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.

Hello (안녕하세요) my name is Ellen Groenvall,  I'm a senior at HPU and I'm currently studying abroad at Konkuk University in  South Korea. As for my first blog post I thought it would be good to talk a bit about the university location and how to get around in Seoul. 

Konkuk University is very conveniently located in central Seoul making it very easy to get around the whole city. There is an extensive metro system in Seoul and fortunately Konkuk has its own station, Konkuk Univ. Station, where two of the metro lines (l 2 & 7) stops. Additionally Line 2 of the metro run as a circle around Seoul and connects to all the other metro lines making it even more convenient to travel around the city from Konkuk. 

There are a few ways to pay for the metro. At every station there are ticket machines where you can buy tickets using cash but if you are staying here for a whole semester that's a bit inconvenient. Most commonly you use a T money card which, as a foreigner without a korean bank account, you can load using cash either at the ticket machines in the stations or at your local convenience stores. Currently they are also trying out a Climate card alternative which you pay around 60 000 krw in advance for a month's use of metro and buses. However, the Climate card works only within Seoul while the T money card can be used all over Korea. Lastly, when and if you open a Korean bank account you can choose either an international card that will work in countries outside of Korea or a domestic card that will also work in the korean metro! 

I hope this was helpful whether you are going to Korea to study abroad or if you wish to go as a tourist, I wish you all the luck!

Mahalo, 

Ellen

Korea University International Summer Campus Weekend Activitites

What I enjoyed about the summer program were all weekly activities they planned for the students. As classes, only last from Monday through Thursday, on Fridays the school offers different excursion and activities in which students can participate. Since the program is a total of six weeks, there were six activities, unfortunately, I was only there for four weeks and I was only able to attend two. 

            For our first weekend, the school offered all student free admission to Lotte World. It is known to be one of the biggest indoor theme parks with an outdoor amusement park. Inside had many calm rides such the merry-go-round, automated hot air balloon rides, and even a haunted house trail. The outside amusement park is where one can find the more daring and adventures ride such as different rollercoaster rides, drop tower, swing trees and many more. There were many rides and activities to choose from that everyone stayed at the park all day. Outside the Lotte World, Is actually a bigger department store and Hotel. The park itself leads to shopping areas and even an ice rink.

            The second event that I got to go two was in the third week, which included a trip to a VR gaming world and a tour of SM Town, one of the biggest entertainment industry in Korea. VR theme park is located on the 10^th floor of the Lotte Department Store, located near Konkuk University, Seoul and has over 60 attractions and ride. There are VR gaming areas, one with archery, car racing and various rooms dedicated to shooting VR. There are also different rides experiences, like a bungee jump experience, a boat ride through a forest, a roller coaster experience, and my favorite was a jet pack experience. The only downside of this VR game is the limited spacing. It is only one floor and out school brought in over 500 students, and the lines got really long.

            After the VR places we headed to Gangnam Area to see SM Town, we got to experience a holographic show. School OZ, was a musical holographic show, which consisted of various famous Korean artist in the company. The holographic show is basically a four dimension experience, this gave the effect of making it seem like real live artists were actually on stage, when they really weren’t. After the hour and a half musical, we also got the chance to tour around SM Town museum. This area consisted of the history of the company and the evolution of the different KPOP groups they produce. Each group also had its own corner and room that dedicated their different concepts in which they performed. There were many videos and props and customs that were used by the groups in music videos and performances. The Kpop fan I am, I geeked out and enjoyed every wall I saw.

            I’ve posted about the different actives, they had planned throughout the program. There was the Kpop flash mob, where Korea University flooded the central area of the campus and learned a Kpop dance.  On my last week there, they offered two different choices, one was a cooking lesson, where students got to learn how to make traditional Korean pancakes. They also offered a Nanta show, which is nonverbal theatrical comedy show. The school ended with the Taekwondo lesson classes. My friends posted pictures of them in their GI’s and they even said they got a certificate for participating.

            Having these weekly activities were really fun for many students and a great way for international students and actual Korea University to interact with each other. This also allowed us to see different places in Seoul, we would not have gone too and getting us to go out and explore the city, and to even learning a little about the Korean culture.

 

Ariving at Korea University

The second day was a little hectic, but I am so very blessed to have my friend Taylor. She was a former international student at HPU and I could not have been more grateful in meeting her and becoming good friends with her. Not only did she welcome me to her home in Korea, but helped me travel to Korea University and get settled.  I couldn’t get much footage, as we travelled far to get to my dorm campus. It took us three different transportations to arrive at Korea Universities Anam Dormitory. After getting settled to my first ever dorm, Taylor and I explored the area and store within the University and we ended up eating in one of her favorite childhood restaurants.  Again, Mahalo Taylor for all your help

Arrival to Seoul, South Korea

            After a year of debating and months of preparation, on a sunny Thursday morning, June 21, 2019 my dream of flying to Korea had finally arrived. I was excited yet nervous. Traveling outside the country was no new adventure for me, but studying abroad and being away by myself was definitely a first for me. Thankfully I made Korean friends prior to my trip, they were actually Korean exchange students who attended HPU last fall. As I grew up on Oahu and they were new to the island, I was glad to be their tour guide and show them the ins and out of the island. Throughout the semester we built a strong bond that stretches out across the ocean. It was actually thanks to them that push me to study abroad in the summer.

            My biggest fear when getting to Seoul was transportation and accommodation. Because I arrived one day earlier than my initial program start date, I had no idea where I would stay or even travel outside of the airport, plus I knew the bare minimum of the Korean language, so my fear of getting lost was high up there. Thankfully I was able to reach out to my friends in Korea and they were excited for me to visit their country. Their kind generosity led, to meeting me at the airport, showing me a little bit around Seoul, treating me to my first meal in Korea and even staying the night with them at their home. They even bought me a cake and sang a song for me. Not only did they meet me on my first day, but also taught me how to take the subway and how to travel around town. Sadly we could not meet up with each other as much as we would have liked to as they did not live in Seoul, and they too were busy with their schooling, they still provided me with helpful information to make my trip in Korea fun and memorable.

            So, if you are unsure of studying abroad I really recommend that you make friends with the international students, we have at HPU, whether they are exchange students who are only their for a semester, or full-time student. HPU has a wide variety of students from around the world and getting to them and creating a strong bond who knows may eventually lead to them also inviting you to their home country. Also, it is also nice to know that there are people we already know in the country you wish to travel too.