ℹ️ Tips in Korea

Hiking in Korea offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and well-maintained trails—making it accessible for both first-time hikers and seasoned trekkers. From volcanic landscapes to rugged alpine scenery, Korea’s mountains showcase diverse ecosystems and panoramic views. This guide will help you prepare, choose the right peak, and enjoy a safe, memorable adventure. Overview of Korea’s Mountains Volcanic Peaks: Jeju’s Hallasan is an extinct volcano with crater views. Granite Ranges: Seoraksan and Bukhansan feature dramatic granite cliffs and ridges. Forest Trails: Jirisan and Taebaeksan offer long, forested ascents with mountain temples. Accessibility: Many trailheads are reachable by public transport; trail infrastructure (shelters, restrooms, signage) is generally excellent. Preparation & Essential Gear Physical Readiness Build basic cardio and leg strength (e.g., brisk walking, stair-climbing). Start with shorter, lower-elevation hikes (e.g., Bukhansan’s easy routes). Permits & Fees Most national and provincial parks are free; some trails (e.g., Hallasan) require online reservation during peak season. Clothing & Footwear Moisture-wicking layers, a lightweight waterproof jacket, and a warm fleece. Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support. Backpack Essentials 1.5–2 L of water and high-energy snacks (nuts, energy bars). Navigation tools: printed map or a hiking app (e.g., KakaoMap Trail).

Understanding social customs and politeness norms in Korea can greatly enhance your interactions and help you build respectful relationships. Korean culture places high value on harmony, respect for hierarchy, and consideration for others. This guide outlines key customs and offers practical examples to help you navigate social situations with confidence. Greetings & Addressing Bowing: A slight bow (about 15°) is the standard greeting. Deeper bows show greater respect (e.g., to elders or superiors). Titles and Name Order: Koreans typically use family name first, followed by given name. When addressing someone, attach an appropriate title (e.g., “Kim Sujin ssi,” where “ssi” is a polite suffix). In professional settings, use “Director,” “Manager,” or academic titles as applicable. Bowing Etiquette 🤝 When to Bow: Upon meeting, parting, and expressing gratitude or apology. Reciprocity: Match the other person’s bow depth and duration. If in doubt, a simple nod of the head is safe for casual encounters. Honorific Language & Age Hierarchy Honorific Speech Levels: Formal polite (합니다체) for strangers, elders, or formal occasions. Informal polite (해요체) among peers or younger acquaintances you’re friendly with. Respecting Seniority: Always defer to older people when choosing seats, speaking order, or entering/exiting rooms. Gift-Giving & Receiving Occasions: Common for business meetings, visiting someone’s home, jubilees, and holidays (e.g., Chuseok, Lunar New Year). Presentation: Wrap gifts neatly; both hands when giving or receiving. Do not open a gift immediately in front of the giver unless invited to do so. Typical Gifts: High-quality fruit, health supplements (ginseng, honey), or specialty goods from your home country.

Introduction Seoul’s subway is one of the most efficient and user-friendly metro systems in the world, connecting all corners of the city with 23 lines and over 700 stations. For first-time visitors and long-term residents alike, understanding how to navigate this network can save you time, money, and stress. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything from purchasing tickets to making seamless transfers—so you can travel like a local. Seoul Subway at a Glance Lines & Colors: Each line has a distinct color and number (e.g., Line 2 is green, Circle Line; Line 9 is gold). Operating Hours: Generally from 5:30 AM to midnight. Last‐train times vary by station—check the notice boards or an app. Frequency: Trains run every 2–5 minutes during peak hours, and every 6–10 minutes off-peak. Getting Your T-Money Card 💳 Where to Buy Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) near any station Ticket vending machines at subway stations (English menu available) Top-Up Options Cash or credit/debit card at any convenience store Recharge machines in stations Benefits Cheaper per-ride fare (versus single-journey tickets) Usable on buses, taxis, and some retail outlets Finding Your Way: Reading the Map Station Signs: Look for the station name in Korean, English, and Hanja on platform walls and signs. Exit Numbers: Each station exit has a number—pick the one nearest your destination (maps are posted near elevators/escalators).

Korean food is gaining fans all over the world—from K-dramas to Michelin-starred restaurants, people are falling in love with K-food. But what Korean dishes do foreigners actually enjoy the most? Here’s a curated list of 10 Korean foods that are especially popular among non-Koreans, with descriptions, taste profiles, and where to try them. 🥇 1. Bibimbap (비빔밥) What it is: Mixed rice with vegetables, egg, and gochujang (spicy sauce) Why foreigners love it: Healthy, colorful, and easy to customize Tip: Try it in a hot stone bowl (dolsot bibimbap) for crispy rice! 🥈 2. Korean BBQ (삼겹살) What it is: Grilled pork belly (samgyeopsal) Why foreigners love it: Interactive dining experience + amazing flavor Tip: Wrap the meat in lettuce with garlic, ssamjang, and kimchi for a full taste! 🥉 3. Kimchi (김치) What it is: Fermented cabbage with spicy seasoning Why foreigners love it: Tangy, spicy, probiotic-rich side dish Tip: Kimchi goes well with rice, stew, or even Western food like sandwiches! 🍗 4. Korean Fried Chicken (치킨) What it is: Double-fried crispy chicken, often with sweet or spicy sauce Why foreigners love it: Crunchy, juicy, and full of flavor Tip: Pair it with cold beer (치맥 = chicken + maekju 🍺)!

Starting your journey at Inha University? Then you’ve probably already asked yourself: “Should I live in the school dormitory… or get my own place off-campus?” Great question—and the answer isn’t so simple! Both options have their own pros, cons, and lifestyle vibes. So let’s break it all down—cost, freedom, convenience, roommates, cooking—everything you need to know to choose what’s best for you. 🎓 What’s It Like Living in an Inha University Dorm? The school dorm is right on campus, so it’s super convenient. You can literally roll out of bed and make it to class in 5 minutes. ✅ Pros Zero commute — You’re already on campus Secure & safe — Entry only with keycard Facilities included — Cafeteria, laundry, gym Affordable — Usually ₩800,000–₩1,000,000 per semester Good for freshmen or international students ❌ Cons