Soul Searching in Seoul: Everything I Learned and What I Wish I Knew

Before I start crafting my “study abroad changed me” answers for friends and family, here are the practical things I wish I’d known. The things that would’ve saved me time, stress, and at least three meltdowns.

What I Wish I Knew?

1. ARC: Alien Registration Card 

If you’re staying in Korea for more than 90 days, you’re required to apply for an Alien Registration Card (ARC). But the process actually starts with your visa, and understanding how these two parts connect will save you a lot of stress.

CIEE helps you apply for both the D-2 Student Visa and the ARC, but there are several things I learned the hard way that would’ve made the process much smoother.

To study in Korea for a semester, you’ll need a D-2 Student Visa.

Most D-2 visas issued for exchange students are single-entry, meaning:

• You can use the visa once to enter Korea.
• After entering, you cannot leave the country until you receive your ARC.

This is where the timeline becomes important.

This semester, students who applied through the CIEE/Yonsei group application submitted everything in late August and didn’t receive their ARC cards until late October. 

Students who made their own appointments at the Seoul Southern Immigration Office (서울남부출입국외국인사무소) generally received their ARCs much earlier.

As soon as you clear customs at Incheon, you’re eligible to book your appointment on:

https://www.hikorea.go.kr/Main.pt

I was in a slightly unique situation: the D-2 Visa I received from the Korean Embassy in Washington, D.C. was multiple-entry, something that is not typical for exchange students.

This meant I could leave and re-enter Korea without an ARC, which is normally impossible with a single-entry visa.

I’m still not sure why I received a multiple-entry visa, but if possible, ask your embassy if this is an option, especially for fall students. Chuseok, the longest break of the semester, comes early in the fall, and many students can’t travel internationally because their ARC isn’t ready yet.

But, I was in a unique position as my D-2 Student Visa I received from the D.C. Embassy was multiple entry. Which, again, is typically not the case. This meant I was able to leave and re-enter Korea without an ARC, something not possible with a single-entry Visa.

If you can't get a multiple-entry Visa, there is a workaround that allows you to travel abroad before your physical ARC arrives:

Once you have either completed your fingerprinting or received confirmation of your Alien Registration Number, you can request a Certificate of Alien Registration Facts (외국인등록사실증명).

How to get it:

• Wait until your registration number is issued.
• Visit your local Community Service Center (주민센터).
• Bring your passport.
• Request the certificate (small fee).

This document serves as official proof that you are registered in Korea.

With it, you can leave and re-enter the country, even if your ARC card is still processing, without cancelling your application.

If you travel abroad without this certificate while your ARC is still processing, your application will be cancelled, and you will have to restart the entire process. Appointments at immigration can be booked out a month in advance, so this can really disrupt your semester.

The visa/ARC process is one of the most confusing parts of studying in Korea. If you have any questions or need help navigating it, I’m more than happy to share more about my experience.

2. T Money vs Climate Card

A T-Money Card is the most common and universal way to use public transportation in Korea. It works on:

• All Seoul buses and subways
• Practically every major city in Korea (Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, etc.)
• Convenience stores, taxis, airport buses, and more

Because T-Money works nationwide, you’ll need one even if you plan to use a Climate Card. If you travel outside of Seoul at any point during the semester, T-Money is essential.

T-Money is a deductible balance card, you load money onto it at subway stations or any convenience store, and then tap in and out as you travel. For most visitors, T-Money is the default.

The Climate Card (기후동행카드) is a Seoul-only transit pass. It offers unlimited travel on:

• Seoul Metro (within city limits)
• Seoul city buses
• Public bikes (Ttareungi), if you choose the combined version

However, it cannot be used: 

• Outside of Seoul
• On bus/subway routes that start in Seoul but end outside the city

Financially, a Climate Card becomes a good investment if you’re using Seoul’s transit more than 40-ish rides per month, which most exchange students easily do.

I personally got a Climate Card, and it was one of the best decisions I made during my semester. If you have a Korean phone number, you can create an online account to get a small discount as well.

3. Solo Friendly Restaurants 

This one is pretty self-explanatory. Even if you come to Korea with friends, there will be days when you just want a quiet meal by yourself, or days when your schedule doesn’t line up with anyone else’s. Luckily, Seoul is extremely solo-dining friendly, and I’ve collected some of my favorite spots that are perfect for eating alone.

All of these restaurants are Google Maps–friendly, but for the most accurate directions, just copy and paste the names into Naver Maps and you’ll be able to find them easily.

1. 키친갈매기: Seoul, Mapo-gu, Poeun-ro, 73 2층
2. Kongcheongdae: 29-1 Poeun-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
3. Tao MalaTang: 19 Yanghwa-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul - multiple locations
4. Iiyoiyeonnam: 12th and 1st, Yeonnam-ro, floor, Mapo-gu, Seoul
5. Grain Seoul: 53 Yeonhui-ro 11ga-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
6. Delicious Sundubu and Kimchi-jjim: 36 Myeongmul-gil, Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
7. Sinchon Restaurant Dancing Hong Kong: 37-4 Yonsei-ro 12-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
8. Soba Yeonguso: 50-9 Myeongmul-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
9. Tasty Cube: 22-8 Yonsei-ro 5da-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
10. Boss Donkaz: 11 Ewhayeodae 7-gil, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
11. byTOFU: 10 Sowol-ro 20-gil, Yongsan District, Seoul

Here is my pride and joy, my Google Maps List if you want to browse even more options: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rs7W4yy8fEoQckpT8

 4. Wifi? No problem. 

Cafés in Korea are hands-down the best places to get work done—great coffee, comfortable seating, and reliable Wi-Fi almost everywhere. The only challenge? Sometimes you sit down, open your laptop, and realize…you have no idea where the password is.

Well, you can always ask, BUT through extensive field research, it is typically three places:

1. Posted by the register
2. Listed on the bottom corner of the menu
3. On the bottom of the receipt 

You can also check the café listing on NAVER ahead of time, many places include whether they offer Wi-Fi in the details section.

Happy internet surfing and even happier sipping!

5. Packing List  

If you are staying in SK Global House, they provide you a bed mat, a light comforter, a pillow of varying comfort. Bring with you towels, a pillowcase/sheet set, and a blanket for the colder months.

My #1 tip: you can find bedding at local markets, OR if you have a Costco Membership, you can use it here in Korea and head there to find more “western-style” bedding. Important: Most Costco locations in Korea accept only Hyundai Cards (Korean credit card).

If you don’t have one, make sure to bring cash.

Bring a travel backpack or small suitcase for weekend or long weekend trips.

Here are the places I have been able to go during my four months here, and you guessed it, my Google Maps lists I used while I was there.

Andong --> no list 

Tokyo --> https://maps.app.goo.gl/uk45PNZPPJkRN8hF6 

Inuyama --> https://maps.app.goo.gl/qRs18vtXo21cCkb89 

Kyoto --> https://maps.app.goo.gl/bsqDcMqHkKapijxq7 

Osaka --> https://maps.app.goo.gl/yyJuxobjSwdbeGUN7 

Hong Kong --> https://maps.app.goo.gl/1MiPQeNp2ATcff3S8 

Busan --> https://maps.app.goo.gl/2X7XDwWu4w4TEgQm6 

Jeju --> https://maps.app.goo.gl/jQcd9sJTi1vBRmZw6 

Jeon-ju --> https://maps.app.goo.gl/BvUbg4kidGE7pg9F8 

Bangkok --> https://maps.app.goo.gl/es294GZHR1X8wA698 

6. Need to go? Head underground. 

The public bathrooms in Seoul are amazing. Go into any subway station to find a restroom. 

7. Final Thoughts 

Take the CIEE Intercultural Communication and Leadership Class. DO IT!

If there’s one piece of advice I’d leave you with, it’s this: if there’s something you want to do, go do it. Whether it’s a trip you’re dreaming of, a dish you’ve been wanting to try, or an experience that keeps tugging at you, don’t wait for the perfect timing or the perfect group. And if you can’t find anyone to go with you? Go anyway. Some of my best memories in Korea came from saying yes to things on my own.

As I get ready to return to the US, the feeling is bittersweet—but I’m leaving with zero regrets and a sense of genuine fulfillment. Seoul gave me moments, lessons, and confidence I never expected, and I’m grateful for every single one. My Soul has been found in Seoul.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out: @abby.schneeder 

All the best and happy travels in Seoul,

Abby Schneider