Woori bank account @ Yonsei University

It's actually pretty easy to open a bank account in Korea (for foreigners). 

(Well, it's much easier than what I thought, maybe because I did it in the Yonsei branch itself)

You will need to bring your passport and Yonsei University student ID. (Yeap, only these 2 are required)

When I first entered the bank, I was given 2 forms to fill along with a sample on how to fill the forms correctly and also a queue number. 

This was the sample given. 

They highlighted the parts where you have to fill up and sign, other than that just leave it blank will do. 

It only took me 5 minutes to fill up completely and then you just gotta wait until your turn. 

The process of opening a bank account usually take like 10 minutes where they will photostat your passport and student ID, and then give you a passbook. 

But, for people who would like to do online shopping, remember to ask for debit card account and internet banking! 

And this will take so much longer than just opening a bank account. 

You are required to enter a 4-digit card PIN and then 6-digit PIN for internet banking.

Don't worry, the staff will guide you through! :D

In the end, you will get a piece of paper (acknowledging about your internet banking stuff), a debit card, a security card and a passbook!

Security card, debit card and passbook! 

Just follow the steps here and then you will be able to use internet banking right away yo! :D 

And now, YOU ARE READY TO DO ONLINE SHOPPING IN KOREA!!! :D 

Btw, you will need your alien registration card too (for certificate issuance)! 

[Travel tips] How to survive in Korea?

How to travel around Korea if you have no clue at all about korean language?

If you're going to tourist hotspots, definitely no worries because there are tourist helpers who can speak fluent English, Chinese or even Japanese walking around in places like Myeongdong.

If you're lost or you want to find any shop within that area, don't hesitate to approach them.

Trust me, they know the area very well, is like walking around their houses. LOL

If you're too shy to ask them for help (well, they don't bite), there are a few awesome apps available in play store or apple app store.

1. Translation app: Korean - English Translator
It can be translated into Korean directly by just talking to it in English and vice versa!
Recently I found a super useful translator which is LINE! :D
You just gotta add ENG-KOR translator official account and then type in whatever you want to translate and send!

Easy to use right? I personally think that LINE translates better than google translator (just saying)

2. Subway map: MetroidHD
You can select your subway location and destination, then it will show you the best path (shortest and minimum transfer path) as well as the departure and arrival time!
They also show you the arrival time at any selected subway station (which is awesome), so that you don't have to run like a crazy person in the subway station to find out that the train has left.

Let's say I'm travelling to Myeondong from Hongik University (Line 2)

This app will show you the total distance, stops, fare and also estimated arrival time!

3. Google map or Naver map 

It looks pretty cool swiping your smart phone while walking (actually feeling terrified of getting lost, but must act cool a bit)

At least it's better than holding a mega physical map that will always end up looking like a trash in the bag.

All my korean friends told me that Naver map works better in korea, so if you know how to read hangul, Naver map is a better choice yo!

Some of these apps can function offline, but some requires internet connection. 

So it's extremely important to be able to connect to internet!!! 

How to live without internet? Facebook?! Instagram?! Twitter?!

Click here to know more!

Last but not least, definitely do some homework before you go, including the direction to the shop.

I usually plan my trip according to the areas.

For example, I list down all the recommendations in a particular area and decide my schedule later, depending on my mood. That's the beauty of a free and easy trip where you don't have a fixed and tight schedule on where to go and what to do.

Travel/holiday is about relax, not being stressed out like ''Omg I should have been doing this or been to that place at this time, why am i still stuck here?''

Don'r afraid to get lost.

Just follow the flow.

Continue walking and eventually you will find your way.
Body language communicates pretty well too.

ENJOY.