Arrival
Traveling to Korea can sometimes be confusing. But travel and arrival also can be easier when they are planned carefully in advance. Mason Korea is here to support our students traveling to Incheon, South Korea, and getting onto campus.
This page has been updated as of January 16, 2024.
Arrival To-Do List
| D-2 Students | Non-Visa Travelers |
|
New Entry Re-Entry |
Complete K-ETA. This must be done at least 72 hours prior to boarding your flight. |
If you are an on-campus resident who submitted the check-in application to the IGC Housing in advance, make sure to read about check-in requirements posted on the On-Campus Housing page and prepare for it BEFORE your departure.
Research Airlines: Look into different airlines and compare prices, baggage policies, and overall services. Consider factors such as layovers, travel time, and potential visa requirements for specific airlines or connecting countries.
Book a Flexible Ticket: Given the uncertainties that can arise, try to book a ticket with flexible conditions, allowing changes to your travel dates if necessary. This can be especially helpful in case of unexpected events or changes in your plans.
Arrive Early: Due to that students cannot check in to the housing after 5:00 PM, we strongly recommend international travlors to arrive early in the morning or even a day before to ensure safe check-in to your student housing.
Pack essential documents, medications, and valuables in your carry-on luggage. In case your checked baggage is delayed or lost, having essential items in your carry-on can be a lifesaver.
- Valid Passport
- Visa Documents (if applicable)
- Cash: 400,000 - 600,000 in Korean Won (approx. USD 300 - 500)
- Smartphone
- Pen
Packing for Student Housing
- Provided Furnishings: Desk, chair, wardrobe, single-size mattress bed, stand, LAN cable, wifi router, and waste bin
- 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.
* All bed sizes: Width: 940mm, Length: 1940mm, Height: 220mm.
Carrying Prescription Drug
The Narcotics Policy Division of the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) states that any narcotics-containing medication (including CBD oil) is strictly prohibited from being imported into Korea, even with a doctor’s prescription. For other prescription medications, visitors must submit a written application to the Narcotics Control Division of the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) before traveling. Please contact the KFDA for application procedure and up-to-date information at +82-43-719-2813 or by email at narcotics@korea.kr.
For medications that do not contain narcotics or amphetamines, up to six bottles of medication (or equivalent to a three-month supply) will be permitted into Korea, provided they are for personal use only. Visitors must bring the original prescriptions, a letter from your doctor specifying the medical condition, and a statement from your doctor on the medicines you are importing.
The Korean Customs Service at Incheon Airport has authority over which medications will be allowed to be carried into the country. You may wish to consult with your U.S. doctor regarding substitute medicines, or sources of local equivalent medicines in Korea.
For more information, please look into their website http://www.mfds.go.kr/eng/index.do
Airport Arrival
In general, all passengers must go through the CIQ (customs, immigration, and quarantine). Up-to-date information about airport arrival procedures can be found on the following webpage.
- https://www.airport.kr/ap_cnt/en/arr/process/immpro.do
Transportation
You can find information about transporation options on Incheon Airport’s webiste linked below
- https://www.airport.kr/ap_cnt/en/tpt/pblctpt/pblctpt.do
Songdo area, in which Mason Korea is located, is very close to the Incheon Airport. It takes about 30 minutes by car from the airport to campus.
We recommend Airport taxi/van as one of the most convenient and fastest way to move from the airport to Songdo.
- Estimate Cost & Time: KRW 40 - 50,000 including the Yong-jong bridge toll / 30 minutes.
Other public transportation options can be somewhat challenging especially if you have a lot of luggage. You can explore other transportation options on the Incheon International Airport website.
Airport Taxi
To use airport taxi, you should find a designated taxi stand supervised by the Incheon Airport Authoirty. We strongly recommend asking the airport staff for help with the directions. You can also visit the webpage linked below for more information about the taxi stand location.
- https://www.airport.kr/ap/en/tpt/pblcTptTaxi.do
When you reach the taxi stand, airport staff will like to ask your destination, which would be "Incheon". You will be directed to a taxi in line. Staff maybe recommend different options such as van-sized vehicle depending on the number of luggage and passengers.
Fare might range from USD 50 - 70 depending on vehicle type. Drivers you meet at the taxi stand are usually trustworthy as Incheon Aiport Administration vets them before allowing them to park at the taxi stand. Most of the drivers would not speak English very fluently but so have the address ready in writing both Korean and English
Again, All passengers are strongly recommended to go to the taxi boarding area designated by the Incheon Airport Administration. DO NOT accept any private taxi offer outside of the designated area at the airport.
Hotels near Campus
There are several hotels nearby the campus that are affiliated with Mason Korea. All faculty, staff and students will receive discounts on the products and services by showing valid Mason Korea ID Card upon payment or ordering. *
We recommend Skypark Hotel the most as it’s the nearest one to the campus (distance about 10 minutes by taxi, close to the metro) and many of our past visitors have stayed there. We also recommend Orakai Hotel and Oakwood Premier.
Find more detailed information under the 'Hotel' section of the following webpage.
https://masonkorea.gmu.edu/all-employees/human-resources/employee-discounts
* Disclaimer: Mason Korea does not sponsor or endorse any of the businesses included in this list, nor does it guarantee the quality of the products and services.
