Korea is waiting. Are you ready?
Congratulations! To help you prepare for your time in South Korea, we’ve compiled a bunch of essential information and some logistical details into this guide. Find a comfy chair, grab your favorite beverage and take 20 minutes to go through this information. We’d also encourage you to share this guide with anyone important to you.
Thank you for trusting us to be your partner in this journey. We’re eager for you to meet our Go-To team when you arrive as well. Reach out if you need anything and safe travels this summer to Korea!
YOUR TEAM@HOP
essential documents
Passport: The big one! Numero Uno! This is the single most essential piece of documentation you’ll need during your time abroad. So it goes without saying that it is important to know where it is at all times and especially when traveling.
HOP HINT: Identify a place in your carry-on, or backpack where it goes and check EVERY TIME you move. Do the big three check: Passport, Phone and Wallet/Purse.
Students have left passports on check-in counters and airline seat backs multiple times before creating unnecessary stress to start the journey. When not in use, it is equally as important to stow your passport away in a safe place at your housing. We advise taking a pic of your passport and storing it on your phone in your favorites. If you were to ever lose your passport, it’s easier to obtain a new one if you have copies of the old one. When you move into your housing, some students choose to lock their passport into their unused luggage to keep track of it. You can also now buy passport holders that incorporate air tags as an additional security measure.
Student Visa: This program does not require a student visa. The program length is short enough that you do not require this type of visa for travel. U.S. passport holders do not require a K-ETA tourist visa for travel to Korea through 2026.
Health Insurances: You are covered under insurance through Chubb/AXA that is arranged for you by Hop Education Abroad. Your insurance certificate will be emailed to you prior to your departure to Italy. You may also have coverage with your U.S. institution or otherwise; more on health insurance functionality below. Please print and keep copies of your health insurance identification information for each policy you have.
Prescriptions: If you are traveling to South Korea with any prescription medications, you are instructed to keep the original prescriptions readily available in your luggage to show TSA officials if asked for.
Remember:
Do not lose your passport.
Make copies of your student visa, passport and health insurance identification information.
Check your medications before travel.
health insurance
You likely have more than one insurance policy you can use while in South Korea. One is provided by Hop Education Abroad and the other may be from home university or your parents' coverage. If you ever have questions on which policy to use, please reach out to Hop and we can guide you. Generally we would encourage using our policy to request reimbursements. Please ensure you have receipts for all expenses you wish to claim when using the policy.
In partnership with the CHUBB Group of Companies and AXA Travel Partners Assistance, Hop enrolls all students in our combined Health and Travel policy. Should you be traveling outside of your host destination during the program, you are advised to use this insurance (or any other relevant coverage you may have with your home institution or personally).
Below is a summary of included Hop benefits:
BENEFIT | MAXIMUM | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
Total Accident and Sickness | $USD 500,000.00 | Deductible $0 |
Hospital Room and Board | Included Above | Semi Private Room Rate |
Mental Health | $USD 5,000.00 | In Patient Treatment |
Prescription Drugs | 100% of Expenses Covered | In or Out Patient, Co-insurance |
Emergency Medical Evacuation | 100% of Expenses Covered | |
Emergency Medical Reunion | $USD 12,500.00 | |
Home Country Emergency Care | $USD 10,000.00 | Extension Benefit of further $10K (Up to 30 days) |
Security Evacuation | $USD 25,000.00 | Aggregate Limit of $250,000.00 |
Chiropractic Care | $USD 500.00 | $USD 50.00 per Visit (Up to max of $USD 500.00) |
Accidental Death | $USD 50,000.00 | Includes Dismemberment |
Repatriation | 100% of Expenses | |
Personal Belongings | $USD 1,000.00 | |
Cancellation/Delay/Interruption | $USD 6,000.00 | Max of $2,000 each Category |
Lost Luggage | $USD 500.00 | $500 per Bag |
Lost Credit Cards or Cash | $USD 500.00 | Cash Limit of $250.00 |
Hop Education Abroad carries Commercial General Liability Insurance through the CHUBB group of $USD 5,000,000.00 with a $USD 3,000,000.00 amount for each occurrence.
Crisis24 Horizon
At Hop Education Abroad, student safety is always a top priority. That’s why we provide access to Crisis24 Horizon, a powerful global travel risk and assistance app designed to help keep you informed, supported, and prepared wherever you are in the world. Crisis24 Horizon delivers real-time security alerts, health updates, and detailed country and city risk insights—all in one easy-to-use platform.
Available on iOS and Android, the Crisis24 Horizon app puts critical support right in your pocket. Students can receive location-specific alerts, stay up to date on evolving situations, identify nearby medical providers, and access multilingual assistance when it matters most. The app mirrors the robust tools available on desktop, ensuring reliable support on the go.
Backed by a dedicated global intelligence team and an international network of more than 40,000 vetted medical providers, Crisis24 Horizon offers 24/7 access to timely information and assistance. We’re proud to offer this essential resource so students—and their families—can feel confident knowing support is always within reach.
Key features include:
Health, medical, safety, and security insights by location
Country and city risk ratings with detailed profiles
Real-time news and security alerts with customizable notifications
Travel tips to help you prepare and stay informed
Access to a global network of trusted medical providers
With Crisis24 Horizon, Hop students can explore the world with greater confidence—knowing help and information are always close at hand.
STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program)
We require all of our students to enroll with the U.S. Department of State to receive STEP notifications. By enrolling in STEP, you will receive important information about any safety conditions in South Korea. Additionally, enrollment helps the local U.S. embassy contact you in an emergency, such as natural disasters, political or civil unrest, or family emergencies.
There are step-by-step instructions on enrolling with STEP below:
Go to the official STEP portal: https://step.state.gov/step.
Create an account or sign in if you already have one. Alternatively, you can opt for a guest subscription to receive alerts without creating a Login.gov account.
Once you’re logged in, you will register your trip with all the relevant information the prompts ask of you, including destination, dates, emergency contact information, etc.
Once registered, you'll receive important security alerts, health advisories, weather updates, information about embassy services and more.
Remember:
You have health (and travel) coverage for the full duration of your program.
Depending on the situation, one insurance policy may be preferred to use over the other.
When traveling outside of your host destination, you have health coverage with Hop’s coverage via CHUBB/AXA, but not the policy chosen by your host university
Save receipts for any payments you make on reimbursable health expenses.
Please download the Crisis24 Horizon app.
Enroll in STEP (Smart Travel Enrollment Program) with the U.S. State Department to receive pertainment health and security updates from the local embassy.
medications abroad
Traveling with Prescriptions:
As per the U.S. Department of State guidelines, South Korea enforces strict regulations regarding the import and export of narcotics, prescription medications, and nonprescription health supplements. These rules apply not only to items carried by travelers upon entry but also to those sent through international mail or shipping services.
The Narcotics Policy Division of the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS, also known as the KFDA) explicitly prohibits the importation of marijuana and all cannabis-related products, including cannabidiol (CBD) oil, regardless of whether they are prescribed by a doctor or carried during an airport layover. Possessing such substances—even in small quantities or for personal medical use—can be interpreted as drug trafficking under Korean law.
South Korea maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal drugs. Violations of these laws can result in severe criminal penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. It is important to note that U.S. citizens are subject to the same legal consequences as Korean nationals. Neither the U.S. government, your host university, nor Hop can intervene or provide legal protection if you are arrested or prosecuted for violating South Korea’s drug laws.
You are strongly advised to thoroughly review South Korea’s medication and drug import regulations before arrival to ensure full compliance with local laws. If you plan to bring any prescription medication containing opiates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines into South Korea, you must contact the MFDS at +82-43-719- 2813 or by emailing narcotics@korea.kr and submit a written application for approval. This application can also now be found online, on the MFDS website.
Non-Controlled Prescription Medications:
Many common non-controlled prescription medications and over the counter (OTC) medications are allowed into South Korea. You can bring up to three months worth of medications with you, and you’ll want to have it clearly marked with your name/prescription on the label in its original packaging, and kept inside your carry on luggage.
It's encouraged that you keep any prescriptions in your carry-on so you can answer any questions about it should airport security inquire.
Below is a list of common prescription and OTC medications safe to travel with:
Antidepressants (e.g., Lexapro, Zoloft)
Antiepileptics (e.g., Depakote)
Thyroid medications (e.g., Levothyroxine)
Gastrointestinal medications (e.g., Esomeprazole)
Pain relievers (e.g., Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen)
Anti-diarrheals (e.g., Loperamide)
Vitamins and minerals (excluding anything with THC or CBD)
Lactase supplements
Melatonin (Note: While melatonin is not sold in Korea, it is permitted for personal use when brought in.)
Remember:
DO NOT bring any cannabis (THC, CBD, etc)
DO NOT bring any amphetamines (Adderall), opioids (oxycodone) or benzodiazepines (Xanax), unless you’ve been granted permission via the MFDS.
If you are traveling with medications, keep them in their original packing with the prescription readily available for airport security should they ask.
Review the travel regulations for any medications you intend to travel overseas to South Korea with.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance with any local regulations regarding medication while you are traveling in/outside of Korea.
personal wellness abroad
Studying abroad is meant to take you out of your comfort zone and shake up your way of thinking and doing. It can feel like an emotional whirlwind at times, so we want to encourage you to prioritize your health and wellbeing.
We’ve partnered with a mental health and lifestyle organization in Australia, GreenX7, who focuses on connection as the best means of supporting overall wellness. Connection to others, to place, to yourself, etc. Below we are sharing their 8 pillars of wellness so you can think about how to support and nourish yourself in these areas of life during and after your program.
Purpose: Having a clear "why" and aligning your daily actions with your core values and long-term goals.
Sleep: Prioritizing restorative rest as the primary way to recharge your physical and mental "battery." Going to sleep from 10 or 11 pm can dramatically influence your quality of sleep.
Physical Health: Moving your body regularly and maintaining the functional fitness needed to perform daily tasks without strain. Take walks throughout the day instead of traveling by car.
Nutrition: Fueling your body with quality food that provides steady energy rather than temporary spikes. Eating locally grown, fresh foods that are in season.
Mindset: Cultivating a growth-oriented, resilient perspective and managing your internal dialogue.
Fun: Intentionally making time for play and activities that bring genuine joy, which Adams argues is essential for creativity and stress relief.
Relationships: Focusing on deep, intimate connections (partners/family) that provide emotional security.
Friendships: Building a broader social support network of peers and community to foster a sense of belonging.
communications abroad
You have several options when it comes to using your phone while living in Korea. Some of the most common options are outlined below.
International phone plan: Your U.S. phone carrier likely offers an international plan that works in South Korea. Since your program is short, these plans may be the best option as they’re the most convenient. Many U.S. carriers charge around $100 USD per month for international access, sometimes with limited data.
eSIM card plan: eSIMs allow you to connect to local Korean networks digitally, without needing a physical SIM card. You can set this up before departure or after arrival. Data plans vary based on usage, but many students find options averaging $15–30 USD per month, making this a flexible and affordable choice.
Korean SIM card: If your phone is unlocked (able to work with carriers other than the one it was purchased from), you can purchase a physical Korean SIM card once you arrive. Popular providers include SK Telecom, ST, and LG Uplus. This is often one of the most reliable and budget-friendly options, especially for longer stays. If you have an older unlocked smartphone, it can be a great option to use it with a local SIM.
Wi-fi hot stop - another option is purchasing a local wi-fi hot spot device. This way you can continue to use your phone via the internet whenever you go with the pocket wi-fi device. Since your program is short and these can be costly depending on how much you use it, an eSIM may be preferred.
Our recommendation: Generally, we recommend using an eSIM plan but since your program is 6 weeks or less, using an international phone plan on your U.S. carrier may be easiest. These options tend to offer the best balance of flexibility, coverage, and affordability for the length of your program.
Internet: The internet in South Korea is among the fastest and most reliable in the world. Wi-fi is available almost everywhere — in cafes, public transport, libraries, and on campus at Korea University. Overall, you’ll find that using the internet in Seoul is a smooth, efficient, and highly connected experience.
Local emergency numbers to keep handy:
SERVICE | NUMBER | DETAILS |
Emergency (Police) | 112 | For reporting crimes or needing police assistance. |
Emergency (Fire & Ambulance) | 119 | For medical emergencies, fire, or rescue services. |
Emergency Medical Information Center | 1339 | For medical advice and information, available 24/7. |
Immigration Contact Center | 1345 | For visa and immigration-related inquiries. |
Korea Travel Hotline | 1330 | Multilingual tourist support and travel information. |
National Center for Mental Health | 1577-0199 | 24/7 mental health crisis counseling and support |
These numbers are available 24/7 and have multilingual support. Calling 119 or 112 connects you directly to the emergency service required. They are the equivalent to the U.S. number 911.
Important App Downloads
Naver Maps Probably the most reliable map and navigation app in South Korea, this tool offers highly accurate walking, driving, and bus/subway directions, along with real-time transit updates and detailed information on local businesses. It’s far more accurate and dependable than most global map apps and is widely used by locals for everyday navigation. | |
KakaoTalk South Korea’s primary free messaging, voice, and video calling app, similar to WhatsApp or Messenger. It’s used nationwide for one-on-one and group chats, file sharing, and calls, and includes additional features like payments, services, and built-in AI tools. | |
Kakao T The go-to transportation app in South Korea—used for taxi hailing, rides, and even bike or scooter rentals. It’s especially helpful if you don’t want to navigate public transportation or need a safe, convenient option late at night. | |
KakaoMetro A helpful subway navigation app you can use while in South Korea to get around major cities like Seoul and Busan with ease. The app provides clear subway maps, station information, transfer guidance, and estimated travel times, making it especially useful for new arrivals. | |
Papago A powerful translation tool that handles text, menus, and signs, with support for voice and camera (image) translation. Ideal for everyday communication and navigating daily life if you don’t speak Korean. | |
Baemin Handy for ordering food directly to your accommodation — especially useful if you arrive late, want comfort food, or just want to try local delivery culture. |
Basic Korean Words for Survival:
ENGLISH | KOREAN |
|---|---|
Hello | 안녕하세요 (ann-yeong-ha-se-yo) |
Goodbye | 안녕히 계세요 / 안녕히 가세요 (an-nyeong-hee / gye-se-yo) |
Thank you | 감사합니다 (gam-sa-ham-ni-da) |
Please (give me) | 주세요 (ju-se-yo) |
Excuse me / Just a moment | 잠시만요 (jam-shi-man-yo) |
Yes | 아니요 (a-ni-yo) |
No | 네 (ne(h) |
Where is the bathroom? | 화장실 어디예요 (hwa-jang-shil eo-di-ye-yo) |
Please help | 도와주세요 (do-wa-ju-se-yo) |
important contact information
Be sure to save these numbers in your phone in case you need them!
24/7 Hop Emergency Number
+1 (256) HOP-CARE (467-2273)
Remember:
Using a Korean eSIM or physical SIM card will be the most convenient and cost efficient way to use your phone abroad.
The internet in Korea is generally very fast, reliable and accessible.
112 or 119 is the local emergency services number; the equivalent of 911 in the U.S.
budget & finances
Cost of Living Estimates: Designing a personal budget you’re comfortable prior to your arrival will be helpful in guiding you on how you’d like to spend leisure and social time during the program. Please review the table below for our recommendations!
EXPENDITURES | ESTIMATE BUDGET RECOMMENDATION (USD) |
|---|---|
Food (Groceries & eating out) | $900-$1,100 |
Personal leisure spending (social activities, etc.) | $300 |
Local transportation (buses, trains, riding sharing apps like Kakao T) | $150 |
SIM card or internet data | $125 |
Please be reminded these are estimates that are heavily influenced by personal behavior. Depending on the funds available to you or your preferences, you could reasonably spend less or more on each expense.
Credit Card Usage: Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are most commonly accepted in Korea. Be aware that most credit card companies charge approximately 2-3% for foreign currency transactions. This may vary from card to card, so you are advised to confirm what your specific credit card’s fees are prior to arrival. Be sure to notify your credit card company you will be using your card overseas to avoid any fraud alerts when using your card.
Local Currency: The primary form of currency is the Korean Won (KRW or ₩). Most establishments accept electronic forms of payment, but cash is still good to have for markets, small local eateries, or taxis. We don’t recommend traveling overseas with large amounts of cash on you for security and safety reasons. If you’d like to have some KRW on you in advance as a precaution, your local bank may have some available for purchase.
Exchanging Funds: Alternatively, you could exchange U.S. dollars for KRW at an airport currency exchange upon arrival, but please be aware their exchange rates may not be the best available. You can elect to withdraw directly from an ATM, but be mindful of any ATM withdrawal fees associated with your home bank or local ATM. The exchange rate is about 1 USD to 1,495 KRW. Common bills include ₩1,000, ₩5,000, ₩10,000 or ₩50,000. You can roughly consider ₩1,000 to be $0.70, ₩5,000 to $3.5, ₩10,000 to be $7, and so on.
Emergency Funds: We advise having a plan in place for accessing money in the event of an emergency or unexpected disruption. You could bring a second credit card that is meant to be used only for this purpose, but otherwise locked away in your housing. Or, ensuring you have access to two separate bank accounts may be most preferred. However it may work best with your family and individual circumstances would be sufficient. Should you lose access to your funds and need emergency assistance, please contact us for assistance!
Remember:
Prepare a personal spending budget you and your loved ones are comfortable with prior to arrival.
Consider the logistics of how you may prefer to spend money, via a local bank account, ATM withdrawals, credit cards, etc.
Have a secondary way of accessing funds in the event of an emergency.
Contact your local bank & credit card companies to tell them you’ll be traveling internationally for an extended period.
Be aware of international transaction fees on your credit cards, and any ATM withdrawals fees associated with making withdrawals or purchases.
packing essentials
Packing Recommendations: It is extremely easy to become overwhelmed when trying to decide what you need on the other side of the world. Almost every student will say in retrospect that they bought too much with them. It is advised to pack no more than what you can carry individually. It’s a long journey overseas and lugging around too much baggage can certainly make the trek more difficult and incur unwanted fees while flying. You are advised to pack as light as possible, as you’ll want to take souvenirs or new clothing home as well. Most airlines have a maximum baggage allowance of two checked bags, one carry-on and one personal item and they will have weight limits on these items. Ensure you check the policy with your specific airline before packing.
Weather: You’ll be in Korea during the peak of summer and also monsoon season, so expect it to be hot and humid for much of your stay! Monsoon season can sound a bit intimidating, but in practice the rain tends to come in short, heavy downpours at least once daily. Sudden showers are common during the summer, so we advise bringing breathable, quick drying clothing and keeping a portable umbrella handy when you know you’ll be outside for long periods of time. Sunscreen is also a must. The UV index is quite high, so even when it’s cloudy you’re advised to use sun protection. The average daily temperatures range from about 85°F to 75°F (or 30°C to 22°C). Linens: Your linens will be provided. Each room comes furnished with a bed, desk, chair, and wardrobe, and includes a bedding set with a pillow, blanket, and sheets. They do not supply towels or toiletries, so be sure to bring your own.
Packing List: The following list is a suggested packing list for the summer:
Clothing for both warm weather at night and hot weather during the day
Socks & underwear
Comfortable walking shoes
Swimwear
Sleepwear
Shower shoes
Accessories (hats, jewelry, etc.)
An outfit or two of formal wear
Sunscreen
Toiletaries
Medications
A weekend bag or smaller backpack for short term travel
Bath towel
Camera
Laptop & other personal electronics (Kindle, iPad, etc.)
Two or more electronic adapters
Journal
Remember:
Pack light, leave room for new clothes and souvenirs you’ll purchase during the semester.
Review your airlines’ baggage regulations.
Review our suggested packing list while you’re getting ready to depart.
Plan to bring or purchase a towel.
arrival abroad
Korea University Welcome: KU will hold a welcome ceremony on Saturday, June 27th, before classes begin the following Monday. It is strongly encouraged to attend this ceremony as it’s a great way to meet more students and you’ll receive useful information about campus. University of Seoul Welcome: UoS will be welcoming students on July 1, 2026 when housing opens, and classes begin the next day. There is no formal welcome event to be aware of.
Arrival Day: Upon arrival into South Korea on Friday, June 26th, you will be greeted by the Hop team at the airport in Seoul (ICN). We will be eagerly awaiting your arrival in the arrivals area for international flights. You can expect to spend 20-60 minutes in Customs after you deboard your plane. Our team will be monitoring your flight and stay aware of any travel delays; you will not be left behind at the airport as a result of any in-air delays. Once all students have arrived and are accounted for, we will travel as a group to Korea University and you will move into your dorm.
Arriving Early: For those of you arriving to Korea early, you’re aware you are responsible for reserving your own accommodation. You do not need to go back to ICN airport for the group pick up. Hop will arrange one (1) pick up location in Seoul on our way to campus. You are welcome to meet us there, or commute to campus independently. Please stay in contact with your Global Guide, Nick, about where you are staying if you choose to arrive early.
Flight Interruptions: Should you encounter any flight delays or cancelations, please alert Hop immediately. We will work with you to arrange a new airport transfer from ICN to Korea University in the event of any significant delays.
Remember:
KU’s Welcome Orientation is Saturday, June 27th. Your attendance is heavily encouraged.
The Hop team will be eagerly waiting to greet you upon your arrival to the Incheon airport (ICN) on June 26th and bring you to your dormitory for move-in.
Please let us know if you encounter any significant flight delays.
Cultural Considerations
Language: English is widely spoken within Seoul. At most restaurants, cafes, and stores at least one employee will speak English. Much signage around the city and within the metro system is listed in Korean, English and Chinese. This makes it easier to navigate the city as you will not need to solely depend on translations. Generally speaking, locals will find it respectful anytime you speak Korean so you are encouraged to use any Korean you know when possible. The most likely places you’d encounter no English speakers is at local markets, small restaurants, or street fairs. We have listed some "survival phrases” below for short public transactions.
Clothing: You’ll find that most Koreans dress professionally daily, wearing business casual clothing or covering their upper thighs and shoulders. You’re encouraged to look presentable when attending class. There is no strict dress code to follow day to day, but you may get a couple looks on the subway or around campus if you’re wearing a tank top, sandals and short shorts. Since it is quite hot and humid in the summer, breathable clothing is a must. You can visit local clothing stores or larger retailers like Uniqlo to purchase thin, airy clothing. When visiting temples or any culturally sacred sites, it is recommended to be mindful of your clothing; or there may be dress codes to adhere to depending on the site, so it’s good to look into this before planning any visits.
Respect: When traversing the city or public Metro, please be mindful of your surroundings and take note of how locals conduct themselves. Our general guidance is to be respectful of others, exert patience, be mindful of how loud you are, and give way to the elderly. For example, in the Metro, it is common for lines to form in larger crowds or while using escalators.
Tipping: You are not expected to tip at restaurants or for really any public services in Korea. Leaving a tip may cause confusion when purchasing food or eating out.
Crowds: You are advised to avoid any political or protest gatherings while in Seoul. Since you are a visitor in Korea, you’re likely unaware of the nuances at play at any political demonstration. When navigating large crowds you must stay vigilant and react quickly to any signs of overcrowding. Neighborhoods like Itaewon with high concentrations of clubs and bars tend to get very crowded at night and this is when you’d most likely encounter dense crowds. If you find yourself in an uncomfortably large crowd, stay on your feet, use your hands to protect your chest and breathing, and move diagonally towards the edge of the crowd. Be aware of your surroundings, personal belongings, and physical safety when going out at night.
Drinking Culture: Alcohol is a big part of Korean youth culture and the entertainment scene in Seoul. Do not feel pressured to drink at the rate of locals. In nightclub areas, it is common to see folks visibly intoxicated. You are reminded to drink responsibly and within your personal limits while abroad. You can certainly also enjoy these spaces without drinking alcohol.