Blog 1: First Days in Korea - 3/13/25

It’s been a couple of weeks since I first arrived in Korea, and the experience has been nothing short of exciting! Here’s a recap of what I did in my first few days.

Arriving at Incheon Airport

After landing at Incheon Airport, my first stop was the LG U+ kiosk near Gate F to purchase an e-SIM. A 90-day Data + Voice plan cost $133.81 USD and included a Korean phone number, unlimited data, and both incoming and outgoing calls/texts. If you're planning to get an LG U+ e-SIM, you can find more information [here].

Once we had our e-SIMs set up, my friend and I booked an Uber to Seoul. The ride cost 51,900 KRW (about $36.08 USD) and was super easy to arrange—just like using Uber back home.

Settling In: Hotel & Shopping

Since I wanted to get familiar with the area around Yonsei University, I booked a stay at Fraser Place Central Seoul. It’s a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride to Seoul Station and is conveniently close to many tourist attractions.

After arriving in Korea, jet lag hit hard, so we kept things simple and explored nearby areas. We spent our first day shopping in Seongsu and Myeongdong, two of the trendiest spots in Seoul for fashion and beauty finds.

Onew Concert Experience

On my second full day in Korea, I went to Onew’s concert at Olympic Hall—yes, the Onew from SHINee! If you’re attending an event here, one important tip: double-check the location. Naver Maps lists two Olympic Halls, but the correct one is near KSPO Dome and the Olympic Park Station (Line 9).

Even though I wasn’t familiar with his music beforehand, the concert was an incredible experience. The energy, the fans, and the atmosphere made it unforgettable!

More Shopping & Sightseeing!

A few days later, my parents arrived in Korea to help me settle into my dorm. We took the opportunity to revisit Myeongdong for more shopping and sightseeing. Before they left, we also explored COEX Mall and visited the iconic N Seoul Tower, soaking in the breathtaking views of the city.

These first few days have been a whirlwind of excitement, and I can’t wait to share more about my experiences in Korea! Stay tuned for the next update.