Study in Korea for Beginners: 5 Must-Knows Before Moving
You got your acceptance letter, you’ve memorized your favorite K-Pop group’s entire discography, and your flight is booked. Congratulations! You are about to embark on an incredible adventure in one of the most dynamic countries on Earth.
But before you pack every cute piece of clothing you own, let’s have a crucial reality check. Life in Korea operates on its own set of rules—rules that often surprise even the most prepared international students.
As your Korean insider, I’m giving you the five non-negotiable things you must understand before your plane touches down. Get these right, and your transition will be infinitely smoother!
1. The ARC is Your New Best Friend (and Passport)
This is perhaps the most important administrative task you will face. Forget your visa for a second; once you’re in the country, your life revolves around the Alien Registration Card (ARC).
What It Is: The ARC is your Korean government-issued ID card. You need it for virtually everything: opening a bank account, setting up phone service, signing a housing contract, and even getting discounts at theme parks.
The Process: You must apply for it at the local Immigration Office shortly after arriving. It can take 4-6 weeks to process.
The Crucial Rule: Until your ARC arrives, your passport is your only valid ID, and tasks like banking will be much harder. Do not delay your ARC application.
2. Prepare for the “Ppalli-Ppalli” Culture
Korea moves fast. Really, really fast. The national motto might as well be “ppalli-ppalli” (빨리빨리), meaning “quickly, quickly!”
The Hustle is Real: This pace translates into high-energy academics, highly efficient public transport, lightning-fast delivery (food, goods, everything!), and quick social interactions.
Your Mindset: If you’re used to a laid-back lifestyle, prepare to adjust. Missing a bus means missing the next one by mere minutes. Late for class? The professor will notice. Embrace the efficiency, but remember to carve out time for slow moments to avoid burnout.
3. Korean is Mandatory for Daily Survival (Don’t Rely on English)
Let’s be honest: Seoul is international, but fluency in English drops dramatically once you leave the tourist hotspots or the university campus.
Outside the Classroom: Ordering food at a local bunsikjip, dealing with delivery drivers, navigating the bureaucracy at the local district office, or making friends with your neighbors requires Korean.
Minimum Goal: Before you leave, master the Hangul alphabet and at least 200 essential survival phrases. Being able to read signs and pronounce basic vocabulary will save you immense stress and show respect.
4. Housing Requires “Key Money” (It’s Not Just Rent)
The Korean housing system is unique and requires preparation far beyond a simple security deposit.
The System: Many rental contracts require “Jeonse” (전세) or a high-deposit “Wolse” (월세). Wolse means monthly rent, but the deposit (called Bojunggume) is usually 10-20 times higher than the monthly rent itself (e.g., $5,000 to $10,000 USD).
The Reality: If you don’t secure a spot in a university dorm, you need to budget significantly for this large initial deposit. You won’t be able to pay it with a foreign bank account or foreign currency. Researching housing before you arrive is critical.
5. Understand the Sunbae/Hoobae Hierarchy
Korean social and academic life is structured by hierarchy, especially regarding age and seniority.
The Roles: Sunbae (선배) refers to a senior or someone who started the program before you. Hoobae (후배) refers to a junior.
The Impact: This dictates social etiquette, language use (formal vs. informal Korean), and expectations during group meetings or outings (hoeshik). Always show deference and politeness to your Sunbae. While this can feel restrictive at first, it creates a sense of order and structure within the community.
Mastering these five points will ensure you arrive confident and prepared. Korea is an intense, rewarding place to study, but it definitely helps to have the insider knowledge before you step off the plane!