Pre-Departure

PRE-DEPARTURE

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How to Get Around South Korea

Posted by DACEYN on 

There are several methods of traveling throughout the country, however depending on the city you study in or visit, some may be better than others. Please be aware that some options may only be available to foreigners via a website and not an app, so plan wisely.

Cross-country:

  • Taking a train (website)
    • There are several different kinds of trains in Korea that one can take, but the fastest is the KTX. A long-distance train that you can take to travel between major cities, the KTX is the fastest way to get around to different provinces. There are other, slower trains that travel to smaller cities where the KTX does not go, which can also be accessed online. There is luggage storage available for check-in bags, but it is very limited. There is also overhead storage for smaller bags.
    • Regardless of the kind of train, they will arrive at the stated time on your ticket, so DO NOT BE LATE. When you book a train ticket, there will be train car and seat number listed on your ticket – sit in your assigned seat for the duration of your ride even when other people get on and off as this will be your seat until your stop. Just before each station, the name of the stop will be stated in Korean, then in English so don’t worry too much about not knowing what stop is coming since these announcements combined with the stop time listed on your ticket will let you know when to get off.
    • Booking a KTX ticket: simply look up “ktx train” or “railninja” and you will be able to book tickets after setting the city names and date. If you receive no result, then a KTX train does not take that route and you will have to resort to a different kind of train (try looking up “Rome2Rio korea trains”) or a bus.
  • Taking a bus (website or in-person)
    • Long-distance buses are a cheaper, but longer alternative to the trains. There is undercarriage storage that can fit check-in bags, but you must do this on your own. These buses will make a singular stop at a rest stop for 15 minutes during the journey. These stops while have several food vendors, a convenience store, and restrooms. Employees here are unlikely to speak much if any English so you can check if there is an electronic order station at the stand, use a translation app, or learn how to order food. The 15-minute break is strict – they will leave without you.
    • Booking a bus ticket: there are ways to book tickets ahead of time online, but it is best to just look up “city a to city b bus tickets.” An easier, but riskier way to book tickets is to go to the station and buy tickets at one of the kiosks. Another option would be having a Korean friend buy bus tickets via the app (it is not advised to use the app on your own; it requires a Korean phone number and ID, but even if you have this, foreigners usually have trouble with it).

In the city:

  • Taxis (app)
    • Getting a taxi is very simple in Korea as the app, Kakao Taxi, is available to foreigners and is very easy to use. You just set up your pick-up and drop-off locations, pick the kind of taxi you would like to take (with estimated price), and the app will search for nearby taxis. It will show you if/when a driver has chosen your request and how far away they are. It will also display the license plate number and a picture of the driver so you can easily tell if the car approaching is the correct one. There is a caveat though – you must have a KakaoTalk account and a Korean bank card to pay via the app, so you would need to pay the driver directly if you do not have these (you will select how to pay before the app sends out the request).
    • Depending on the city you are in, the drivers may or may not speak English. In Seoul, they are more likely to, but most will not in other cities, including Gwangju. Occasionally, a driver may ask for clarification of the drop-off location, so have a translation of the address ready on your phone or know how to say it in Korean.
  • Buses (in-person)
    • In order to take buses in the city, you will need to buy a T-Money card. These can be bought at any convenience store and are usually around 5,000 to 10,000 won for the card ONLY (price varies depending on the design). You can charge the cards at any convenience store as well – they can only be charged with cash, excluding coins.
    • You can find bus stops and times on Naver Maps – this will show you the bus number, stop number, and when it arrives down to the minute.
    • While the price of a bus ride can vary a little based on the city, rides are usually 1,250 won. You board the bus, scan your T-Money card and find a seat or place to stand. Scan your card as you are getting off as well to avoid potentially paying more.
      • There are different kinds of seats on Korean buses: regular, elderly, pregnant women, and disability seating. These will be indicated by the color of the seat. While it is generally socially acceptable to sit in the specified seating, you must move if someone boards after you that needs that seat.
    • The buses move very quickly, so find a place to sit or stand fast as the bus will move even if you aren’t sitting/holding on. In the same vein, prepare to get off at minimum a stop before by pressing the “stop” button (located on the wall) and getting ready to leave. You will know when your stop is coming via an accouncement as well as a screen that lists the upcoming stop in Korean and English.
  • Subway (in-person)
    • The subway works very similarly to buses: you need a T-Money card to use the subway and you scan your card before and after your ride. Naver Maps also shows directions via the subway so using that for the subway too will be helpful. When on the subway, it is advised that you do not talk, or if you do, make it short and quiet as this is the local etiquette. It is also not advised to sit in the pregnant women seating unless it is super crowded. Even then, you must move if someone else needs it. Stops will be announced in Korean and English and they will tell you what side the platform is on as well.

Pre-Departure: Goal-Setting & Planning

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Anna

“My room is a disaster!” I told my friend, just mere days before I jet-set to another continent for my study abroad adventure. Recently, my days have been filled with packing and errand-running, so naturally my room is completely cluttered as I gradually fill my suitcase and carry-on. This Friday, Jan. 3, I embark on a 2-day journey to arrive in San José, Costa Rica.

Packed and ready to go! I love using packing cubes.

I’m excited to study abroad with International Studies Abroad (ISA) for winter quarter. Here are the goals that guided me in selecting this program. I questioned myself, “What am I hoping to get out of study abroad? What are my goals and interests?”

  • Improve my Spanish language skills and proficiency
  • Develop greater cultural awareness and understanding
  • Explore Costa Rica and visit as many places as I can
  • Connect with and support the local community through service-learning
  • Experience self-growth, personally and professionally, by pushing myself outside my comfort zone

The list has evolved over time. To this day, I continue to reflect upon these goals and how I will implement them into my study abroad experience. As a Spanish major, I aim to develop fluency in the language, especially in terms of conversation and listening comprehension. I’m grateful to take the course “Advanced Grammar and Conversation” – my final elective for my degree – and participate in service-learning, which is similar to volunteer work with a local organization.

I will be volunteering at a music and cultural center, called SiNEM (Sistema Naciónal de Educación Musical), which translates to “Nacional System of Music Education”. The center provides music education to local youth, and is located in the Desamparados area of San José, is part of a larger public park – Parque de Libertad (“Liberty Park”) – dedicated to providing opportunities for education, recreation, and cultural growth for the all ages in the community. I applied and was accepted to volunteer there, and I am grateful to learn more about Costa Rican music and traditions, and to engage with native-speakers and locals.

Throughout my studies at WWU, I’ve learned about Latin American history and culture, and I strive to deepen this knowledge. I’ve already absorbed some information about Costa Rican history and culture by reading articles online and attending my orientations. One aspect of Costa Rican culture that stands out to me is the concept of pura vida which translates to “pure life”. Essentially, it is a phrase that means enjoying a relaxed life and appreciating the simple things. In a social scenario, one might ask, “¿Cómo estás?” or “How are you?” and the other person might reply, “¡Pura vida!” The phrase evokes joy, well-being, and peace. As someone who is quite used to a fast-paced, productivity-driven existence, I think that embracing pura vida as a mindset and lifestyle is just what I need.

I’m most excited about meeting new people and practicing my Spanish every day. There is only so much one can learn within a classroom, and I believe that linguistic and cultural immersion is critical for attaining language fluency. I look forward to meeting my host mom, eating meals with her, and asking for advice. In my classes, I hope to make friends, both local and international students. We all hail from diverse walks of life, and broadening my perspectives is a fundamental part of this experience.

I’m most nervous about transportation and making my way around the city. Costa Rica has a bus system throughout the country, but bus stops are not always clearly marked, and arrival/departure times can vary. While I will walk to school everyday, I will need to use public transportation to arrive at my service-learning site. My plan is to ask ISA on-site staff and my host mom for recommendations. After living in San José for weeks, I think I will get used to getting around the city.

In addition, I’ve developed a “toolbox” of skills or strategies to manage challenges that may arise, including:

  • Flexibility when things don’t go as expected; maintaining an open-mind and adapting to the situation.
  • Patience with myself and others; this is a new experience and being kind to myself is important – even in difficult moments and especially when I make mistakes.
  • Gratitude for each experience, moment, etc.; it’s important to remind myself of how lucky I am to travel and visit another country. This is a rare opportunity and I express gratitude toward the people and places I’ve encountered.

After months of planning and preparing to study abroad, I’m thankful to be able to study and live in another country. Studying abroad has been one of my dreams since high-school, and each passing day makes my travel aspirations seem more real. This blog will share my journey and experiences while I’m in Costa Rica. Thanks for reading!

Australia: Pre-Departure” “Are we there yet?” by Bree Daigneault

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Elizabeth Quay Bridge in Perth at sunset.
I plan on experiencing not just Perth but Western Australia (okay well maybe not all of it, as it’s a pretty big state). I hope to make friends that are just as interested as I am in seeing the city, the beaches and the more rural areas. So I’m going down under with a big ole smile on my face and tons of charisma baby. After all, how could I not?

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Ireland: Pre-Departure: “Thoughts before Leaving for My Adventure” by Lena Pulve

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“I’m not too nervous about anything yet, other than the plane ride over there. Slightly worried about homesickness but I know I’ll be having fun – This blog and art journal are really going to help me connect to and take in my surroundings and I’m so excited to experience a new place. “

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Czech Republic: Pre-Departure: “Thoughts & Prep for Studying Abroad in Prague” by Laurel Messenger

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“Besides being scared and nervous, I am just as excited. I am looking forward to finally seeing another part of the world and immersing myself in a different culture. I am excited to meet new people and hear their stories, and of course, I am excited about all the food I am about to eat.”

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Finland: Pre-Departure: “Ready for Finland” by Matthew Papaly

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When I chose to go to Finland, I did so knowing that I was going to a less populated, Western, and English-speaking country. I figured since I was going to study, it would be a good idea to choose somewhere that was relatively easy to get around. Even with this in mind I’m still going halfway around the world on my own for four months. But I’m sure this will help increase my independence and give me the opportunity to meet many new people.”

Spain: Pre-Departure “Heading Back to Spain” by Olivia Esparza

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Pre-Departure: Heading Back to Spain

Since September I have been studying Spanish for my Spanish major in Seville Spain. After finishing the first semester and going home for Christmas break I’m now preparing to return to Seville for my last semester abroad. While I’m studying abroad in Spain I hope to gain fluency in Spanish so that I can be a more culturally educated person competent in communication. Mastering a foreign language is a ubiquitous goal for many students studying abroad, but many underestimate the effort and commitment a full language emersion requires.  Last semester I started my year abroad intending to be fluent by the time I finished the school year but after weeks of only being around American classmates I realized that a full language emersion requires much discipline and motivation to accomplish. My experiences last semester have better prepared me to accomplish my goal because I know what to expect and how to avoid being only around Americans. This semester I’m most excited to engage more with the Spanish language and see what opportunities arise from being around locals more. Last semester I spent most of my time adjusting to Spain and traveling with American friends but now I want to be primarily focused on speaking Spanish. I’m nervous about having a hard time finding consistent Spanish contacts to talk with every week but I’m confident that locals are eager to practice English as well. To overcome these obstacles I’m going to find volunteer opportunities that require me to talk to locals so that I can practice Spanish. This semester I optimistic and motivated to accomplish my goals and go back to Western fluent in Spanish.

Czech Republic: “Pre-Departure” by Sarah Zinda

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Pre-Departure

 

 

From my previous posts you may have noticed that research is something I have been struggling with. I’ve done some broad reading on the history of the Czech Republic through Nazi occupation, the Soviet era, and the separation of Czechoslovakia. I still have a lot to learn about the Czech Republic’s past, but for now I at least have a little bit of background. I stumbled upon someone’s personal blog who seems to have married into a Czech family and offers a lot of practical advice about the dos and don’ts in Czech culture.

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France: Pre-Departure: “The Pre-Trip Jitters Strike” by Brenna Roach

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The Pre-Trip Jitters Strike

Hey guys!

I figured I would start this blog out now with one of my certificate posts, and a sort of introduction more than what you can find in the about.

My name is Brenna, and this fall I will be entering into my second year at Western Washington University. My current plans (as we all know how finicky these things can be to finalize) are to double major in French on the main campus at Western, and Cultural/Travel Play-writing (still working out all the technicalities of it right now) at Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, which is a small college that is a part of Western.

During this past year I was completing my fifth year of French language courses. I had already taken four years in high school you see, and after high school I just knew that my continued education path had to include the language. I had fallen in love with it. So between the prospect of my sixth consecutive year of studying French and trying to figure out how to work Traveling/Cultural Exploration into Play-writing; I decided it was time to consider studying abroad. Which led me to the Lyon, France program through University Studies Abroad Consortium aka USAC.

One thing led to another and I was accepted and beyond excited to work out the specifics of my Independent Study Program (ISP) for this very blog, and even more-so, to get to move to France.

Now we are T-minus 30 days, 9 hours, 58 minutes and 10 seconds (yes of course I have a countdown app installed on my phone, are you kidding?!) until I take off, and honestly the nerves are starting to kick in. Of course I’m beyond thrilled to have this incredible opportunity to live in a new country and experience a new culture first-hand, but there’s that little bubble of silly doubt too. What if no one will want to speak French with me, and my language skills don’t really improve? What if something goes wrong with my flights and I don’t get there on time? What if I don’t like escargot? Okay… that last one is only slightly real, I’m still deciding if I’m brave enough to try it. But I know that all of these worries will diminish when I get there, I meet my host family, and I start my classes. Because that’s what this is all about, putting yourself out there, and being brave enough to take on these doubts and experience the world. I’ve done the research on local customs, I’ve taken precautions, I’ve asked for help when I need it. And now? Now it’s time to go out and live. Well… in 30 days, 9 hours, 50 minutes and 34 seconds it will be anyways.

Spain: Pre-Departure: “The Adventure Begins…” by Alexis Mathews

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The Adventure Begins…

It’s a little over a week until I will depart on the biggest adventure of my life thus far. I will be boarding a plane to travel half way across the world, to a place that I have only dreamt of.  I have studied, read about and seen movies about this place but now I will be stepping foot on the very land itself.

It is surreal for me to think that I will be in Spain and destination of my dreams. I had fallen in love from afar when I first saw Real Madrid play in person and from there on I took an interest in the city. I began to study Spanish in high school and immediately took to it and later on after three years I knew I had a passion for the language and the land from which it came.

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