Let’s get the paperwork out of the way so we can focus on the fun stuff.

Your passport must

• be valid for at least six months after your return.

• match your name and birthday on file with EF.

• have three blank pages available.

A visa may be required for travel depending on where you're traveling and/or your citizenship.

For more information on passports and visas, visit our Passports & Visas help center article.

Traveler tip: Make two photocopies of your passport and any additional travel documents: one to bring with you and one to leave at home.

Not to sound cliché, but we can’t say this enough: pack light! Different airlines have different carry-on policies and checked bag fees, so ensure your bag meets their guidelines by checking your specific airline's baggage policy.

Most travelers find it easiest to go without checking bag. Here are some tips for getting as much as possible into that carry-on suitcase:

• Wear your bulkiest shoes on the plane and pack the lighter ones. Same thing goes for jackets and heavier clothing.

• Packing cubes or vacuum seal bags can save space and help you stay organized.

• Make the most of your personal item by using a tote bag or backpack that you can reuse throughout the trip.

• Roll your clothes instead of folding them. Pack the bigger items first and use smaller items like socks and underwear to fill in the gaps.

Traveler tip: You'll be traveling by bullet train from Seoul to Busan, where very limited luggage space is available. With that in mind, we highly recommend a carry-on for your travels.

Remember to pack light! You'll be toting your own luggage around at airports and hotels, so bring only what you need and ideally in a carry-on bag.

To see a full packing list, visit our What to Pack article in the help center.

To get started, here are the essentials:

• Passport—bring a photo copy and leave one at home too

• Visa—if applicable

• ATM card—call your bank prior to departure to alert them of your upcoming travel

• Purse or small day bag with a zipper

• Converter/adapter for any electronics

• Toiletries

• Medications and a copy of any prescriptions*

• Comfortable, casual clothing check the weather before you pack!

• Dressier outfit

• Raincoat and umbrella

• Reusable water bottle

• Comfortable walking shoes for example, one pair of sneakers and one pair of sandals

• Versatile layers

• EF’s emergency numbers

  • Calling from within the US: 1-800-873-2250

  • Calling from abroad: 001-617-619-2913

 *All medications should be in their original containers. Put medications in your carry-on bag only in case a checked bag gets lost or delayed.

The best things in the world are free (like experiencing world-famous Korean pop culture). Still, a little spending money can go a long way while you're abroad:

• Spending money: Budget $40 to $60 per day for pocket money. This will cover lunch each day, five dinners, souvenirs, and additional activities. If you’re an especially avid souvenir hunter, you’ll want to give yourself more wiggle room—financially and in your suitcase.

• Currency: South Korean Won. We don’t recommend traveling with large sums of cash. At the start of your program, we recommend bringing the equivalent of $60 in the currency of the initial destination. After that, ATMs are the most convenient way to withdraw cash since they accept a wide variety of bank and credit cards.

• Tipping: We suggest $8 per day for your Field Director, inclusive of the day you arrive and meet your Field Director and ending the day you depart for home.

Traveler tip: Be sure to let your bank know you’ll be traveling so they can put an alert on your account and inform you of any international fees.

Imagine it: you’ve finally arrived. It’s been a few hours since you left home, but your feet are firmly planted on the ground again. Today’s challenge? Fight off jetlag and make the most of the day.

Unless you arrive at night, be prepared to hit the ground running. Staying awake on arrival day is the best way to fight jet lag and adjust to any time difference. If there are other groups on your program, you may wait at the airport for them to arrive. To make things a bit easier:

• Pack toiletries and a change of clothes in your carry-on for when you land.

• Stay hydrated—it helps reduce jetlag.

• Travel in comfort, not necessarily in style, and get as much sleep as you can on the flight before.

Your dedicated Field Director—a physical and cultural guide—will be with you throughout your program. Our Field Directors work tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate logistics like managing reservations and making sure everything flows seamlessly, so that you can enjoy your time without sweating the details. They are there to acquaint you with each new city and make sure everyone is safe, confident, and making the most of every moment.

You'll spend most of your time abroad learning and exploring, but you should also know what to expect when you settle in for the night.

• Hotels: Our hotel partners absolutely must meet our standards for quality, safety and cleanliness. That means your rooms will be safe, clean, comfortable, and equipped with private bathrooms. Hotels are typically 30–45 minutes from the city center by coach bus or public transit or conveniently located to the sites you'll be visiting, which comes in handy if you want to explore different areas.

• What to expect: Hotels abroad may feature smaller rooms than you’re used to and may not have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, television, or elevators. All the more reason to get out and explore.

• Rooming: You may share a room with someone from another group if you’re traveling with more than one college or university—which has led to more than a few incredible cross-country friendships. Since hotels vary from city to city, room assignments might also be different from one hotel to the next. Standard accommodations vary based on age. For more information, visit our Rooms & Roommates help center article.

Traveler tip: Electrical outlets in different countries may be different from the ones we're used to. Make sure you research what type of converter and/or adapter is needed for your travels!

P.S. Hotel rooms are often small in comparison to Western-style hotels. 

You should expect food and portion size to be different than what you're accustomed to at home. Kick off each day with an included continental breakfast. Three dinners will be included, too. We work with local restaurants to provide plated meals inspired by the region, giving you the opportunity to experience authentic dishes. Other dinners and lunches are your opportunity to explore the cuisine as you see fit.

South Korean food is an exciting blend of bold flavors, vibrant colors and unique textures. Key to the cuisine is the use of fresh ingredients, fermented foods and a balance of salty, spicy, sweet and sour flavors.

• You'll find that kimchi, a spicy, fermented vegetable dish is a staple that accompanies nearly every meal.

• Street food is a big part of the Korean food scene. Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (fried dough with cinnamon sugar), and mandu (dumplings) are just a few examples of the mouthwatering snacks you'll find!

• Bibimbap, a rice bowl topped with vegetables, meat, egg, and gochujang (chili paste), is another iconic dish that highlights the country's love for simplicity and complex tastes.

Here's how you'll get around to make the most of your travels.

• Flights: Overnight to Seoul and home from Seoul.

• Bus: Main mode of transportation on the ground.

• Public transportation: Public transportation passes are included in Seoul and can be used for exploration time.

• Walking: Hands down the best way to explore a new city. Be ready to walk a ton (we're talking 5-7 miles per day) to see as much as possible.

Traveler tip: Seoul has one of the most efficient and user-friendly public transportation systems. You'll use a T-Money card to tap in and out of stations or buses.

You will explore three cities in eleven days, so this program will feel fast! To maximize your time each day, you will leave the hotel bright and early and return some time in the evening (or later if you’re feeling adventurous). Most days will be a combination of planned activities and exploration time with some days being busier than others. You'll have a mix of time on the bus, walking and on local transportation to get around. Be prepared to walk between 5-7 miles per day.

You'll be spending 2-4 nights in each city before moving on to the next.

Traveler tip: Arrival day will feel like the longest day on your program, we recommend sleeping on the plane as much as possible to fight jet lag.

Exploration time can vary depending on a few factors: the number of planned activities, whether or not your group has decided to add any optional excursions, and general travel variables like traffic. How you spend your exploration time is entirely up to you. You could sit in a café and people-watch, grab a few friends and discover a new part of the city, or do some souvenir shopping. On busier days, you might just have enough exploration time for a quick lunch.

Here is a rough breakdown of exploration time on your itinerary:

• Seoul: Afternoon, full day

• Busan: Half day

• Gyeongju: Afternoon

There is so much to see and do, so do some research and plan ahead. If you need inspiration, here are our exploration time suggestions:

• Take a day trip to the DMZ (demilitarized zone) to see the border between North and South Korea. Tours typically include visits to the Dora Observatory and Third Infiltration tunnel.

• Visit the Busan Museum of Art, a modern cultural space offering contemporary exhibitions. It features a variety of international and Korean artists, with rotating exhibits on everything from painting to multimedia art.

Do learn common words and phrases:

• Annyeonghaseyo = hello

• Gamsahamnida = thank you

• Joesonghamnida = excuse me

South Korea has a unique blend of modernity and tradition. The bow is a traditional form of greeting in South Korea, particularly when meeting someone older or in a formal situation. However, handshakes are also common. When shaking hands, it's polite to use both hands, with your left hand supporting your right wrist and elbow.

South Korea has a rich history influenced by Buddhism and Confucianism, and many of the social customs are derived from Confucian values, such as respect for elders, hierarchy, and family loyalty.

Public transportation, including subways, buses and taxis, is efficient, but there are some key points of etiquette:

• Keep your phone on silent mode in public transport to avoid disturbing others.

• Queue up properly, especially at subway stations and allow passengers to exit before boarding.

• Do not eat or drink on the subway.

Business cards are a big part of South Korean culture. When exchanging business cards, offer and receive them with both hands. Take a moment to carefully examine the card before putting it away - this shows respect.

Tipping is not customary in South Korea and may even be considered rude in certain situations.