Guide : First-Time Volunteers Coming to Korea

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Welcome to Korea! We are absolutely thrilled to have you join our LangStay family. We know you’re going to love it here, and we’re here to make sure your arrival is as smooth and exciting as possible. Here’s everything you need to know before you land and how to find us once you’re here!

Staying connected is key, and we’ve got you covered! We recommend getting a SIM card from ChinguMobile if you need to have one. It’s super easy:

• Buy Online: Before you take off, hop on the ChinguMobile website and grab your SIM card.
• Pick-Up at the Airport: Once you arrive, just swing by the ChinguMobile kiosk or counter at the airport to pick it up. Simple, right?

This way, you’ll be able to text, call, and navigate like a local from the moment you touch down!

KakaoTalk is the go-to messaging app here in Korea. It’s how we all stay in touch, and you’ll want to be part of the conversation!

• Set It Up Before You Arrive: Here’s the deal—creating a new KakaoTalk account once you’re in Korea can be tricky. The verification process with a local number can sometimes be a hassle. So, do yourself a favor and set up your account before you leave home. That way, you’ll be ready to chat with us as soon as you land!

You’ve landed, got your SIM card, and you’re ready to go! Now, let’s talk about how to get to LangStay. There are a few great options, so you can choose what suits you best:

1. Uber (Taxi): If you’re looking for comfort and convenience, Uber is your best bet. It’s a bit pricier, but it’s direct and perfect if you’ve got a lot of luggage.
2. Airport Limousine Bus: This is a great middle-ground option—comfortable and easy to navigate. You can catch:
   • 
   • Bus No. 6017: Takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and costs 17,000 KRW.
   • Bus No. 6003: Takes about 1 hour 40 minutes and costs 16,000 KRW.
   • Get Off at: The Lotte Dept. Store(Gwanak), 롯데백화점(관악점) stop. From there, it’s just a short walk to us!
3. Subway Train: For the budget-conscious traveler, the subway is the way to go! It’s affordable and gives you a taste of the local vibe. Here’s how to do it:
   • T-money Card: You’ll need one of these nifty rechargeable cards for your subway rides. Grab one at the airport—you’ll need cash for this!
   • Korea Tour Card: Another option is the Korea Tour Card, which doubles as a T-money card and gives you sweet discounts at tourist spots. You can buy it at the bus ticket booth in the airport. Check out this link for more info!
   • Climate Card (기후동행카드): If you’re planning to use public transportation a lot, this card could be a money-saver. Just remember, it’s only valid in Seoul and you’ll need an Alien Registration Card (ARC) for the youth discount.
   • Cost: A subway ride from the airport to our location costs around 5,000 KRW.
   • Directions: After getting your transportation card, hop on the subway and head to Hongik University Station (홍대입구역). Here, switch to Line No. 2 and ride to Sillim Station. We’re just a 7-minute stroll from Exit No. 5.

No matter which route you take, it should take around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours to reach us, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey!

• Address: ZIP CODE - 08870
  • 서울특별시 관악구 신림동길 23-1 3층
  • 3F, 23-1, Sillimdong-gil, Gwanak-gu, Seoul
  • Naver map (link), Google map (link)
• Phone Number: 010-9635-8456

We’re on the third floor of a cozy building that’s easy to find. Here’s what to look out for:

• Building Landmarks: On the ground floor, you’ll see two restaurants—“머시기 쪽갈비” and a cute little Japanese spot called “카츠민”. The entrance to our building is between “카츠민” and a GS25 convenience store.
• Signage: Look for our “LangStay(랭스테이)“ sign in yellow and black—it’s small, but it’s your beacon to finding us!

We also recommend downloading the “Naver Map” app, which is a lifesaver here in Korea. It’s packed with detailed info on local spots and public transport routes. And hey, if you have a little time before you arrive, why not learn the Korean alphabet, Hangul? It’s super easy to pick up and will help you navigate signs and menus like a pro!

Feel free to reach out to us if you need anything at all. And please let us know when you’re expected to arrive—especially if it’s late at night or early in the morning. It’s even better if you can share your flight number with us, so we can be ready to help you out when you get here.

• Cash: We suggest having around 20,000 KRW on hand when you arrive. This should cover your initial transport costs, with plenty to spare. Typically, getting to us will cost about 10,000 KRW if everything goes smoothly.
• Travel Time: Whether you take a bus, train, or taxi, expect the journey from the airport to take about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours. Give yourself a little buffer time, just in case!

We can’t wait to meet you and help you get settled in. Safe travels! And remember, we’re just a KakaoTalk message or an email away if you need anything at all.

See you soon!

We are now using WhatsApp messenger for LangStay Staff group chat!
ChinguMobile is the best. We were asked frequently about SIM cards, and we couldn't find any better one.