South Korea EDIA Resources

South Korea continues to enhance its accessibility infrastructure, which means that travelling with disabilities may pose challenges. Although South Korea (including Seoul and other major cities) continue to gradually improve their accessibility features, some limitations may persist. Most subway stations in Seoul offer elevators, wheelchair lifts, audio-visual information, braille tiles, accessible gates, restrooms, priority seating, and platform screen doors, which enhance accessibility for travelers. However, not all subway stations will have updated features, and other nearby cities may have even fewer accessible options. Taxis (including wheelchair-accessible taxis) are available but may require booking in advance. Kakao Mobility is Korea's largest taxi-hailing service provider, and through their app, Kakao T Mobile app (Google Play and Apple Store), has recently introduced a new feature to provide better access to cab-calling for groups of people with mobility issues, including disabled people, pregnant women, and older people. Users will be able to select different types of cars that align with their unique transit needs, including cars that are equipped with ramps. For enhanced safety, you can also share your real-time location and arrival time with friends or family. 

Seoul’s public transportation system is very well developed and can bring passengers to locations that are not conveniently located near subway stations. If you have physical accessibility needs, it is advised to plan and use taxis and the subway whenever possible, especially due to the limited operation of low-floor buses. Despite ongoing improvement, it is important to note that accessibility features in South Korea’s infrastructure may still have limitations. Students are encouraged to visit the Accessible Tourism in Seoul page (available in English) to research ahead, and plan accordingly for navigating South Korea’s transportation. 

Ewha Woman’s University campus, including the International Co-ed Summer College, is built on very hilly terrain. There are many stairs to get to the residence as well. If you may be affected by steep terrain, you are advised to consult a physician as well as the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator before applying, so that you can work together on deciding if this program fits your needs. 

If you have specific accessibility and mobility needs that may not be supported by resources available at Ewha Woman’s University, you do have the option to stay off-campus to access suitable accommodations, such as a hotel or apartment. These accommodations are paid for separately and may be more expensive than what the accommodation at Ewha would cost.  If you require a private accommodation for health reasons, it is advised to research accommodations (i.e., hotels) in the area that are in close proximity to Ewha. Please note that Summer Abroad does not book private accommodations for students, and that students are also responsible for additional incurred fees (paid directly to the hotel or booking website). 

Although service dogs do exist, they are perceived differently in South Korea versus North America. Not all businesses, shops, hotels, will accept them. In addition, bringing a service dog to South Korea imposes several other challenges due to the important laws that include a series of rabies vaccines and tests, micro-chipping requirements, anti-body tests, health certificates and other paperwork requirements. Please click here to view requirements regarding importing animals to South Korea. Bringing a service dog to South Korea will also require organizing an alternate accommodation, as Ewha’s dormitory does not allow pets. In addition, the industry field trips and site visits may not allow for service dogs as well. Extensive research for hotels that accept animals is required. If you have a service dog for a disability, it is advised that you contact your Accessibility Advisor as well as reach out to summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca so that we may assist you in researching this process thoroughly. 

Summer in South Korea can get quite hot, with an average daily temperature of 28°C. It is important to plan for the heat and humidity by packing breathable and light layers, cotton clothing, sun protection including sunscreen and hats. South Korea’s rainy season is also in the summer and it is advised to bring a rain jacket and umbrella with you. 

South Korea’s mountainous region includes very hilly terrain, where there are steep slopes and hills, that make navigation and walking difficult for people with physical disabilities and mobility issues, including wheel-chair users and others who use mobility devices. 

Please inform the South Korea Program Coordinator about any mobility-related accommodations, as soon as you are admitted to the South Korea program. We strongly encourage you to also connect with the Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator to discuss your EDIA needs before applying. We will work closely with you to plan your experience abroad.  

If you require support for any mental health concerns, we encourage you to reach out to Summer Abroad so we can work directly with you to provide necessary accommodations and support during your program. All Summer Abroad students have access to International SOS, which has a partnership with U of T, who will connect you with a network of health professionals in your area. If you require a doctor or counsellor in Seoul, iSOS will be able to help you find a mental health professional in your area. 

For medical services, payment is required at the time of service. Patients are responsible for filing a claim with their own insurance company, as Korean medical institutions do not bill insurance providers directly. 

When interacting with health service providers in South Korea, it is important to note that mental health concerns carry their own stigmas in Korean culture, and perceptions of mental health conditions may vary and be different than what you are used to do back home. If interactions with locals lead to misconceptions of mental health, it is helpful to remember that this is a cross-cultural difference and does not stem from ignorance. For this reason, it is important to stay connected with iSOS if you require emotional and well-being support in the form of medical care or counselling. 

Reminder: Students with pre-existing concerns must meet with their Accessibility Advisor to discuss needs and prepare relevant documentations before applying for Summer Abroad. 

Although South Korea laws do not directly prohibit sexual acts between same-sex individuals, homosexuality is not socially tolerated (Sources: LGBT rights in South Korea – Equaldex, and Government of Canada Travel Advisory for South Korea). Same-sex marriages are not legally recognized in South Korea, and there is low awareness of issues that face 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. 

Summer Abroad is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all students, and support students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. If you have any concerns or require support regarding your 2SLGBTQ+ accommodations, please do not hesitate to reach out to us, so we can assist you in finding additional resources as well as explore your accommodation options. 

South Korea is a relatively safe country for women travelers. However, women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment. Sexual assault and harassment do occur, particularly around bars and nightlife areas, such as Itaewon and Hongdae-Ipgu. For this reason, you should avoid travelling alone, especially at night. You must remain vigilant when dealing with strangers or new acquaintances. 

Access to feminine hygiene products and contraceptives in South Korea is a simple process, with availability in supermarkets, pharmacies, and online retailer. Monthly contraceptive pills are available over the counter at pharmacies. However, emergency contraception (i.e., Plan B, also known as the morning after pill), is not available over the counter and requires a prescription from a doctor before you have it filled. 

South Korea is largely homogenous country, and visitors who appear visibly different from the majority will be easily identified as being foreign, especially for people of color (source: South Korea as (Sub)Empire: Workers, Immigration, and Racialized Hierarchy). This can sometimes lead to curious or inquisitive looks from locals. Curiosity about foreigners in South Korea is often based on genuine interest rather than hostility – engaging in respectful interactions and showing an interest in the local culture can often lead to positive exchanges and help break down stereotypes. 

South Korea’s religious majorities include Catholics, Christians, and Buddhists. However, South Korea is religiously diverse and hosts citizens of other religions including Confucianism, Buddhism, and Islam. If you observe a religious holiday and would like to know what religious accommodations are available, please contact the Summer Abroad Office so we can help you explore your options, including finding a religious site in Seoul.

South Korea has a very small Muslim population of under 200,000 people, and the demand for halal food has continued to go up the past several years. When visiting restaurants and purchasing food in South Korea, it is still important to do your research and see if halal food options are available. There are numerous online guides to eating halal food in South Korea, such as Visitkorea’s Muslim-friendly travel guide, and the Korea Tourism Organization’s online directory of Muslim-friendly restaurants.  

For kosher foods in South Korea, it is important to note that several traditional Korean foods may not be considered kosher due to the use of animal products in the pickling process, such as kimchi. It is important to conduct research on restaurants and store options with kosher options. Chabad Korea, a synagogue in Seoul, has a helpful FAQ on the availability of kosher food in Seoul. 

It is not difficult to eat as a vegetarian in South Korea. If you are a vegetarian, it will be helpful to translate “I’m a vegetarian” to share with the servers and staff at restaurants. It is important to ask if meals that seem vegetarian (i.e., ramen) have a meat-based broth. Helpful online guides include “Survival Guide for Vegetarians in Korea,” and “Being a Vegetarian in Korea.”