Life in Korea
Songdo, South Korea
Songdo International Business District (Songdo IBD) is a new smart city or "ubiquitous city" built from scratch on 600 hectares (1,500 acres) of reclaimed land along Incheon's Yellow Sea waterfront, about 25 miles southwest of Seoul, South Korea. What makes Songdo ubiquitous is the technology, i.e. computers are built into the buildings and streets. For example, Songdo IBD residents can video-conference with their neighbors, or even attend classes remotely. They can control lighting, heating, air conditioning and more, all with the push of a button on a control panel. Sensors gather information on things like traffic flow and energy use.
Students have many opportunities to experience the new and innovative developments in the Songdo district and the culturally-enriching history of South Korea. We encourage students to explore the surrounding cities and trying the dynamic and spirited Korean food and local events.
Directions to Campus
- Address: 119-4 Songdomunhwa-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 21985
- Google Maps
- Naver Maps
- Songdo Campus Map
[COVID-19: THIS SERVICE IS TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE]
George Mason University Korea’s Office of Student Affairs will be arranging ‘Airport Meet & Greet’ where GMUK students and staff will be awaiting for your arrival at the Incheon International Airport to guide you on your way to the GMUK campus. Please email your itinerary to the Office of Student Affairs at mksa@gmu.edu to request the arrangement. In the case of emergency, please also let her know of a delayed arrival for further correspondence.
Office of Student Affairs
Email: mksa@gmu.edu
Phone: +82-32-626-5050
- Cost: Approximately KRW 50,000 (~USD 40, toll included; varies based on traffic, etc.)
- Time: Approximately 30~40 minutes
- Terminal 1 Location: Incheon International Airport – Terminal 1 Location (8C and 9C)
- Terminal 2 Location: Incheon International Airport – Terminal 2 Location
- Message to give taxi driver: 안녕하세요. 인천 송도에 있는 한국뉴욕주립대학교 -인천 글로벌 캠퍼스 (연세대학교 송도국제캠퍼스 근처에 위치)로 가주세요. 감사합니다.
*International taxis are 20% more expensive due to guaranteed English service.
*Please note that your international credit or debit card (e.g., Visa, Master, Union) may not be used in the taxi due to compatibility issues. Please prepare extra cash (minimum KRW 60,000).
- Cost: Approximately KRW 60,000 (~USD 60, toll included; varies based on traffic, etc.)
- Time: Approximately 30~40 minutes
- Desk Location: Terminal 1, near exit 13
- Desk Hours: Approximately 8:00am to 9:00pm
- Phone: +82-32-743-0828
- Terminal 1 Location: Incheon International Airport – Terminal 1 Location (10C)
- Terminal 2 Location: Incheon International Airport – Terminal 2 Location (6D)
- Message to give taxi driver: 안녕하세요. 인천 송도에 있는 한국뉴욕주립대학교 -인천 글로벌 캠퍼스 (연세대학교 송도국제캠퍼스 근처에 위치)로 가주세요. 감사합니다.
*20kg baggage limitation per person (group with less than five).
*Please note that your international credit or debit card (e.g., Visa, Master, Union) may not be used in the taxi due to compatibility issues. Please prepare extra cash (minimum KRW 100,000).
- Bus: Korean Airlines Limousine Bus 6707B
- Cost: KRW 7,000 (~USD 7) for the bus, and approximately KRW 4,000 (~USD 4) for the taxi
- Time: Approximately 30~40 minutes
- Availability: Every 40 minutes from 05:02am through 10:10pm
- Terminal 1 Location: Incheon International Airport – Terminal 1 Location (3B and 4A)
- Terminal 2 Location: Incheon International Airport – Terminal 2 Location (stops 17, 18, and 19)
Important: You must get off at the Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel stop in Songdo. From there, you must take a taxi to the IGC campus. Taxis are not guaranteed at this location, but frequent the area. Expect to pay at least around KRW 4,000 (~USD 4) to campus from this location.
- Message to taxi driver: 안녕하세요. 인천 송도에 있는 한국뉴욕주립대학교 -인천 글로벌 캠퍼스 (연세대학교 송도국제캠퍼스 근처에 위치)로 가주세요. 감사합니다.
*Please note that your international credit or debit card (e.g., Visa, Master, Union) may not be accepted in Korean taxis due to compatibility issues. Please prepare extra cash for transportation (minimum KRW 50,000).
Directions to the ICN Airport
You may reserve a taxi via Kakaotaxi. The cost is approximately KRW 40,000 to KRW 60,000.
If you have more than 2 large suitcases, we would advise you to use a "call van" because regular taxis may not accept more than 1 suitcases.
Contact Information
Park Ill Soo
Mobile: 010-3868-1862
Email: pis8409@naver.com
Cost: KRW 55,000
For additional support, you may contact your Resident Advisor (mkreslif@gmu.edu) for assistance.
Daily Necessities
If you are bringing your smartphone to Korea, it is important to first ensure that your device is unlocked if you plan on using a Korean SIM card.
Next, it is important to check the frequency compatibility of your smartphone with Korea’s service providers. The big three are LG U+, KT Olleh, and SK Telecom. Here is a useful site in determining frequency compatibility: https://willmyphonework.net/.
Once you determine that your phone is compatible, you may find the following information helpful in determining which type of plan to purchase:
- Korea (South) | Prepaid Data SIM Card Wiki
- Monthly Plans – It is possible to subscribe to a monthly plan from South Korean providers. However, you will need to first obtain your Alien Registration Card, which may take some time. Because the details vary by provider, you will need to check with each for the various available options.
The following two providers are willing to answer your questions over the phone in English before your arrival:
- KT Olleh: +82-2-2190-1180
- SK Telecom: +82-80-252-5011
- KakaoTalk – Korea’s most popular instant messaging application. English available. Available for Android and iOS.
- KakaoT – Application to call a taxi. English-friendly. Available for Android and iOS.
- KakaoMap – Korea map application. More defined than Google Maps. English available. Available for Android and iOS.
- KakaoMetro – Korea metro map, schedules, and travel estimator. English available. Available for Android and iOS.
- Emergency Ready App – Korean government’s application for emergency alerts. Available for Android and iOS.
- Google Translate – Advanced translation application. Be sure to set it for usability offline. Available for Android and iOS.
- Visit Korea – Korean government’s application for Korea tour information. Available for Android and iOS.
- Air Quality – Check current air quality. Available for Android and iOS.
Students may open a bank account by visiting a local bank in Korea. Non-Korean passport holders are permitted to open one bank account in Korea.
Required Documents:
- Valid Passport
- Valid Alien Registration Card (ARC)
- Certificate of Enrollment (Please contact the Office of Academic Affairs mkaa@gmu.edu)
- Proof of Accommodation (Please contact the Office of Student Affairs mksa@gmu.edu).
If you have further questions, please contact Mihee Cho (mcho14@gmu.edu)
The Incheon Global Campus Housing site hosts our campus’s shuttle bus schedules at IGC Housing – Shuttle Bus Schedules.
The Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority maintains excellent public transportation information resources for residents of Songdo. For more information, please visit: IFEZ Global Center - Transportation.
Subway
Subways serve as the most convenient means of transportation, probably the most favored public transportation by both Koreans and international visitors. Subways are currently available in five major cities including the Seoul Metropolitan Area, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon. Seoul Metropolitan Area subway system covers an expansive area, including Line 1 to 9 with additional lines, such as Sinbundang Line, Gyeongchun Line, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, Ever Line, Uisinseol Line, and more, branching throughout the metropolitan area. Each subway line has a designated color to aid passengers in using the subway with ease. For more information, visit Subways.
Buses
Express buses
KOBUS Express Bus Lines Association, 02-536-6460~2, www.kobus.co.kr (also available in English) Express buses are referred to as “jwaseok (seat) bus” in Korean and offer more comfortable rides than general buses. As they also tend to travel long-distance routes, express buses charge high fare than general buses.
General buses
General buses are referred to as ilban (general) bus in Korean. There are three main types of ilban buses, including red, blue and maeul (or village) buses. As destinations are written in Korean, English and Chinese, you should have little difficulty finding the bus that you need
Blue buses
General blue buses, meanwhile, are the mid-range buses traveling within Incheon that can take passengers to major landmarks and often more specific destinations.
Village buses
Called “maeul (village) bus' in Korean, village buses are neighborhood shuttle buses usually running on short-distance routes in residential areas that lack access to major public transportation. Buses are smaller and charge lower fare than general buses.
Red buses
Red buses are generally used to travel long distances. Routes for these buses are set up to connect primary and secondary central business districts, and passengers can travel to more specific destinations by transferring to a different, more local bus. There are 21 red buses that travel from Incheon to Seoul.
Taxis
For destinations unreachable via bus or subway or simply for speedy and comfortable transportation, Incheon also has many cabs providing a 24-hour service to the public. The fare is relatively cheap, with a base rate of KRW 3,000 for the first two kilometers, and an additional KRW 100 for each 35 seconds if the distance is less than 15km and KRW 100 for each 144 meters traveled there-after. There is a night charge between midnight and four o’clock in the morning, or when crossing regional boundaries, which may amount to 20% of the metered fare. Also, passengers are responsible for toll gate fares, Thee is no tipping custom in Korea. If you need to call a taxi, please call Incheon Michuhol Call Center 120 and press 9 for assistance.
T-money Card
You can use cash on public transportation methods in Incheon. However, using a prepaid T-money transit card is more convenient and offers many discounts to passengers.
- T-money (Foreigner Guide) : 1644-0088 / 080-389-0088
- For more information: www.t-money.co.kr
T-money Card User Guide
Please put (tag) the card on a card reader for the payment.
Do not remove the card until the payment is completed (it takes about 0.5sec).
Bus
Tag the card at the center of a card reader upon riding until the beep is heard. The fees and remaining balance will be displayed on the card reader. When getting off the bus, you should tag again it to the card reader until the beep is heard to receive transfer fee discount.
Subway
When you ride a subway, tag the card at the center of a card reader until the beep is heard. The fees and remaining balance will be displayed on the card reader. (It may be differently displayed when you transfer.) You should tag it in the same way when you arrive at your destination.
Taxi
When you get to your destination, present T-money card to a taxi driver. After the payment is completed, please make sure to retrieve the card and its receipt.
Others
When making payment, present T-money card to a convenient store, café, etc. where it is possible to pay by T-money. After the payment is completed, please make sure to retrieve the card and its receipt.
Transfer Discount Guide
When you use T-money for public transportation (subway, bus, etc.), you will receive the transfer discount in case you take other transport within 30 minutes from the time of tagging the card to a card reader when getting off. Please make sure to tag T-money to a card reader when you get off the bus or pass the subway turnstile.
- Available between Subway↔Bus and Bus↔Bus, excluding buses running along the same route.
- Available up to 4 times daily. From 9 PM until 7 AM the following day, discount is applicable to the transfer within 1 hour.
- Transfer discount will not be applicable on cash payment or a single ride ticket
Fare Discount Guide
- When you use T-money for public transportation (subway, bus, etc.), you can receive 100KRW discount compared to cash payment or a single ride ticket.
- For children and youth, you could enjoy the discounted fare if you register the card with your birth date at the convenience store. Please present T-money along with your ID that can prove your date of the birth (passport, alien card, etc.).
(Children: 6 ~ 12 years old /youth: 13 ~ 18 years old) - If an adult use children or youth cards intentionally or carelessly, he or she is subject to a fine worth 30 times that of the standard fare.
How to top-up
Please present your T-money and cash (Korean currency) for top-up
- You can continuously use Amazing Pay T-money by recharging it.
- You can top-up the card in the unit of 1,000KRW, in the range of 1,000KRW to 90,000KRW. The amount of money deposited in T-money may not exceed 500,000 KRW.
- There is no service charge imposed to a customer for top-up.
How to get a refund
You may receive a refund if you return your T-Money to a local public transportation staff (usually in subway stations).
The refund (outstanding deposit minus service fee) will be given to you in cash (Korean currency) along with the card.
- The refund is available when the remaining balance of T-money card is not more than KRW 20,000.
- Service fee of KRW 500 will be imposed. Partial refund is not possible. (Only entire refund is available)
- The refund amount is equivalent to the outstanding deposit, and does not include the cost of the card.
- If your T-money does not function properly due to reasons other than loss/ deformation/breakage, etc., the price of the card and the outstanding deposit will be entirely refunded.
If you do not have a Korean bank account, you may use Western Union to have access to cash from your international bank.
You must transfer the funds from your home country prior to your arrival in Korea to pick up the cash at a Western Union branch in Korea.
Western Union in Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) is near our campus.
More information: Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK)
INDUSTRIAL BANK OF KOREA
12 Gaetbeol Ro
Songdo Techno Park Branch
Yeonsugu, Incheon 21999
+82-32-2601237
Health & Wellness
Certain prescriptions are prohibited in Korea and without the proper documentation and approval students would not be allowed to bring in the medication.
International visitors must submit a written application to the Narcotics Control Division of the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) before traveling. Please contact the MFDS for the application procedure and up-to-date information at +82-43-719-2813 or by e-mail at narcotics@korea.kr.
The Korean Customs Service at Incheon Airport has authority over which medications will be allowed to be carried into the country.
For more information, please look into their website http://www.mfds.go.kr/eng/index.do
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Joanna Park (spark214@gmu.edu) for further support and assistance.
General Advice and Recommendations:
- Investigate how to obtain the same or equivalent medications before departure, in case a replacement is needed due to loss, inadequate supply due to travel interruptions, or the need to resupply maintenance medications if the trip is long-term.
- Carry a written list of all medications taken, including trade and generic names, to facilitate obtaining medications.
- If unable to determine whether the same drug is available (or whether an equivalent version of a medication exists internationally), work with a health care provider (in the home country or locally at the destination) or with a local pharmacist to select an effective alternative medication.
- In general, mailing or couriering any kind of medication from one country to another is illegal.
Bringing Prescriptions from Outside of Korea:- Please refer the following information below with detailed instructions on bringing prescription medication to Korea.
* Application would be dismissed unless the complete documents are submitted at least 10 business days before arrival.
- Please refer the following information below with detailed instructions on bringing prescription medication to Korea.
Message from International Healthcare Center, Inha University Hospital:
Introduction
The international Healthcare Center, an outpatient clinic in Inha University Hospital, has provided a full range of medical services since 2009, mainly to foreign nationals in Korea from all over the world and to Koreans planning to go abroad. The center is staffed by medical doctors, a registered nurse, and six coordinators who are fluent in English, Russian and Chinese. Inha University Hospital is a top academic hospital with 925 beds with highly specialized staff in various fields and up-to-date technical equipment. The hospital includes the regional Emergency Medical Center and a medical clinic in each terminal of Incheon International Airport. At our International Healthcare Center, we continuously strive to provide the best possible medical service to people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds in a comfortable setting.
Services
Outpatient Service and Consultations
The International Healthcare Center is a primary care outpatient clinic located on the 3rd floor of the hospital. We also provide health check-ups (including visa medical examination) and counselling before travels or studying/work abroad, including providing disease information specified to the region, immunizations with a certificate and prescriptions. When patients need further consultation, they will be transferred to the relevant clinics with appropriate interpreting services and continuous support from the staff of the International Healthcare Center. Our center is supported by medical and surgical specialists below who provide consultations based on international standards.
Inpatient Service, Referral and Emergency Service
We have our own inpatient service and hospitalized patients will be assigned to a patient room on the 18th floor which is fully prepared to serve the medical needs of foreign patients. The staff of the International Healthcare Center also continue to provide support to foreign patients admitted to a different specialty in the hospital. Our center is connected with private clinics through a hotline in order to be notified of patient referrals to the Center for further evaluation or treatment. The Emergency Medical Center in the hospital is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The hotline system works between the International Healthcare Center and the Emergency Medical Center 24/7 as well.
Clinic Hours
Monday through Friday : 8:30 a.m. ~ 4:30 p.m.
(lunch break 12:00 ~ 1:00 p.m.)
For appointment during office hour
call : 032–890–2080 / 2090
+82–32–890–2080 / 2090 (from overseas)
email : inhamedicalcenter@gmail.com (for English)
inhahospital@yandex.ru (for Russian)
inhahospital@qq.com (for Chinese)
For after hours or weekends : text 010-4811-2090 or email us.
Same-day appointment and walk-in services are available.
*If international students would like to take the COVID-19 test, please contact here.
Contact Information:
Dr. Areum Kim
Phone: 032-890-2090 (Office Hour: 8:30am~4:30pm, Lunch Break 12:00~1:00pm)
Mobile: 010-4811-2080 (Use text message after office hour)
Email: inhanmedicalcenter@gmail.com(English available)
Address: 27, Inhang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, Republic of Korea
Website https://www.inha.com/en/page/guide/introduce
On-Campus Housing
For students who would like to deliver their personal belongings before arrival to Korea, students may post to the following address and pick up when they check in:
Incheon Global Campus Housing Office
A 117, Songdo Munhwa-ro 119,
Yeonsu-Gu, Incheon 21985 South Korea
*Include your Full Name, G-Number, George Mason University Korea, Room Number.
If you do not know your room number, please include the following information: your Full Name, G-Number, George Mason University Korea
For more information, you may visit IGC Housing.
All bed size in Housing A and B:
Size: single
Width: 940mm
Lenth: 1940mm
Height: 220mm
Students are responsible for preparing bedding (pillow, pillow case, duvet, duvet cover, bed sheet.)
- Provided Furnishings: Desk, chair, wardrobe, single-size mattress bed, and stand.
- Suggested to Bring: Pillow, bedding, hangers, shower caddy, towels, slippers, hair dryer, detergent, laundry bag, umbrella, nail clippers, medications, personal electronics, study materials, etc. The aforementioned items may also be purchased in Korea. Adapters and converters (see notes below).
- Restricted Items: Electric pads and blankets, heaters, irons, stoves, cooling fans, rice cookers, hot plates, pots, and coffee makers.
For more information, please read here: IGC Housing – Packing Information.
*The standard voltage in South Korea is 220V. Make sure your items are usable (e.g., dual-voltage if bringing electronics from the United States).
*Be sure to pack any adapters and converters your devices may need, with extras to spare. It is much more difficult to obtain these items from within the country.
Cafe, Meals & Food
IGC Cafeteria is available for all IGC community (students, faculty, and staffs). For more information on their menu, you may visit: IGC Cafeteria Menu.
Hours of operation: Monday - Friday (11:00 am - 1:30 pm)
*International card accepted (Visa, MasterCard)
"Spoon" provides traditional Korean light meal dishes to enjoy on-campus that is located in the basement of the IGC Multicomplex building.
Menu includes: kimbap, pork cutlet, ramen, and udon.
Hours of operation: Monday - Friday (10:30 am - 3:00 pm)
- TOZ Study Center
Address: 3-26 Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
Phone: 032-833-095
Hours: Weekday – 09:00 AM to 2:00 AM Saturday – 09:00 AM to 2:00 AM Sunday – 09:00 AM to 01:00 AM
Price: 3 hours – 6,000 won +30 minutes – 1,000 won
Description: TOZ Study Center is a study area that provides Wi-Fi, fax, and beverages.
- The november
Address: 107, Art Center- daero, Songdo, Incheon, South Korea, 406-840
Phone: 032-833-1984
Hours: Open 24 hours
Description: The november is a café that is opened 24 hours. With a pop music atmosphere, this café is perfect for those who want to have a place to study and catch up with friends. After midnight, the café is self-managed by vending machines and a espresso capsule machine. The price varies for each product.
- L ‘ Chayim Study Café
Address: 23 Haedoji-ro 120beon-gil, Songdo 1(il)-dong Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
Phone: 010-7604-0995
Hours: 00:00-24:00
Price: 2 hours – 3,000 won 4 hours – 5,000 won 6 hours – 6,000 won
: L ‘ Chayim Study Café is a study area that contains study rooms, a café zone, and a study zone.
- A TWOSOME PLACE
Address: Triple Street, Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price: Varies by product
Description: A Twosome Place is a prominent café in Korea that offers a wide variety of beverages and desserts.
- ORA Cafe & Bakery
Address: Incheon Tower-daero, Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
Phone: 032-752-3777
Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Price: Varies by product
Description: ORA is a café and bakery that offers a place for chatting and studying.
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Address: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon
Phone: 032-310-9644
Hours: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Price: Varies by product
Description: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is a café located in Triple Street. This café has a wide variety of beverages and a calming atmosphere for studying.
- Angel-in-us Coffee
Address: Angel-in-us, Incheon, Yeonsu-gu, 앵고개로 250
Phone: 032-811-0022
Hours: 8:30 AM – 1:00 AM
Price: varies by product
Description: Angel-in-us Coffee is a wide-spread chain-brand café that offers a range of beverages and desserts. This café is suitable for studying.
- Triple Street – Aside from numerous restaurants, Triple Street also contains a Daiso, No Brand, and many other useful stores. Located across from the IGC campus. Be sure to check out our list of Student Discounts.
- Homeplus – Homeplus is a chain of grocery and household goods stores. The local HomePlus also includes a clinic, pharmacy, and various other stores and restaurants in its many floors. Located next to the Hyundai Premium Outlet, across the street from Triple Street’s block A (i.e., farthest from the IGC campus).
- Hyundai Premium Outlets – A large outlet mall with many floors, stores, and restaurants. Located across the street from Triple Street’s block A (i.e., farthest from the IGC campus).
- Costco – A large wholesale store for groceries and many other goods. Located at the far end of Songdo, you will want larger transportation to shop here. Membership card required to check out (or bring a friend with one)!
- Halalco Food Mart - There are halal supermarket options at your convenience. Facebook: @Halalco Food Mart