South Korea

About South Korea

South Korea is a vibrant mix of tradition and modernity. From ancient palaces and hanbok to neon-lit cities, K-pop, and high-tech culture, it’s a place where contrast is the norm. Life moves fast, especially in Seoul, but the people are warm, curious, and increasingly used to international students. You’ll find delicious food, efficient infrastructure, and a strong emphasis on education and social harmony.

South Korea also offers a dynamic student life, with endless cafés to study in, group activities organized by the university, and easy travel across the country on weekends.

Before You Go – Visa & Administrative Info

For stays longer than 90 days, you’ll need a D-2 student visa. Your host university will send you a Certificate of Admission once you’re accepted. You must apply for the visa at the Korean consulate in your country.

Documents usually required:

  • Valid passport

  • Certificate of Admission

  • Proof of finances (around $10,000 minimum)

  • Completed visa application form

  • Passport photo

Official info (Korean Visa Portal):
https://www.visa.go.kr/openMain.do
French Embassy in Korea (for registration once on site):
https://coree-du-sud.ambafrance.org/

🪪 Once in Korea, you must apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC) within 90 days of arrival. It’s mandatory for everything: bank account, SIM card, travel discounts, etc.

Apply at your local immigration office — your university will help you with the process.

Money & Cost of Living

South Korea uses the Korean Won (₩). Life is overall affordable, especially compared to Western Europe or Japan:

  • Rent: University dorms cost between ₩200,000–₩500,000/month. Off-campus housing is often a goshiwon (고시원) — small rooms with shared facilities, costing from ₩300,000–₩700,000/month.

  • Food: You can eat out cheaply — meals at restaurants start around ₩5,000–₩9,000. University cafeterias offer even cheaper options. Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) are everywhere and affordable.

  • Transport: The metro and bus systems are among the best in the world. Use a T-Money card and expect to pay ₩1,250–₩1,500 per ride. Monthly expenses for transport are low (~₩40,000–₩50,000).

🪙 Note: Most places accept cards, but always keep some cash on hand for small stores or traditional markets.

Housing in Korea

Most universities offer on-campus housing. If not, here are the common alternatives:

  • Goshiwon: Affordable mini-studios for students, found easily in university areas

  • One-room (원룸): Studio apartments, often requiring a deposit (보증금) of ₩5,000,000 or more

  • Hasukjib (하숙집): Traditional student housing with meals included — less common now

Useful websites:

Traveling in South Korea

Transportation in Korea is fast, reliable, and cheap. You can travel the entire country in just a few hours.

  • KTX (Korean bullet train): Fastest way to get from Seoul to Busan (~2h30)

  • Korail Pass: Offers special discounts for foreigners (https://www.letskorail.com)

  • Express buses: Comfortable and cheap for intercity travel (https://www.kobus.co.kr)

  • T-Money card: Valid on all buses, metros, and even in some taxis

Places to visit:

  • Seoul: Palaces, street food, markets, modern life

  • Busan: Beaches, seafood, more laid-back than Seoul

  • Jeonju: The hanok village and traditional Korean culture

  • Gyeongju: The ancient capital with tombs and temples

  • Jeju Island: Korea’s tropical getaway — reachable by plane

Useful Apps in Korea

  • KakaoTalk: The #1 messaging app (must-have!)

  • Papago: A better alternative to Google Translate for Korean

  • Naver Map or KakaoMap: More reliable than Google Maps in Korea

  • KakaoMetro / KakaoBus: For public transport navigation

  • Coupang Eats / Baemin: Food delivery apps

  • KakaoTaxi: Easy and safe way to call a cab

  • MiseMise: For checking air pollution levels

  • KorailTalk: Booking trains

Daily Life & Tips

  • Cultural etiquette is important: bow slightly when greeting, give/receive things with two hands, and avoid speaking too loudly in public.

  • Koreans are friendly but a bit shy — don’t be afraid to initiate conversation, especially on campus.

  • Student associations (clubs or “dongari”) are a great way to meet locals — sign up during the welcome weeks!

  • Air pollution can be high during spring — check forecasts and consider wearing a mask on bad days.

  • Wi-Fi is everywhere and super fast — cafés, libraries, metro, and even buses.

Seoul

Busan