Planning to study abroad in South Korea? Here’s the ultimate list of study abroad essentials to prepare for your exchange in Korea before your arrival. Get ready for your best semester yet & skip the stress with this comprehensive list!
> Check out our full list of guides & essentials for moving to Korea here <
1. SIM Card / WiFi Pocket / eSIM
The most essential thing you need to prepare before arriving in Korea is your plan to stay connected. There are a few major ways to do so in Korea: have your SIM card delivered to you in advance, pick up a SIM card in Korea, grab a pocket WiFi at the airport, or get an eSIM, which you just have to download a SIM card to your phone without needing a physical SIM card.
Cost-Effective Korean Unlimited Data & Voice SIM Card for Up to 180 Days!
- Pick up from Incheon Airport T 1 & 2
- Pick up from Sinchon, Seoul
- Receive by Postal Parcel (Korea Only)
- Korea eSIM: Unlimited Data & Voice eSIM (15~180 days)
Korean SIM Card for International Students & Long-term Visitors!
- Korea 90-day SIM Card for International Students & Long-term Visitors by KT – Pick in Seoul
- Korea SIM Card: Unlimited Data+Voice+SMS (30~90 days) by KT – Pick up in Seoul
- Korea SIM Card: Unlimited Data + Optional Voice (1~90 days) by SKT – Pick up from Incheon Airport/ Gimpo/ Gimhae/ Daegu Airport/ Jeju Airport/ Busan Port
Get your SIM card delivered in advance!
Pick up your WiFi pocket upon arrival at the airport!
- Korea SKT Portable WiFi for Short-Term Users (1~17 days)
- Portable SKT WiFi Router Rental for Long-Term Users (18 days or more)
- Korea KT Pocket WiFi (Daily or 30-day rental)
Get an eSIM without having to change out your current SIM card!
- SKT eSIM with Unlimited Data + Optional Voice (1~90 days)
- Korea eSIM by KT: Unlimited Data + Optional Voice & SMS (3~30 days)
- LG U+ eSIM: Unlimited Data + Optional Voice (3~60 days)
Check out Trazy blogs to find out more about SIM cards or WiFi rentals!
- Best SIM Card, eSIM & WiFi for Foreigners in Korea
- Guide to SIM Card in Korea – By Pick-up Location
- SIM Card vs WiFi Egg: Which to Use in Korea?
- All About eSIMs in Korea
2. Airport Transfer Service
Booking an airport taxi in advance is highly recommended, especially if you have a lot of luggage.
You can reserve an airport transfer service from Incheon or Gimpo Airport to Seoul or major areas in Gyeonggi-do, including Suwon, Pyeongtaek, Bundang, Goyang, Hanam, Hwaseong, Dongtan, and Gunsan.
If you’re planning to travel to cities outside the Seoul Metropolitan Area from Incheon Airport, Gimpo Airport, or Seoul, consider this intercity private van transfer service. For those heading to Busan for school, you can book a private transfer to or from Gimhae Airport, Busan Station, or the Busan International Passenger Terminal.
Book the private transfer services in advance:
- Private Van Transfer for International Students: Incheon Airport ↔ Universities in Seoul
- ICN/ GMP Airport ↔ Seoul Private Van Transfer (24/7) with Airport Hall Picketing Service
- Incheon / Gimpo Airport to Gyeonggi-do Private Van Transfer (24/7)
- Busan Gimhae Airport / Busan Station / Busan Int’l Passenger Terminal ↔ Busan Downtown/Haeundae/Gwangalli/Gijang Private Transfer – Airport Taxi 24/7 (Sedan/Van/Mini Bus/Big Bus)
3. Luggage Delivery & Storage Service
If you need a reliable place to store your luggage, simply store your luggage at Incheon International Airport, which is available from 5am to 9pm. It keeps your luggage safe in a dedicated space equipped with surveillance cameras.
4. Moving Services
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
It’s always better to learn some of the language basics 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-minute 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!
You can also learn Korean while you are in Seoul, and the content covered in the lesson will differ depending on the Korean fluency level of each participant.
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 deliver them to your doorstep.
7. Online Grocery Delivery Service
While in Korea, you can easily order groceries for breakfast and have them delivered right to your doorstep the next morning! Enjoy top-quality products from the award-winning Market Kurly platform. If you’re vegan and finding it difficult to locate vegan-friendly options in Korea, don’t worry—simply order vegan delights and have them delivered the next morning!
- Online Grocery Delivery: Daily Fresh & Breakfast Foods (Receive by next day 8:00 AM)
- Vegan Online Grocery Delivery (Receive by next day 8:00 AM)
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!
- Complete Guide to Getting a Residence Card (Formerly ARC) in Seoul
- Most Hassle-Free Services for Foreigners in Korea
Check Out Our Guide to Your University Life in Korea!
- Guide to Exchange Students in Korea: Clubs, MT & More
- The Ultimate Guide to Korean University Festivals
- Waste Disposal & Recycling in Korea
If you’re planning to join an exchange student program in Korea, don’t forget to check out these essential tips for international & exchange students in Korea!
To find out the trendiest and latest things to do in Korea, check out Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!
