Yonsei University Language Institute Life Guidebook
Welcome and congratulations to those who have been accepted to the Yonsei University Korean Language Institute!
This document is a guidebook provided only to those who have been accepted to the Yonsei University Korean Language Institute. It was created to help you study Korean more conveniently and enjoy Korea in a unfamiliar environment, and all the content was researched and written by the Creatrip Language Institute team.
This guidebook consists of a total of 12 chapters, and the chapter structure is as follows.
- Location of Yonsei University Language Institute
- Introduction to Yonsei University Facilities
- Using Public Transportation & Transportation Card from Incheon Airport
- Issuing Alien Registration Card in Korea
- Getting Student Insurance in Korea
- Opening a Bank Account in Korea
- Activating a Mobile Phone in Korea
- Finding a House to Live in Korea
- Apps that Make Life in Korea Convenient
- Small butUseful Tips for Living in Korea
- Top 5 Restaurants Near Yonsei University Language Institute
- Top 5 Cafes Near Yonsei University Language Institute
After arriving in Korea, we have compiled information that would be most beneficial for you to know first. This guidebook is expected to be continuously improved, so please refer to it.
We sincerely hope that this guidebook will be of great help in your future life in Korea.

- Address: 03722, 50, Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea, 201
- Phone number: 02-2123-8550
- Class Schedule: Every Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 1 PM || 2 PM to 5:50 PM
- Number of students per class: around 13
- Language School Features: Cultural experience, language exchange program support, Korean cooking classes, etc.
Location of Yonsei University Language Institute
Introduction to Yonsei University Facilities
Yonsei University Scenery
This is a view of Yonsei University. It's a place you will visit every day while attending a language school in Korea.
Yonsei University campus is the second largest in Seoul. Accordingly, there are a lot of buildings and facilities within the campus. I will briefly introduce the areas that you, as a successful applicant to the Yonsei University Language Institute, will visit the most.
연세대학교 신촌캠퍼스 지도
If you want to know more about Yonsei University campus, please refer to the link below!
- Campus tour of Yonsei University
- Yonsei University Dormitory
- Yonsei University Student Cafeteria
- Exploring the Restaurants Around Yonsei University
Baekyang-roThis is the path at Yonsei University that you will walk the most if you attend Yonsei University Language Institute. It is said that this path used to be lined with 'Baekyang trees' on both sides, so it was called 'Baekyang-ro'. Now, all these trees have been replaced with Ginkgo trees. These Ginkgo trees are known to make the autumn scenery of Yonsei University
Central Library(301)
This is the Central Library, which has been in place since the establishment of Yonsei University. It is a large library with the goal of accommodating 4,600 readers and collecting one million books. Although it has been built a long time ago, it is said that the interior environment has been greatly improved through recent remodeling.
Academic Information Center (302)
In addition to the existing central library, there is another large-scale library. Its official name is 'Academic Information Center', but it is commonly known as the 'New Central Library' among students. This library, like a newly built building, not only has spaces for reading books, but also various facilities such as spaces for student meetings and indoor gardens. There is a passage between the existing central library and the Academic Information Center, so you can go back and forth between the two libraries through this passage.
Open-air Theater (401)
This is a representative symbol and pride of Yonsei University. It was grand enough to be the largest in the East at the time of its completion, and it still ranks among the largest in Korea. This place is a space that is always used during the festival period of Yonsei University called 'Akaraka', so every student who attends Yonsei University has visited here at least once.
Student Union Building (207)
This building, the student union building, houses various amenities including three restaurants and a convenience store. As such, you can see a large number of students gathered here during lunchtime.
The restaurants inside the student union offer food at very affordable prices so as not to burden the students. Although the prices are relatively low, the menu is very diverse, including Korean, Western, and Chinese dishes, and even snacks.
If you want to know more about the restaurants in the student union, please refer to the content of "this blog".
Baekyang-Nuri (130)
Baekyang-Nuri is a space located underground on Baekyang Road, where there are halls for exhibitions or seminars, lounges, souvenir shops, and various cafes.
In the souvenir shop here, you can buy products and souvenirs such as jumpers, t-shirts, and dolls, known as 'Gwajam', which are unique to Yonsei University. The eco-bags that can be purchased here are said to be outstanding in design and durability, to the extent that many Yonsei University students use them.
Yonsei University Language Institute Building (606)
This is the Yonsei University Language Institute building, one of the places where you will spend most of your time. Most of the language institute classes take place here, and this building includes a lobby, language institute offices, common spaces, classrooms, a cafeteria, etc.
We have just looked at a brief introduction about facilities of Yonsei University. From now on, we will introduce information that will help you adapt well to life in Korea, starting from the time you arrive at the airport.
Korea has many aspects that are different from your country, and you will have to live in such a Korea for a long time, so there will be many inconveniences. We will introduce various basic tips so that you can quickly adapt to these inconveniences and difficulties and enjoy a happy life in Korea.
Using Public Transportation & Transportation Card from Incheon Airport
The ways to get to the accommodation you have reserved from Incheon Airport are by using the 'subway', 'bus', or 'direct train'.
To use the subway or bus, you need a 'transportation card'. You can purchase a transportation card charged with a certain amount at convenience stores, and you can recharge it at convenience stores even after you have used up all the charged amount. You can also purchase a transportation card at most convenience stores within Incheon Airport.
The convenience store has one of the two brands marked on the sign.
The purchased transportation card is used by tagging it inside the bus when boarding, and through the ticket gate when using the subway. You must also tag the card when getting off the bus or when leaving the station after arriving at the subway station.
[Express Train]
The direct train from Incheon International Airport to Seoul is called 'AREX'. To use this train, you need to purchase a ticket separately, not with a transportation card. Tickets for the direct train can be purchased at the ticket vending machines at the airport, or you can pre-book them online. It is more convenient to pre-book before arriving in Korea than to purchase tickets on the spot.
AREX ticket vending machine inside the airport
If you are going to take a direct train from Terminal 1, you need to go outside Terminal 1, cross the crosswalk, and pass the place where taxis and buses are standing. If you follow the sign that says 'Direct Train' outside the airport, you can easily arrive at the 'Transportation Center', which is the place to take the direct train. From here, you can quickly reach the boarding area by following the orange sign.
If you are going to take a direct train from Terminal 2, you can use the escalator that goes down to the 'Direct Train' boarding area inside the immigration hall. After that, you just need to follow the orange sign.
In the case of direct trains, they are faster than subways, but because the departure time is fixed, you must strictly adhere to the time.
[Subway]
The subway stations are located on the first basement floor of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Incheon Airport. If you take the subway from the airport, you will use the 'Airport Railroad Line'. If you use this line, it takes 58 minutes to 'Hongik University Station' and 66 minutes to 'Seoul Station'.
Airport Railroad Line
If you are going directly to Yonsei University from the airport via subway, the directions are as follows.
- Terminal 1
- [Airport Railroad Route] Board at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 Station
- [Airport Railroad Route] Get off at Hongik University Station
- [Line 2] Board at Hongik University Station (towards Sinchon Station)
- [Line 2] Get off at Sinchon Station
- Exit through Exit 2 and go straight (1.5km)
- Terminal 2
- [Airport Railroad Route] Board at Incheon Airport Terminal 2 Station
- [Airport Railroad Route] Get off at Hongik University Station
- [Line 2] Board at Hongik University Station (towards Sinchon Station)
- [Line 2] Get off at Sinchon Station
- Exit through Exit 2 and walk straight (1.5km)
[Bus]
The place to take a bus at Incheon Airport is on the first floor of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Buses to Seoul from Incheon Airport can be taken from bus stop 3A to 6B, and you can find and take a bus to your destination from these stops.

If you are going to Yonsei University by bus, the way to get there is as follows.
- Terminal 1
- Board Bus No. 6011
- Get off at 이대후문 Station
- Walk about 800m after getting off
- Terminal 2
- Board Bus No. 6011
- Get off at 이대후문 Station
- Walk about 800m after getting off
For more detailed information related to this, please refer to this blog.
If you want to purchase a transportation card before leaving for Korea, or if you find the above procedure complicated and want to use a taxi, please refer to the link below!
Issuing Alien Registration Card in Korea
The Alien Registration Card is an identification card that all foreigners intending to stay in Korea for more than 90 days must obtain without exception.
Therefore, if you have applied for more than one semester at the Yonsei University Language Institute, you must definitely obtain it, and even if you have applied for only one semester, you must obtain it if you want to stay in Korea a little longer after the end of the semester.
In the case of the Yonsei University Language Institute, they are collectively processing the application for the Alien Registration Card for the convenience of foreign students. If you use this service, you can easily solve the cumbersome Alien Registration Card application process.
This service can be proceeded after the usual application period has ended, please refer to the post on this link after applying.
If you want to refer to the notice document for group enrollment guide for foreigner registration certificate insurance for international students enrolled in the spring semester of 2024, please refer to this link.
Getting Student Insurance in Korea
Insurance is a necessity when living in Korea as a foreign student. Unexpected costs can arise if you suddenly get sick or injured abroad, which can be a significant burden on your study abroad life.
Yonsei University Language Institute operates a group insurance service for foreign students, just like the foreigner registration card. Even if you apply through Creatrip, you can use the group insurance service implemented by Yonsei University without exception. The cost for insurance enrollment is included in the amount you paid, so there is no need to pay additional costs.
The period during which the insurance applies varies each semester, but the insurance is generally valid until the end of the semester.
You can also check the group insurance in question from this link after the application period has ended.
If you want to refer to the notice document for group insurance enrollment for international students who registered for the spring semester in 2024, please refer to this link.
Opening a Bank Account in Korea
1) Preparation materials
To open a bank account in Korea, you need either a 'foreigner registration card' or a 'passport'. Generally, you can open an account with just a passport, but depending on the branch, they may require a 'foreigner registration card'. If you have not yet received your foreigner registration card and the bank tells you that you cannot open an account with just a passport, you can go to another branch. It is advisable to visit a bank branch located within a university campus, as you can easily open an account with just a passport there.
2) Visit the bank
In the case of Yonsei University, there is a 'Woori Bank' branch located within the campus.
Logo of Woori Bank
There are a total of 2 Woori Bank branches within the Yonsei University campus. They are located on the first floor of the 'Yonsei University Engineering Building' and the 'Student Union Building' respectively, with the branch located in the Yonsei University Engineering Building being the closest to the main entrance.
(Left) Yonsei University Engineering Building
(Right) Student Union Building
3) Drawing a Number Ticket & Opening a Bank Account
Banks in Korea operate on a ticket number system.
To handle banking tasks such as opening an account, you take a ticket and go to the counter when the number written on the ticket appears on the counter's display board. Tickets can be obtained from ticket dispensers located near the entrance of the bank. (The shape of the machine that dispenses queue tickets may vary by branch.)
Number Ticket
The number ticket generally looks like the image above.
After you take the number ticket, you can sit and wait until your number is called, then go to the counter and tell them you came to open an account.
They will then guide you through the process of filling out the necessary documents for account opening.
If you follow the instructions and complete the document, your account will be opened.
If necessary, you can also apply for a check card or internet banking service at the same time.
※ Exchange money
You can use the bank's currency exchange service when you want to exchange money or Korean won brought from your home country into the currency of your home country.
The currency exchange system of Woori Bank, which we introduced above, allows you to get a discount of up to 70% on fees for USD, JPY, EUR, and up to 55% for other currencies.
However, banks generally charge a bit more than other currency exchange services, so we recommend using other services if you need to exchange currency.
Especially, many people need Korean money as soon as they enter the country at the airport. For this, it would be helpful to use the service we recommend below rather than using the expensive airport currency exchange.
Easy Money Exchange at Incheon Airport (low exchange rates!) | Creatrip Currency Exchange Service
Activating a Mobile Phone in Korea
There are two ways to use a mobile phone smoothly while staying in Korea for a long period of time while attending a language school.
1) Prepaid SIM
This is a method of installing or activating a USIM or ESIM purchased just before or after departing for Korea, according to the usage instructions on your mobile phone. It's a commonly used method when traveling abroad for a short period of time. The major advantage is that it's easy to use, and even if the usage period has expired, it can be extended if you have a foreigner registration card.
Creatrip sells a service that allows you to use a SIM card with data, calls, and messages for up to 180 days. This service has the advantage of being more convenient than other SIM card services, as you can pick it up directly at the airport upon arrival in Korea after purchase.
If you want more detailed information about this, please refer to this blog.
2) Postpaid plan
SKT - KT - LGU+
This is the way to use the mobile phone plan products of Korean telecommunications companies (SKT, KT, LGU+, etc.). It involves using the same type of plan as Korean residents, where you pay monthly based on the amount of data, calls, and texts you use, or pay a fixed amount each month.
This method has the advantage of being able to receive various services affiliated with the telecommunications company at discounted prices, and depending on the plan, you can use high-speed internet without speed restrictions. However, a foreign registration card is required when signing up, and the process is more complicated compared to prepaid SIMs, so unless you are staying in Korea for more than a year or use a lot of data, the first method is more advantageous for studying abroad.
Finding a House to Live in Korea
The easiest way to find a place to live while attending a Korean language school is to stay in the dormitory provided by the school. However, there are often not enough dormitory spaces to accommodate all international students, so many are unable to secure a spot even after applying.
In this case, international students have to find their own accommodation in Korea. In this segment, I will introduce the types of housing available and their pros and cons.
1) A method of paying rent every month
The most common method of renting a house is to contract with the entity that rents the house and pay a certain amount every month. In Korean, this method is called 'monthly rent(월세)'. However, the specific procedures may vary depending on what type of house you are renting and who you are contracting with.
[Airbnb]
As Airbnb is very famous worldwide, I believe that you, the reader of this article, are also well aware of Airbnb. If you use Airbnb to find a house to live in, it has a great advantage of being very convenient, as the process is completed by searching for the desired area, selecting a house you like from the list that appears, and paying the suggested amount. However, it also has the disadvantage of having a slightly higher price range than when using other services. But even this disadvantage can be significantly reduced if you choose the area you will live in wisely.
If you are looking for a house near Yonsei University through Airbnb, it is best to search for 'Shinchon' in the search bar. This area is named after the location of Yonsei University and is the closest to the school.
As of now, the price range of rooms available through Airbnb in this area ranges evenly from about 500,000 KRW to 2,000,000 KRW per month, with the most listings priced between approximately 500,000 KRW and 700,000 KRW per month. The rooms available at this price range on Airbnb are well equipped with most of the necessities for living, so if this price range is not too high for you, you should be able to enjoy your life in Korea comfortably.
- Pros: Easy to use, relatively good quality, many items available
- Cons: Slightly higher price than average
[Goshiwon]
Goshiwon is a type of housing that is widely used not only by international students coming to study in Korea, but also by Korean university students living alone, due to its major advantage of being affordable. Typically, it is a building with many rooms decorated with the same interior. In the past, it was often shunned as a residential facility due to its poor facilities and unsanitary conditions, but recently, it has improved a lot, so you can enjoy a high-quality living environment even if you use a goshiwon.
When you sign a contract for a goshiwon, you are contracting for one room in the building. Typically, the interior of the room includes a bed, a table, a small refrigerator, a hanger or a small wardrobe for hanging clothes, and a private bathroom.
There is also a communal kitchen that everyone living in the goshiwon can use. In many goshiwons, they always prepare so that you can eat rice, kimchi, ramen, etc. for free in this communal kitchen.
In order to contract a goshiwon (a type of small, affordable housing in Korea), you generally need to visit the goshiwon in person. There are apps in Korea that allow you to contract a goshiwon, but the process requires a foreign registration card for verification during sign-up, so visiting in person is the most realistic method. You can check the information of the goshiwon through the internet. Through this link, you can find information about the images, prices, and facilities of goshiwons near Yonsei University.
As of now, the price range of goshiwons near Yonsei University is formed around 300,000 to 500,000 KRW. It may be a bit narrower or of lower quality than a room found through Airbnb, but the environment has greatly improved, so there should be no major inconveniences in living in Korea, making goshiwon a good option.
- Pros: Affordable price, many properties available
- Cons: Noise issues, relatively small personal space, relatively inconvenient contract process
[One-room monthly rent contract]
A 'monthly rent contract' is typically used when renting a house (usually a studio) owned by an individual, typically renting a house consisting of one room. In this case, the contract is made by paying monthly rent. The monthly rent contract is a type of residence used by as many students as there are in boarding houses.
Most studios are about 17m2 ~ 22m2 in size, slightly larger than a boarding house. The interior composition varies from house to house, but many have basic amenities such as a bed, desk, small kitchen, bathroom, and wardrobe. Therefore, you can enjoy a much more pleasant living environment than a boarding house.
Contracting a studio is more complicated than Airbnb or a boarding house, and requires a down payment. This is because a 'deposit' is required to contract a studio in Korea. The general practice for a studio contract is to transfer the deposit to the landlord at the initial contract and pay a fixed monthly rent. The deposit is returned from the landlord when the set period expires.
As of now, the average deposit price for monthly rent properties around 'Sinchon Station', the closest station to Yonsei University, is about 18.65 million won, and the average monthly rent is about 770,000 won.
If you want to check out the monthly rent properties in the Sinchon area near Yonsei University, please click the 'Get monthly rent information' button on this Yonsei University Language Institute Detail Page and enter your email. We will send you a document containing the market price and images of studios around Yonsei University to the email address you provided.
You can check the price and condition of the room through the internet, but to contract a monthly rental property, you must visit the real estate agency in the area. By visiting the real estate agency and discussing your available budget and desired property conditions, you can directly visit houses that meet your conditions with the real estate agent. If you visit a property that you like during this process, you proceed with the contract. After the contract is finalized, you need to go to the nearby community center to carry out administrative procedures to prove that you have signed a lease. This procedure is not necessarily required, but it is recommended to avoid any potential disadvantages.
Monthly rental properties are preferred because they are plentiful and often in good condition, but they are not a good choice if you plan to stay in Korea for only about three months by applying for one semester, as many require a minimum residence period of 6 months to 1 year. Also, it can be a bit more cumbersome because there are necessary documents such as a foreigner registration card. Please consider this when making your decision.
- Pros: Excellent living environment and safety, many properties available, advantageous for long-term residence
- Cons: Not many properties available for short-term lease, relatively expensive price, complicated contract procedures, necessary documents such as foreigner registration card are required.
2) A method of paying rent only once
[One-room Jeonse contract]
The system called 'Jeonse(전세)' is a system that is difficult to encounter outside of Korea. Perhaps, this system might be unfamiliar to you, the reader of this article.
The form of a house contracted through a leasehold is not much different from a 'monthly rent contract', but typically, a larger house is contracted in a leasehold contract than in a 'monthly rent contract'. Once contracted, you have the legal right to reside for at least 2 years, and after 2 years, the tenant can also extend the contract if they wish.
When signing a lease contract, you pay the rent in the form of a 'deposit' once. Since you are renting a house for a minimum of 2 years, you will have to pay a very large amount as a deposit. Since this money is a deposit, you will get it back when the contract period expires and you leave the house. If you find a house through this system, just like a 'one-room', after writing a contract, you must go to the nearby community center and perform administrative procedures to prove that you have signed a lease contract.
If you want to check out the lease properties in the Sinchon area near Yonsei University, you can refer to this link. As of now, the deposit prices for lease properties around 'Sinchon Station', the closest station to Yonsei University, range from a minimum of 50 million won to 250 million won.
You can check the price and condition of the room through the internet, but to contract a lease, you must visit the real estate agency in the area. By visiting the real estate agency and discussing the amount you can afford and the conditions of the property you want, you can directly visit houses that meet your conditions with a real estate agent. If you visit a lease property that you like during this process, you proceed with the contract.
Lease properties are attractive forms of housing because they tend to have good room conditions and there is no need to pay monthly living expenses. However, you need to contract every two years and it requires a lot of money, and the contracting process is complicated, so it is not a viable option unless you plan to stay in Korea for several years.
- Pros: High residential quality, no need to pay monthly living expenses
- Cons: Long-term contracts required on an annual basis, expensive rent, complicated contract procedures, necessary documents such as foreigner registration card required.
Apps that Make Life in Korea Convenient
1) Naver Map

'Naver Map' is one of the most used map apps in Korea. It is used even more than 'Google Maps', which is the most widely used worldwide. The reason why 'Naver Map' is more commonly used in Korea is because it provides additional information and features beyond just finding directions.
[Find nearby restaurants]
On 'Naver Maps', there is a feature that allows you to easily find nearby restaurants or cafes based on the current map screen. You just need to press the 'Restaurant' button at the top of the screen.

When you press the 'Restaurant' button, it shows where the businesses in the search results are located, and if you swipe up the screen below, you can see a detailed list. It is very useful as you can check the results for each store and the reviews left by customers who actually visited the store.
[Check traffic information]

Tap the search bar on the map and enter the number of the bus you want to know the traffic information about.
The first item that appears in the search results, when clicked, will display the entire route of the bus on the map.
(For example, 6011 entered is one of the buses running from Incheon Airport to Seoul.)
Afterwards, if you swipe up the screen below, the entire route will appear, and you can find out in real time where the bus with that number is currently located.
[Change language settings]

Click on the 'Menu' icon in the top left, then click on the 'Settings' icon shaped like a gear.
In the middle of the settings screen, click on 'Language' to display the available languages.
Select the language that suits you, then tap the 'Confirm' button to complete the language change and the app will close.
When you restart the app, you can confirm that it has changed to the language you set.
2) Toss

Toss is a leading internet bank, with excellent features and convenient usage, making it a financial app used by most Koreans. Until recently, it was difficult for foreigners living in Korea to sign up, but it has recently changed to allow foreigners residing in Korea to use it as well.
When you sign up for the Toss app, you can also create a Toss account and check card. All you need is a few prepared items. The items needed to sign up for Toss are 'a Korean mobile phone number in your name', 'foreigner registration card', and 'passport'.
There is one thing to note.
When activating a number with a prepaid mobile phone option, the number must be activated with a foreigner registration card. However, since the foreigner registration card is not issued immediately upon application, it is common to activate a prepaid mobile phone through a passport immediately after entering Korea.
In this case, if you want to use app services that require registration such as Toss, you need to contact the company that activated the prepaid mobile phone after the foreigner registration card is issued and add the foreigner registration card information.
If these preparations are well prepared, you can proceed with the registration process according to the instructions in the app.
If you have a bank account created in the Toss app, you can use the benefits and services without discrimination against Koreans through the app.
Please note that the Toss app does not support languages other than Korean.
Small butUseful Tips for Living in Korea
1) Separate Collection
In South Korea, all trash must be separated and recycled. The waste produced in daily life should be classified and discarded according to its type.
Typically, this includes food waste, general waste, paper, plastic, glass, metal, and clothing.
Among these, food waste and general waste must be discarded using bags that meet certain standards. These bags can be purchased at nearby convenience stores, supermarkets, or online.
When purchasing, you need to choose the capacity of the bag. You should choose a size that suits your lifestyle. For single-person households, it is best to purchase the smallest capacity bag.
2) When buying miscellaneous items, go to a convenience store or DAISO.
Convenience stores in Korea are stocked with a wide variety of items. From basic snacks such as cookies and bread, to beverages like coffee, lunch boxes that can replace meals, hygiene products, simple medicines, and most other necessities can be purchased at convenience stores.
In addition to the 'GS25' and 'CU' brands that I introduced earlier, there is also a representative Korean convenience store brand called 'Emart24'. The products handled by these three brands are mostly similar, so you can visit any convenience store near your home if needed.
GS25 - CU - Emart24
However, there are times when the convenience store does not sell items that you need or want to buy. Laundry clips, cleaning supplies, and small interior items to decorate your room could be examples of these. If you need such products, you can find most of them at a mart called 'Daiso'.
The advantage of the items sold here is that they are very affordable. The prices of most items are set between 1,000 and 10,000 won.
DAISO
The nearest Daiso you can go to from Yonsei University is located between Sinchon Station and the main gate of Yonsei University. After arriving in Korea and securing your accommodation, it would be a good idea to purchase any necessary items from here.
Top 5 Restaurants Near Yonsei University Language Institute
Top 5 Cafes Near Yonsei University Language Institute
Here is a brief introduction and some useful tips for things you should do after arriving in Korea to attend a language school.
We understand that you may encounter unexpected and challenging situations while studying a foreign language in an unfamiliar environment for a considerable period. However, we hope that you will only take away good memories when you return home from Korea.
Once again, congratulations on your admission to the language school, and with this, I will conclude my writing.
If there is any missing information in this guidebook, or if you want to know more about the content mentioned above, please leave a comment on this blog.
We will review and add the content accordingly.
Thank you.
Creatrip Language School Team























