Travel Tips

Whether you are studying, working or traveling abroad in South Korea, there is always something to do.
Are you interested in...

• Exploring Buddhist temples?
• Skiing in the mountains?
• Hiking in national parks?
• Learning Taekwondo?

Popular Destinations

Gyoenggi-do Province

• Seoul-city life, transportation hub
• Bukhansan National Park-hiking, camping
• Incheon-city life, transportation hub

Jeju-do Island

• Jeju-si-city life, transportation hub
• Western Jejudo-parks, museums
• Eastern Jejudo-hiking, caving
• Southern Jejudo-scuba diving, beaches

Gyeongsangnam-do

• Busan-city life, transportation hub
• Namhae Island-national parks, hiking

Gyeongsangbuk-do

• Daegu-city life, transportation hub
• Gyeongju-parks, temples, hiking
• Pohang-city life, beaches

Currency
The currency of South Korea is the Korean Won. US $1=KW 1,031. ATMs are available in larger cities; however, the instructions are in Korean. Travelers checks can be cashed at banks at exchange locations for a fee.

Travel Discounts
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is available in the Learning Abroad Center for $22. This card provides discounted or free admissions to museums and sights, inexpensive meals in various restaurants , and discounts on numerous modes of transportation (airfare, train tickets etc.). The ISIC card also provides minimal health insurance. Your University of Minnesota identification card will not work as an international student ID.

Transportation

Airplane
Flying in and around South Korea can be expensive. The earlier you book, the cheaper a flight will cost. Air travel is not always necessary since South Korea has developed the bullet train, which runs almost as fast as an airplane, but costs much less.

Bus
Traveling by bus is a good way to get around. Buses offer local, regional, and nationwide service. There are two types of buses: Jwaseok and Ilban. Jwaseok have more comfortable seating and offer more room than Ilban, but costs more.

Train
Trains are a popular method of transportation in South Korea. Korea has three types of train service, which connect Seoul to the rest of the country. Saemaeul is the fastest and most expensive. Mugunghwa is the most popular and stops at most stations. Tongil is the cheapest and stops at the most locations. Subways are also popular and widely used in Seoul and Busan. Buying a Korea Pass Card can save you money, as well as provide discounts to some tourist attractions. Korea National Railroad connects all major cities and towns along the way.

Taxi
Taking a taxi is a good deal for short trips with multiple people. Taxis are metered and charge by distance and time. Sometimes, fares can be negotiated. Because most drivers do not speak English an interpretation service is available.

Ferry
Ferries are very popular in South Korea and service many people to many places. Ferries offer service to many islands as well as other countries, such as Japan and China.

Automobile
Renting or buying an automobile can be cheap; however, the price of gas is expensive and you must have an international driving license. The Learning Abroad Center highly discourages students from renting a car while abroad.

Accommodation

Camping
Camping within South Korea is very fun. Most camping is done in national parks, outside of cities. Campsites are inexpensive and typically do not offer many amenities.

Hostels
South Korea has hostels mainly located in large cities. Hostels offer fair prices and are typically used by budget travelers. Hostels are also a good way to meet new people and learn new cultures.

Guesthouses
Guesthouses are common in larger cities and offer cheap prices to a budget traveler. Be aware that the price of guesthouses varies, depending on the owner and location.

Hotels
Hotels are common in South Korea and the price per night varies depending on location and amenities. Within larger cities, there are chain hotels and they can be expensive.

Seasons
The seasons in South Korea are similar to the US. Winter and summer occur during the same time as the US, except Korea has a monsoon season, unlike the US.

Travel Insurance
Many people make the mistake of assuming their existing health insurance covers them wherever they go, when many times it does not provide coverage outside of their home country.

The Learning Abroad Center includes comprehensive medical insurance for international travel that is available for those who study abroad, and offers insurance for those participating on non-academic programs such as work, intern, volunteer, or travel abroad.

Guide Books
Lonely Planet guidebooks are available at the Learning Abroad Center. These guides provide valuable information to assist in planning a trip that will be both educational and enjoyable.

Guides to look for when traveling throughout South Korea:

• Korea
• Asia Overland
• Healthy Travel Asia and India

There are numerous accommodation guides in South Korea, but bias is sometimes questionable because places pay to be listed.

Travel Web Sites

Airfare to and within South Korea
Guide to Seoul
Guide for transportation in Seoul
Hostel search in Korea
Listing of hostels in South Korea
Guide to South Korea
Student travel service
Cheap student fares and discounts

Use your ISIC to receive discounts on travel within South Korea.

Travel Gear
Available at the Learning Abroad Center (prices reflect student/non-student pricing) :

• Money belt-$10/12
• Adapter Set-$8/9
• ISIC-$22
• Sleep Sack-$14
• Color Film-$7/8
• Alarm Clock-$4
• Lonely Planet Korea-$22