Home

Category: Living deep in Korea

  • Three Things to Know About Korea’s College Entrance Exam Day

    On November 13, 2025, Korea will hold one of its most important national events — the College Scholastic Ability Test, better known as “Suneung (수능)” in Korea.
    It’s not just an exam day; it’s a nationwide event that brings the entire country to a gentle pause. From working hours to flight schedules, everything is adjusted to help students who have spent years preparing for this one day. Here are three fascinating facts about how Korea changes on Suneung day.

    1. Later work hours to clear the roads

    On Suneung morning, many government offices and companies delay their opening hours to 10 a.m..
    This nationwide adjustment helps reduce traffic congestion so that test-takers can reach their exam centers smoothly. Because of this, public transportation in the morning is unusually calm, with subways and buses running more freely than usual. The whole morning feels quieter — almost as if the entire city is wishing students good luck.

    2. Police escort services for late students

    If a student oversleeps or gets stuck in traffic, it’s not the end of the world — the police are ready to help.
    Every year, police officers offer emergency escort services, using patrol cars or motorcycles to quickly get late students to their test centers. It’s one of those uniquely Korean moments when everyone — even law enforcement — works together to make sure no one misses the biggest exam of their life.

    It’s a familiar sight on Suneung day — a police officer giving a last-minute ride to a student running late for the college entrance exam.

    3. Even airplanes stop flying during the English listening test (Nov. 13, 2025)

    During the English listening section, which takes place from 1:05 p.m. to 1:40 p.m. this year, absolute silence is required across the country.
    To make this possible, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport will suspend all domestic takeoffs and landings nationwide for 35 minutes. On November 13, 2025, around 140 flights will be rescheduled to prevent any noise interference. It’s a remarkable example of how seriously the nation treats the exam — even the skies go quiet for the students’ dream.

    A small gesture that goes a long way

    If you have a Korean friend taking the exam — or know someone whose sibling or child is — take a moment to send them a word of encouragement.
    A simple “Good luck!” or a small chocolate gift can bring a smile to someone who’s been studying for years for this moment.

    On Suneung day, the entire country moves a little slower, speaks a little softer, and cheers — quietly but wholeheartedly — for its students.

  • Korean University Calendar: Month by Month

    If you’re planning to study in Korea as an exchange student, it’s helpful to know how the academic year works. Unlike many Western countries that start in September, Korean universities begin their first semester in March and the second semester in September. Here’s what a typical year looks like on campus.

    March (3월)

    The spring semester begins, and campus life bursts into energy.
    New students arrive, orientation events take place, and student clubs (동아리) actively recruit new members. It’s one of the most exciting times of the year to experience Korean university culture.

    April (4월)

    This is midterm exam season for most universities.
    Interestingly, it often overlaps with cherry blossom season, which makes students a little sad — they can see the pink flowers only briefly between study sessions!

    Kyunghee University in Seoul is famous for its beautiful cherry blossoms in April.

    May (5월)

    A month of university festivals.
    Many campuses host outdoor concerts, food booths, and celebrity performances. It’s a great time to meet friends, relax, and enjoy the liveliest side of Korean campus life.

    June (6월)

    Final exams mark the end of the semester.
    After the exams, students begin their long-awaited summer vacation.

    July–August (7월–8월)

    Summer break.
    Most students travel or work part-time, but universities also offer summer sessions (계절학기) in July for those who want to earn extra credits or retake classes.

    September (9월)

    The fall semester begins.
    Although not as hectic as March, student clubs and academic societies still recruit new members, and the campus regains its busy atmosphere after the summer.

    October (10월)

    It’s midterm season again, and autumn colors fill the campus.
    After exams, many universities organize sports festivals or athletic meets, reflecting Korea’s traditional custom of holding community sports events in the fall.
    It’s a lively time filled with team games, cheering, and outdoor activities that strengthen campus spirit.

    November–December (11월–12월)

    Final exam period usually runs from late November to early December, marking the close of the second semester. After exams, campuses become quiet as students prepare for winter vacation.

    January–February (1월–2월)

    Winter break.
    January often includes winter session courses, while February is graduation season — a time of ceremonies, farewells, and new beginnings.

    Tip: Korean universities usually publish their academic calendars 6–12 months in advance, so be sure to check your host university’s website before planning travel or exchange activities.

  • Exploring Seoul by River: The Return of the Han River Bus

    If you’ve ever walked along the Han River and wondered what it would be like to travel across it — not just beside it — Seoul now gives you that chance. The Han River Bus (한강버스) has officially resumed operation, offering a fresh, scenic way to explore the city. More than just public transportation, it’s a moving viewpoint of Seoul’s skyline, parks, and bridges — perfect for international students or travelers looking for a new way to experience the city.

    1. What Is the Han River Bus?

    After years of planning and a trial phase, the Han River Bus officially returned to service in November 2025. Operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the route runs roughly 28.9 kilometers, connecting major riverfront districts from Magok in the west to Jamsil in the east.

    Currently, there are about 14 trips per day, with intervals of roughly one hour. As ridership grows, Seoul plans to expand the service to include express lines during commuter hours and additional weekend sailings.

    Think of it as a hybrid between a ferry and a bus — affordable, comfortable, and full of beautiful city views.

    2. Why You Should Try It

    For foreign residents or travelers, the Han River Bus isn’t just a ride — it’s a chance to see the rhythm of local life along the water. You’ll glide past riverside parks, cycling paths, and Seoul’s most famous bridges, all while avoiding traffic and subway crowds.

    Seoul’s roads can get heavily congested during rush hours, and subways are often packed to capacity. The Han River Bus offers a calm, scenic alternative to the usual city commute — a way to travel across Seoul without the stress of traffic jams or crowded trains.

    The route connects several must-see districts, so it can double as a mini city tour. It’s also a fun, eco-friendly alternative for your weekend outings with friends or visiting family.

    3. Routes and Dock Stops

    The main route runs between seven key docks:
    Magok → Mangwon → Yeouido → Apgujeong → Oksu → Ttukseom → Jamsil

    Each dock connects easily to nearby subway stations and city buses, and some — like Magok, Apgujeong, and Jamsil — even offer free shuttle buses from the nearest stations.

    An express route is scheduled to open soon, stopping only at major docks like Magok–Yeouido–Jamsil for faster commuting.

    4. Ticket Prices and Payment

    • Adult fare: ₩3,000
    • Youth (13–18 years): ₩1,800
    • Children (6–12 years): ₩1,100

    Payment is made via transportation cards such as T-money or compatible apps — cash is not accepted.

    If you’re already using the Climate Companion Card (기후동행카드), you can add just ₩5,000 for unlimited Han River Bus rides within its validity period. It’s an affordable and sustainable option for frequent travelers.

    5. Travel Tips

    • Best time to ride: Late afternoon for sunset views, or after dark for the illuminated bridges and night view of the city.
    • Bring your T-money card: No card, no boarding.
    • Check schedules online: Timetables may change with weather or events.
    • Accessibility: Onboard spaces are designed for strollers, wheelchairs, and even bicycles.

    6. A New Way to See Seoul

    The Han River Bus isn’t just transportation — it’s part of Seoul’s new identity, reconnecting the city with its most iconic landmark. It’s also a comfortable and affordable way to explore, relax, and see Seoul from a new angle.

    And for daily commuters, it can be a refreshing alternative to the city’s congested roads and crowded subways, especially during rush hours. You can skip the gridlock, enjoy the breeze, and still get where you need to go — all while taking in one of the best views Seoul has to offer.

    Whether you’re commuting to class or work, heading to Yeouido for a picnic, or simply chasing sunset views over the river, the Han River Bus gives you a journey worth taking — one wave at a time.

  • Everyday Etiquette in Korea: 3 Habits You Should Know Before Moving In

    Living in Korea can be an amazing experience — delicious food, efficient transportation, and a fascinating blend of modern and traditional life. But if you’re new here, you might notice that some everyday habits are quite different from what you’re used to. Understanding and respecting these customs will help you adjust more smoothly and avoid awkward moments. Here are three daily habits to keep in mind.

    1. Take Off Your Shoes Indoors

    In Korea, it’s customary to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home — and this tradition goes back centuries. Koreans value cleanliness and believe that the indoors should be a space free from outside dirt. Most homes have a small entry area called a 현관 (hyeon-gwan) where you take off your shoes before stepping onto the main floor.

    If you’re invited to someone’s house, never walk inside with your shoes on. It’s considered disrespectful. Even when you rent an apartment, landlords generally expect you to follow this rule. Many Koreans keep separate indoor slippers (실내화) for comfort and hygiene. So, remember: shoes off at the door!

    2. Rinse, Don’t Soak, When Doing the Dishes

    Here’s something that surprises many foreigners — in Korea, people usually don’t fill the sink with water and soap to soak dishes. Instead, they wash each dish with detergent first and then rinse everything thoroughly under running water.

    Why? Many Koreans think soaking dishes in soapy water is unhygienic because the dirty water can spread bacteria or leave residue. It’s also part of a broader cultural emphasis on visible cleanliness and freshness. If you’re living with Korean roommates or using a shared kitchen, it’s good manners to follow this practice — it’ll definitely be appreciated!

    3. Master the Art of Recycling

    Korea takes recycling very seriously. Every neighborhood and apartment complex follows strict recycling rules, often with designated bins for plastic, paper, glass, cans, and general waste. You’ll also see special bins for food waste (음식물 쓰레기), which must be separated from regular trash.

    In many apartment buildings, you can only take out recyclables on specific days of the week — and local authorities can even issue fines for improper disposal. It might take a little time to learn what goes where, but you can always use Google or Naver and it’s definitely worth it for the environment. Clear labeling and color-coded bins will help, and neighbors or building managers are usually happy to explain the rules.

    Living Mindfully in Korea

    Getting used to these habits may take a few weeks, but they’re easy to adopt and show respect for local customs. From leaving your shoes at the door to sorting your recyclables correctly, these small actions will help you blend into Korean daily life — and make your stay smoother, cleaner, and more enjoyable.

    Welcome to your new home in Korea, where good manners truly start at the doorstep.