Packing
When considering what to pack for your study in Korea, always keep in mind that less is better! You will especially be thankful when leaving and find that you have enough room in your bags for all the extra “stuff” you accumulated during your stay in Korea. On the other hand do keep in mind that Korea has four distinct seasons and depending on your length of stay, you will need to pack accordingly. Koreans tend to dress very fashionable, more conservatively than most western cultures, and will recycle the same, nice, outfit often. Therefore, don’t bring too much when it comes to clothing. When considering shoes to bring, keep in mind that you will repeatedly take them on and off when entering Korean homes, restaurants, temples, and other public places. Therefore, bring shoes that are easy to take on and off. Two or three pairs will suffice. Korea has become a well-developed country and therefore, many of the same or similar everyday items you have back home can easily be purchased here (many times at a cheaper price). Other items that you will want to consider when packing are: deodorant (not readily available), home brand cold medicines, enough prescription medications for your length of stay (having them shipped every month is a hassle), laptop/notebook (dormitory rooms are equipped with internet access), important documents (passport, additional photo ID, etc…), camera, lots of pictures to share, small items from home to be given as gifts, language phrasebook, and other books that you can’t live without!
Money
You can convert dollars into won at any tourist hotel or foreign exchange bank. You may also exchange money at Shin Han Bank, conveniently located on campus. Students are advised to carry traveler's checks, as there is no difficulty cashing these in Korea. Traveler’s checks can be purchased at most banks in Korea with Korean won, American dollars, or with a US personal check. However, personal checks usually take about 20 days to process. You can also purchase traveler's checks with your American Express card at the American Express office located near Kyobo Bookstore. Be advised that Personal checks are difficult to cash (2000 USD limit), as they are not used amongst Koreans. Stores in Korea will accept credit cards such as American Express, Visa, Master Card, and Diner's Club. You should be warned, however, that some of the smaller restaurants will not accept credit cards. For cash advances from a credit card, you can also find a number of cash machines (ATM) throughout Korea. When estimating your personal budget, provide a margin of safety for yourself and include extra for shopping and independent travel. If you would like to take some extra trips around Korea, you should calculate this additional cost into your budget, roughly 200-300 USD per trip (includes transportation, lodging, food, and personal allowances).