I was getting hurt.  I had multiple injuries while I was here from falling off a skateboard to spraining my foot in taekwondo right before finals.  That was the worst one, I am still recovering from my sprain as I write this blog.  So do yourself a favor and just buy it.  It will save a lot of time later on if needed...... please trust me on this.

University Festival

Start of the night

End of the night

Every September and May is university festival season.  This is called 대동제 (Daedongjae).  It is a 3 day event that has a concert every night.  I think this was the most fun event that the whole school actually attended.  The crowds were amazing, I don't think I have ever seen that many students at an HPU event ever.  It was cool to see all the Korean students with all their different Major jackets.  I even have a major jacket now and it is my favorite thing that I got from Soonchunhyang University.  At the festival there are games and singing competitions.  They were fun to watch and I could have joined in, but let's be honest...... I'm a wuss.  I couldn't do that even if I wanted too.  I went to day one and we got to see BOL4 as the concert.  It was super exciting.  Day 2 I did not go to because I had homework.  Everyone wanted to go to day 3 because Zico was going to be there, but the whole event was cancelled due to rain.  Everyone was devastated.  The joke for the rest of the semester was "R.I.P. ZICO".

Coffee Hour

Coffee Hours are one of the mandatory events that you have to go to, but they are fun and entertaining.  Plus they give you free food.  Don't think of them as the end of the world.  It is a great excuse to go hang out with people and make friends.  There are 2 throughout the semester.  They are fun, trust me.

Global Day

HAWAII BOOTH

I made the frame with the help of my group; Nelly and Nami(UH)

Global day was another event we had.  It is where we all choose to represent out country or state.  There were stands for Mongolia, China, Uzbekistan, California and Canada.  There were many more, but that would be a long list.  I ran the Hawaii booth with the help of my team members Nami (left, UH Manoa) and Nelly (center, University of Texas).  We played games and even made food that represented where we were from.  For Hawaii, we made musubi. We also had a photo booth where everyone could take photos and it was fun.  Making the frame was the hardest thing.  It took 12 hours to make.... probably should have made it more in advance, but who has time for that.  Personally, I think that Hawaii had the best booth.