Cost of living
With the bursary money I was very comfortable financially. I was also receiving Centrelink money from Australia which paid for my rent and food so I actually saved more money than when I left. Everything is cheaper in Korea and the food is cheaper. My rent was 380 000 won per month and electricity bill was included so it’s around 380 dollars a month. Buses and train are cheap and alcohol is very cheap too.
Possible Issues
Sometimes the menu in Korea will be written in Korean language, so if you cannot read you put a burden on the waiter if the shop is busy and you are attempting to speak Korean and they would be attempting to speak English. Another thing to be careful when crossing the road late at night, after around midnight, taxies just drive through the lights even if it’s red. This can prove to be a problem if you have been in the library all night and are probably too sleepy to check the road before crossing. Keep in mind that the cars drive on the left side compared to Australia. Also, be sure to register with the government when you arrive as if you don’t after 90 days you will become and illegal resident.
Final Words
Make sure you don’t miss classes but do as much touring as quick as possible as time flies when you’re having fun. Make as many friends as possible cause they will become friends for life. Visit the DMZ it’s a great tour and Bussan is very good as well. Have as much fun as possible and don’t be shy. GET A LOCAL BANK CARD AND AUSTRALIAN TRAVEL CARD!!