International Students

Centennial Memorial Hall (marked in red)
Tiger Plaza (KUVG #34-C3)

This recently constructed building is to support the International students’ interaction with KU students while they are at our campus. It is a 4 story building with many eat-out places like Wehago on the basement (a sports bar), Starbucks and Provence Family restaurant.

Student Union Building (KUVG #109)
This large white building includes an inexpensive cafeteria and hair salon (cost W3,000 for students) in the basement. The building also houses numerous student clubs and organizations.


Lyceum (KUVG#30-E7)
Located immediately above the Korea University Subway Station (Line 6), this building hosts a number of shops, including the KU Bookstore, computer and electronics shop, florist, travel agency, optician, photography shop, mobile phone shop and fast-food restaurant. All shops are closed on Sunday.
Post Office (KUVG #11-D4)
The Post Office is conveniently located in the Communication Building. The office sells various types of packaging and envelops. Open hours are from 9:00 to 5:00 weekdays and 9:00 to 1:00 on Saturdays.

Central Square (KUVG #32-D5)
This underground complex, located just beyond the main gate, contains a Popeye’s Fast Food outlet, a Korean fast food restaurant, convenience store, Internet room, university (book) store, coffee shop, mobile phone shop and study rooms. The textbooks can be purchased in the university (book) store in the central square.
Libraries
Korea University is home to several of the finest libraries in the country, providing a wealth of resources and support services to graduate as well as undergraduate students. In addition to specialized libraries (e.g. Law School), there are four main libraries: the Main Library (KUVG #17-D6) and Graduate School Library (KUVG #2-D6) located on the Main Campus, the Science Library (KUVG #11-D2) on the Science Campus and the Medical Library (KUVG #3-B3) at Korea University Hospital. Their combined holdings currently total over 1.4 million volumes and is expected to rise to two million volumes by the year 2005
As of March 1995, 80% of the libraries' works had been electronically catalogued on the University's AIMS system, which allows students to quickly and efficiently search for books and periodicals by author, subject or title. The AIMS system is supplemented by a CD-Net with sub-servers located on each campus. Students also are assisted by expert library personnel in the reference, circulation and other library departments.
Specialized libraries include the United Nations Depository Library, with over 320,000 volumes and periodicals published by various U.N. organizations, plus journals published by the OECD. The European Union Literature Center houses studies and other materials published by the EC and serves as a resource for research on the EC and European unification.


VII

DAILY LIFE

Eating
If you stay at the international house breakfast (continental style) can be purchased from the cafeteria on the first floor. In addition, there are many on-campus student cafeterias offering a variety of Korean food at a fraction of the cost offered off-campus. These cafeterias are located in the Student Union Building (basement and 1st floor), Alumni Building (basement), Tiger Plaza and Science Library.
During your stay here in Korea you will probably have numerous opportunities to eat out. Seoul offers many establishments offering international cuisine. But if you want the full Korean experience, you shouldn't miss out on traditional Korean food. Because of the sheer variety of Korean food offerings, it's hard to list them all. Some favorites are kalbi (marinated beef ribs), bulgogi (marinated beef), bibimbap (mixed vegetable and rice), chapchae (vegetable with vermicelli noodles), and jajangmien (vegetable and noodles in thick brown sauce). This is just the tip of the iceberg so go out, explore, and experience for yourself. Meal costs vary and typically, international cuisine costs more. Cost per Korean dish is usually between 3,000 won to 8,000 won.

Finances
Banking
It is possible to open an account with Hana Bank on campus. In order to open an account you will need your passport and a nominal amount of money (5,000 won). You may also apply for an ATM card as well. The Hana Bank is located right next to Woo Dang Kyoyang hall on campus. Please refer to the campus map for the location.
Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs)
ATMs are located at various points on campus (IFLS, campus bank branch, etc) and at almost every bank branch around the city. Most have an English-language menu (those that do not can be frustrating).


General Information
Mailing Address
Your name

Institute of International Education

Korea University

Seoul 136-701, Seongbuk-gu, Anam-dong

South Korea
Telephone
There is a charge for all calls made in Korea, including local calls. Local calls do not require you to dial an area code. However, if you are dialing a long distance number within Korea, you must dial the city code before you dial the telephone number. The city code is always preceded by “0” when dialed domestically. People phoning from overseas do not need to dial the zero. A caller from Busan would dial 02 2278 0509.
If you want to look up a phone number, try www.yellowpages.co.kr
Internet Use
Korea is one of the world’s most wired countries. Not surprisingly, the Internet is available throughout Seoul and Korea University. Internet terminals are available for general use on the ground floor of most (if not all) buildings.

Electricity
Korean outlets are usually 220 volts (round holes), although some are 110v. Remember, changing the shape of the plug doesn’t automatically mean changing the voltage.
Personal Safety
Seoul is a relatively safe city but treat it as you would any large city. Do not leave valuables unattended. Lock all your doors and windows when you leave your apartment and exercise common sense about personal security.
Transportation
Subway
Seoul has one of the world’s most modern and efficient systems. Subways are clean, efficient, safe and inexpensive. Currently, Seoul has 11 lines, each with its own color. The subway is easy to navigate as signs and announcements are in English as well as Korean. The subway stations nearest to Korea University are Korea University and Anam, both on line 6.
Tickets, ranging from W900 – W1500 within the city limits to w1200+ to the suburbs, can be purchased at ticket windows or at ticket machines.

Buses
Seoul is covered by a very extensive bus network. However, for the uninitiated, buses can be daunting as most signs are in Korean only. Intra-city buses come in two types: “Ipsok” or regular bus (fare:W900) and “Chwasok” or deluxe. Buses operate from 4:30 a.m. to midnight.
Taxis
While the fare, as usual, is based on the time and distance traveled, taxis are both plentiful and affordable. As with buses, there are two categories, regular (gray or white) and the deluxe “mobum” (black with a yellow stripe). Fares for regular taxis start at w1,900 whereas deluxe taxis are four times higher. For both types, fare are 20 percent higher between midnight and 4 a.m. As for communication, some drivers can speak English, but do not count on it. The best solution is to have your destination written in Korean

Medical
Emergency numbers
Ambulance/fire dial: 119

Police (crime report) dial: 112

Directory Assistance dial: 114

University Welfare and Health Center
The University Welfare and Health Center provides medical care and health services for students. These services include: annual physical exams and X-rays; medical care for cases of pulmonary tuberculosis detected during annual exams; primary medical care for simple ambulatory cases; health counseling; primary dental care; consultation and referral services to the University Hospital; sanitation and inspection of University food services and employees; other services and employees who work closely with students; and health education services. In addition to the central clinic on the Main Campus, branch clinics are located on the Science Campus, and on the Seochang Campus.
Korea University Medical Center – Contact No. : 920-5114/6114
The Korea University Medical Center, closely associated with the Korea University Medical School, provides among the highest medical care in Korea at its two general hospitals and two teaching hospitals. Diagnostic and treatment equipment, from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems to radiation fluoroscopes, represent the latest technologies available for the detection and treatment of disease. The four hospitals in Anam, Guro, Yeoju and Ansan have a combined capacity of about 2,000 beds.
Health Insurance
Health insurance must be organized individually.
Shopping
Dongdaemun
Dongdaemun is one of Seoul’s largest, oldest and most well-established market areas. Keo Pyung Freya and Designer’s Club, near Tongdaemun Stadium, are also very good shopping places for everything from blankets to designer clothes. The nearest station is Dongdaemun (Line 4)
Namdaemun

Located minutes from historic Seoul’s southern gate, this market is the site of an extensive, wholesale market comprised of over 1,300 shops and stalls. The nearest subway station is Hoeh-yon (Line 4).

Insadong

Centrally located just north of Chongno in the center of Seoul, Insadong hosts many boutiques selling traditional Korean crafts. The street itself is bustling with activity as it is closed to traffic. Traditional objects ranging from prints and ceramics to furniture are on sale. The nearest station is Anguk (Line 3).

Itaewon

For those seeking the comforts of home, Itaewon is the place. Leather goods, luggage, souvenirs of all sorts and unusual esoterica, western-style restaurants…etc., can all be found here. The nearest station is Itaewon (Line 6).

Ap-Gujung Rodeo Street
This is where the young trendy in their 20s hang-out in Seoul. There are vast numbers of shops and authentic restaurants in the neighborhood.

Seoul City Attractions
Though it is a bustling modern city with a population of over 11 million, Seoul is also the repository of more than 600 years of Korean culture. The most resplendent testaments to Seoul's cultural heritage are the large and small palaces that dot the city.

Kyongbok-kung, National Folklore Museum &National Museum
Located at the northern strip of Sejong-ro (the main avenue running through the center of the city), Kyongbok-kung was the largest palace of the Choson Dynasty. The 40-acre palace complex is divided into a formal section and a separate area for living and leisure. The largest and most imposing palace building, Kunjong-jon served as the throne chamber and audience hall, the site of important state ceremonies. The palace's informal structures center on Kyonghoe-ru, a unique pavilion overlooking a graceful lotus pond.

The palace is surrounded by a covered stone wall and four gates. Today the eastern and southern parts of the palace are used to house the National Folklore Museum and the National Museum respectively. Here, in Korea's largest museums, 5,000 years of culture and art can be experienced. The palace is worth a full-day's visit.

Toksu-kung and Modern Art Gallery
Toksu-kung was built as a royal villa early in the Choson Dynasty. The palace survived the Hideyoshi Invasion in 1592. Among the palaces in Seoul, Toksu-Kung has the only Western-style building, called "Sokjo-jon," currently used as a modern art gallery. The palace complex is dotted with interesting structures. This palace is worth a half-day or one-day visit, depending on your interest in contemporary art.
Changkyong-kung
Ch'angkyong-kung was recently restored to the full glory and beauty of the Choson Dynasty architecture and landscaping. Nearby is another attraction, the Taehang-no or "College Street" (see below). The area is worth a half-day to one-day visit.
University Quarters
Among famous university "quarters" are Sinchon and Taehang-no. Ewha Womans, Yonsei, Seokang, and Hongik universities are all located in the Sinchon area. Catering to students of these four universities the area has developed a distinct flavor. The area is known for its variety of shops, restaurants, and drama centers well-tuned to the preferences of the younger generation. Always crowded with young people, it leaves on both visitors and natives the image of a jovial feast. But it is also the place where students' anti-government demonstrations occur most frequently. Subway Line 2 goes through Sinchon and Edaeap (front of Ewha Womans University) stations and Bus No. "7" goes from Korea University to Sinchon.
Taehang-no or "College Street" got its name because the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences of Seoul National University had been there until 1975. On weekends the street is closed to motor traffic and becomes the stage for various cultural activities. The street has lots of exhibitions, drama centers, restaurants and shops. Subway Line 4 goes through Hyewha station, which is very close to the street.
A newly emerging university quarter is just a 20-minute walk from Korea University. The area around Songshin Women's University and Hansong College offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, etc. It is developing into a small Sinchon. If interested, ask the resident tutors for directions.
Myongdong and Namsan
What Myongdong is to Seoul is what Ginza is to Tokyo. As one writer puts, its "magical magnetism" is "multidimensional." For more information, read Gary Rector's "Multidimensional Myongdong" included in the tour guide package.
Near Myongdong stands Namsan, the pine-clad mountain park. The peak of Namsan, 265 meters above the sea level, can be reached by cable car or the two-lane road winding up the slopes. On the peak commanding a panoramic view of the city in all directions are an octagonal pavilion and 236-meter high Seoul Tower, which serves as a radio transmission point and an observation room for tourists.
Korea House

(http://koreahouse.or.kr)

For people who want to take home memories of authentic Korean food and a traditional show but rather short of time, the most ideal place to visit is the Korea House (Address: 80-2 P'ildong 2-ga; Tel: [phone]). Korea House is noted particularly for its Korean meals, music, and dance. Here the visitors sample a little bit of almost everything in the traditional Korean performing and culinary arts.
The National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts

(http://www.ncktpa.go.kr)

This national institution (Address: 700 Soch'o-dong, Soch'o-gu; Tel: [phone]) may be the best place to sample authentic Korean traditional music and dance. The July performances are scheduled on Saturdays.


Lotte World

(http://www.lotteworld.com) Tel: [phone]

This huge complex located in the southeastern part of Seoul is composed of department store, a tourist hotel, a large supermarket, a large shopping mall, a roofed miniature of "Disney World," and sports facilities.
Seoul Grand Park

(http://grandpark.seoul.go.kr)

The expansive Seoul Grand Park is located at the foot of Mt. Ch'onggye in the southern outskirts of Seoul. The 6.4 million square-meter wide park is a major recreational attraction of the city. The complex includes a zoological garden, a botanical garden, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, an amusement park, and other facilities.

Useful Online Sources

(Click on “English”)
Korea National Tourist Office (KNTO) http://www.knto.or.kr/eng/

Seoul City http://www.seoul.go.kr/

Korea National Tax Service http://www.nts.go.kr/

Time/Lonely Planet Guide to Seoul http://www.time.com/time/asia/asia/travel_watch/seoul/introduction.html

ENCLOSURES
Korea University Visitor’s Guide

Subway Map

Tourist Brochures