DESIGN IN SEOUL

PRACTICAL INFO 실용 정보 SUMMER 2026

Program Basics

Electricity & Adapters

Most electrical devices you may be using are configured to work under a variety of voltages and frequencies. Just look at the power supply and you will find a label or inscription listing the voltage and frequency that it will work. If it states that the voltage is 100–220V and the frequency is 50–60Hz then it will work in all of the places we are visiting.

Cash, Credit Cards & ATMs

Plan on leaving America with a minimum of $100 or ₩100,000 cash. You can use this if your debit card does not work the first time you need it at a Global ATM in the airport. Not all cash machines will be compatible with your debit card, but it is fairly easy to find one that will work with your US account once we arrive in Seoul. Be sure to contact your bank to let them know where you are going abroad and when you will be there so they do not freeze your account.

Phones Abroad

Students should check with their U.S. mobile provider before departure to confirm whether their current plan includes international coverage in South Korea or to add a temporary international plan. Alternatively, upon arrival, you can purchase a prepaid Korean SIM card (or eSIM) at the airport or convenience stores, which provides local data and a Korean phone number for the duration of your stay.

Getting Around Seoul

Seoul Bus & Subway

This is what we will be mainly using in Seoul. We will be using T Money transit cards that must be reloaded with cash when they run out.

Korean Taxis

There are a variety of taxis in Korea, they are quite affordable. Note that late night taxis are more expensive. Taxis take cash and credit cards. Most take T Money cards as well.

Kakao Taxi

Unfortunately, to use this taxi hailing service, you will usually need to have a Korean phone number. To do this you will need to buy a Korean SIM card.

Intercity Bus Terminals

  • Seoul Express Bus Terminal (서울고속버스터미널)
  • Central City Bus Terminal (센트럴시티터미널)
  • Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (동서울종합터미널)
  • Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal (서울남부터미널)

Korail Trains

The KTX is a bullet train and there are also typical trains that operate at slower speeds.