Are you planning to join an exchange student program in Korea? Here’s the ultimate list of essential things exchange students in Korea should prepare before arriving in Korea. Get ready for an enriching semester abroad in Korea this fall!
1. SIM Card
The most essential thing you need to prepare before arriving in Korea is to get your SIM card ready. There are three ways to get your SIM card in Korea: have your SIM card gets delivered to you in advance, pick up your SIM card or WiFi pocket at the airport, or get eSIM, which you just have to download a SIM card to your phone without needing a physical SIM card.
※Get a Cost-Effective Korea SIM Card for Up to 120 Days! (Speed-up Plan is Available)
- Korea SIM Card: Unlimited Data + Voice + SMS (30~120 days) – Pick up from Incheon Airport T 1 & 2
- Korea SIM Card: Unlimited Data + Voice + SMS (30~120 days) – Pick up from Sinchon, Seoul
- Korea SIM Card: Unlimited Data + Voice + SMS (30~120 days) – Receive by Postal Parcel (Korea Only)
1) Get your SIM card delivered in advance!
2) Pick up your SIM card upon arrival at the airport!
- Korea SIM Card: Unlimited Data + Optional Voice & SMS (3~30 days) – Pick up from Incheon Airport / Gimpo Airport / Seoul / Gimhae Airport / Busan Port
- Unlimited Data Only SIM Card (5~60 days) + T-money Transportation Card – Pick up from Incheon Airport / Gimpo Airport / Gimhae Airport
- Korea SIM Card: Unlimited Data + 11,000 Won Credit for Voice & SMS (5~30 days) – Pick up from Incheon Airport / Gimpo Airport / Gimhae Airport
- Unlimited Data Only SIM Card (1~30 days) – Pick up from Incheon Airport / Gimpo Airport / Gimhae Airport / Busan Port / Daegu Airport
- Postpaid Smartphone Rental with Korea SIM Card – Pick up from Incheon Airport / Gimpo Airport / Seoul / Gimhae Airport / Busan Port / Daegu Airport
3) Pick up your WiFi pocket upon arrival at the airport!
- Korea SKT Portable WiFi Router Rental for Short-Term Users (1~17 days) – Pick up from Incheon Airport / Gimpo Airport / Gimhae Airport / Busan Port / Daegu Airport
- Korea SKT Portable WiFi Router Rental for Long-Term Users (18 days or more) – Pick up from Incheon Airport / Gimpo Airport / Gimhae Airport / Busan Port / Daegu Airport
- Korea KT Pocket WiFi (daily or 30-day rental) – Pick up from Incheon Airport / Gimpo Airport / Seoul / Gimhae Airport / Busan Port
4) Get your eSIM without having to visit a pick-up booth or change out your current SIM card!
- [Exclusive for iPhones] Korea 4G/LTE Unlimited eSIM: Data Only eSIM (3~30 days) by KT
- [Android/iPhone] Korea 4G/LTE Unlimited eSIM: Data Only eSIM (1~30 days) by SKT
Check out Trazy blogs to find out more about SIM cards or WiFi rentals!
- All About Korea SIM Card 2023
- Guide to SIM Card in Korea – By Pick-up Location
- SIM Card vs WiFi Egg: Which to Use in Korea?
- A Perfect Guide to Korea Picket WiFi (WiFi Egg)
- All About eSIMs in Korea 2023
2. Airport Transfer Service
It is highly recommended to book an airport taxi in advance, especially for those who need to go to the quarantine place. All customers’ touchpoints are frequently cleaned, wearing a facial mask is required at all times, hand sanitizers are available to use anytime, and partitions are set up in van vehicles.
You can book an airport transfer service from Incheon/Gimpo airport to Seoul or the major areas in Gyeonggi-do (Suwon, Pyeongtaek, Bundang, Goyang, Hanam, Hwaseong, Dongtan, Gunsan).
If you are looking for a way to visit cities in Korea outside of the Seoul Metropolitan Area from Incheon Airport, Gimpo Airport, or Seoul, check out this intercity private van transfer service.
Book the private transfer services in advance:
- Incheon/ Gimpo Airport ↔ Seoul Private Van Transfer (24/7)
- Incheon/ Gimpo Airport ↔ Gyeonggi-do Private Van Transfer (24/7)
- Intercity Private Van Transfer: Incheon/Gimpo Airport/Seoul → Gapyeong/Chuncheon/Gangneung/Sokcho/Suwon/Jeonju
3. Luggage Delivery & Storage Service
Lighten your load with Trazy’s luggage delivery service! You can either deliver your bags to your accommodation in Seoul from Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 & 2 or the other way around. This safe and reliable luggage delivery service will give you peace of mind!
- Seoul Luggage Delivery Service (Incheon Airport ↔ Any Hotel in Seoul)
- Luggage Delivery Service (Incheon Airport T1 ↔ Any Hotel in Seoul)
If you need a reliable place to store your luggage in Seoul, simply use this luggage storage service, located within Hongik Univ. Station, which is connected to the Airport Railroad. The same price is applied throughout the day as long as you claim your bags within office hours. Also, it offers storage options for luggage of various types.
You can also choose to store your luggage at Incheon International Airport, which is available from 4am to 10pm. It keeps your luggage safe at a dedicated space equipped with surveillance cameras.
4. Moving Service
Finding a place to stay during the semester is also very important. Whether you decide to stay in a dormitory or find private accommodation outside of the campus, you might have to use the moving service. With Trazy, you can find a good moving service company at a reasonable price and relocate absolutely stress-free! The movers will carefully load, move, and unload all of your belongings.
5. Learn Basic Korean Language
It’s always better to learn some of the basics of the language when living in a foreign country. If you want to learn the basic Korean language before departing to Korea, join this online class! In this 50-min online class, a professional Korean instructor will teach you the basics of the Korean language as well as essential phrases and expressions. Perfect for beginners with little to no knowledge of Korean!
- Join Basic Korean Language Online Class from Home
- Learn How to Use Basic Korean Expressions for Traveling
- Hae Rang’s Magic Korean Class: Learn How to Read Hangeul (Korean Alphabet) in Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Learn Basic Korean & Calligraphy in Seongsu, Seoul
6. Household Supplies & Small Appliances Delivery Service
When moving into a new place, you will need a variety of basic household supplies and small appliances, such as detergents, tissue, a toaster, a rice cooker, and many more. Simply order the ones you need via Trazy and the crew will have them delivered to your doorstep.
7. Welcoming Party for Newly Arrived Students
If you are a newly arrived international student in Korea and want to make new friends from different countries, check out this party! It’s one of the most popular parties for international students hosted by VIBE KOREA. It will take place at Mike’s Cabin, the hottest spot in Hongdae, Seoul on September 7th (Thu), and 2 free shots are included.
Read More Blogs for Helpful Tips Before Coming to Korea!
- Top Survival Items for Exchange Students & Expats in Korea
- Airport Essentials for a Trip to Korea: Half the Journey Done!
- Your Complete Guide to Getting a Residence Card (Former ARC) in Seoul
For those who are planning to join an exchange student program in Korea for the fall semester, check out Welcome Discounts for Newbies in Korea!
To find out more trendiest and latest things to do in Korea, check out Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!
