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 includes an extensive subway and bus network. Buses serve many neighbourhoods and destinations that are not within convenient walking distance of a subway station. If you have physical accessibility needs, check the accessibility of the specific route, stop and vehicle in advance. Because not every bus route consistently operates low-floor accessible vehicles, students may wish to prioritize accessible subway routes or pre-book an accessible taxi when necessary. 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 the residence accommodation, 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).
• 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.
• We encourage you to reach out to the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator (summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca) about any mobility-related requirements or accommodations as soon as you receive your program admission. We strongly encourage you connect with the Summer Abroad office to discuss your needs before applying your Summer Abroad program. We will work closely with you to plan your experience abroad, taking into consideration your accessibility needs.

Departing from Canada  

Sunflower Status  

Canada is a Sunflower-Recognized country. Which means, you can find individuals and organizations across various sectors who are trained to understand the meaning of the sunflower lanyard.  

Airports  

Canada has 27 airports that are sunflower recognized. 

 Students based at the University of Toronto are encouraged to visit Pearson Airport for departure. 72 hours before departure, students should visit the airports accessibility webpage and contact their mobility and accessibility customer service for more information regarding specific accessibility support.   

Airlines  

 There are many airlines that depart or arrive in Canada.  

While we recommend Air Canada and West Jet, students are required to research the best airline for their situation. Summer Abroad has no official partnership with any airline.  

Sunflower Status  

South Korea does not have a physical sunflower presence in the country. Which means you may interact with people who are unfamiliar with what the sunflower means.   

That being said, you will still be able to receive accessibility support as you travel abroad. 

Airports  

Students who are travelling to and from South Korea will be able to find the following airports that offer accessibility supports:   

Incheon International Airport  

Gimpo Airport  

Students are encouraged to visit the airport accessibility webpage for more information on specific accessibility supports at least 72 hours before departure. 

Airlines  

There are many airlines that depart or arrive in South Korea.  

Students are encouraged to check out our Sunflower Recognized Airlines Resources page for more information about the accessibility supports particular airlines offer and best tips.  

 For more information check out Hidden Disabilities Airports and Airlines Around the World. 

• Mental health is increasingly treated as an important public-health concern in South Korea, and universities, local governments and the national government have expanded counselling, prevention and crisis-support services. However, stigma remains a meaningful barrier. The OECD’s review of well-being in Korea states that mental-health stigma is relatively high and may discourage people from seeking support. It also notes that Korea’s mental-health system has traditionally focused more heavily on inpatient crisis care than on preventive and community-based services. Students may therefore encounter people who consider counselling, psychiatric treatment or mental-health diagnoses private matters, even though public awareness and institutional support are growing.
• For Summer Abroad students, culture shock, language barriers, an intensive academic and field-trip schedule, unfamiliar food, disrupted sleep and separation from established support networks may affect well-being. Students should not interpret reluctance among others to discuss mental health as evidence that their concerns are insignificant, and they should seek assistance before distress becomes an emergency. Students who take prescription medication should bring an adequate supply in its original packaging, carry supporting medical documentation and confirm insurance coverage for mental-health treatment. Continuing contact with an existing counsellor or healthcare provider may also be helpful where permitted.
• Seoul operates a 24-hour mental-health crisis line at 1577-0199, and South Korea’s suicide-prevention counselling number is 109; language availability should be confirmed when calling. In an immediate medical or safety emergency, students should call 119 for an ambulance or 112 for police assistance and notify onsite and Summer Abroad staff as soon as possible.
• 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.
• If you have an existing or anticipated mental health condition that may affect your participation in a Summer Abroad course, please contact your Accessibility Advisor and the Summer Abroad office as early as possible, ideally before applying. Early planning gives the University and its international partners more time to explore appropriate academic and non-academic supports. 
• Students who require disability-related accommodations must register with U of T Accessibility Services and request a tailored Letter of Accommodation for Summer Abroad. 
• Summer Abroad students also have access to International SOS services through the University of Toronto, which can assist with locating medical and mental health professionals abroad and provide medical, security, emotional and logistical support. However, appointments may take time to arrange, and English-language providers may have limited availability. International SOS should therefore be treated as an additional in-country resource rather than a substitute for advance accommodation and continuity-of-care planning. 
• If you anticipate ongoing mental health needs, speak with your family doctor, counsellor or other healthcare provider before travelling to develop a continuity-of-care plan. Bring an adequate supply of prescribed medication, confirm that it is legal at the destination, and consider whether telehealth follow-up is available. For questions about the tailored Letter of Accommodation process, contact summerabroad.edi@utoronto.ca.   

• South Korea’s legal framework provides limited recognition and protection for 2SLGBTQ+ people. According to Equaldex’s overview of LGBTQ+ rights in South Korea, consensual same-sex sexual activity is legal for civilians. However, South Korea does not legally recognize same-sex marriage or civil unions, and same-sex couples do not have the full family, inheritance and adoption rights available to married different-sex couples. In a significant 2024 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that denying national health-insurance dependent coverage to a same-sex partner was discriminatory, but the judgment did not legalize same-sex marriage or create general partnership recognition. South Korea also lacks a comprehensive national anti-discrimination law expressly covering sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics across employment, housing, education and public services.
• Transgender people may apply to have their legal gender changed through the courts, but South Korea does not have a dedicated self-identification law. The process is governed by judicial guidelines and may involve medical documentation and other restrictive or inconsistently applied requirements. A 2022 Supreme Court ruling removed the previous assumption that having minor children should automatically prevent legal gender recognition, but significant procedural barriers remain. Non-binary gender is not legally recognized. South Korea’s Military Criminal Act also continues to criminalize some consensual same-sex conduct between military personnel; this provision applies to service members rather than ordinary civilian visitors.
  • Transgender and non-binary students travelling with a Canadian passport displaying an “X” gender identifier should review the Government of Canada’s travel advisory for South Korea. Canada cannot guarantee that foreign immigration systems, airlines or other travel providers will recognize the “X” marker, so students should verify documentation and reservation requirements before departure and raise anticipated concerns with the Summer Abroad office.
• Social attitudes are mixed and generally more conservative than in Canada. A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 41% of South Korean adults supported legal same-sex marriage, while 56% opposed it. Students may therefore encounter people who regard sexual orientation or gender identity as private subjects, as well as misunderstanding, intrusive questions, misgendering or religiously based opposition. Many local 2SLGBTQ+ people may be selective about disclosing their identities in family, workplace or educational settings because national legal protection remains limited.
• Seoul nevertheless has visible LGBTQ+ communities, events and social spaces. IGLTA’s LGBTQ+ guide to Seoul identifies Jongno and Itaewon as longstanding centres of queer community and nightlife, while the annual Seoul Queer Culture Festival provides public cultural, film and Pride programming. These visible communities should not be taken to mean that every environment is equally affirming; Pride events have also attracted organized opposition and counterdemonstrations. Students should use their judgment when disclosing personal information, using dating apps or displaying affection in unfamiliar settings, while recognizing that many students and residents will be supportive.
• 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.
• If you are sexually assaulted, you should report it immediately to local authorities and to the nearest Canadian embassy. Summer Abroad will also support you as well and help connect you with U of T’s Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre.
• 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.

• If you experience sexual harassment or feel uncomfortable while you are abroad, you can reach out to Summer Abroad and Safety Abroad for help, and they will help connect you with U of T resources including the Sexual Violence Prevention & Support Centre. For more information on how Safety Abroad can support you in a crisis, please click here to view Safety Abroad’s resources (under “sexual harassment & violence” and “in a crisis.”)

   

• South Korea has historically been perceived as an ethnically homogeneous country, but its population is becoming increasingly diverse. At the end of 2025, South Korea had approximately 2.78 million foreign residents, representing 5.44% of the total population. Major nationality groups included people from China, including ethnic Koreans from China, Vietnam, the United States, Thailand, Uzbekistan, the Philippines and Japan. Visitors who appear visibly different from the majority may be readily perceived as international visitors. Black, South Asian, Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern, mixed-race and other visibly racialized students may attract more attention than they are accustomed to in Canada.[LA1]  (source: South Korea as (Sub)Empire: Workers, Immigration, and Racialized Hierarchy). This can sometimes lead to curious or inquisitive looks from locals. Some interactions may reflect curiosity or limited familiarity rather than deliberate hostility, and respectful cultural exchange can lead to positive experiences. However, students should not feel required to dismiss racialized comments, repeated questions about where they are “really” from, unwanted touching of hair or skin, exclusion, slurs or unequal service as harmless curiosity.
• Racial discrimination remains a documented concern. In a survey conducted by the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, 68.4% of the migrant respondents agreed that racial discrimination existed in South Korea. Respondents identified Korean-language ability and nationality as the most common perceived grounds for discrimination, followed by ethnicity, race and skin colour. 
• South Korea’s Constitution prohibits discrimination based on factors including race, nationality and colour, and complaints may be submitted to the National Human Rights Commission. However, the country does not yet have a comprehensive national anti-discrimination law that consistently defines and prohibits direct, indirect and intersecting racial discrimination across all areas of public life. The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination continued to raise this legislative gap during its 2025 review of South Korea.
• Students who experience racial harassment or unequal treatment should move to a safe location, document the incident where appropriate and contact Ewha onsite staff and the Summer Abroad team. Human-rights violations and discriminatory acts may also be reported to the National Human Rights Commission of Korea through its complaints hotline at 1331; English and several other multilingual complaint forms are available. Immediate threats or violence should be reported to the police by calling 112.
• If you feel unsafe or experience racism during your time in the Summer Abroad program, we encourage you to report the incident immediately to the Summer Abroad office or reach out to the On-Site Coordinators, who will contact U of T Safety Abroad to provide immediate support, including connecting you with U of T Resources such as the Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO).

• South Korea does not have an official state religion and is not a country in which most people actively follow one dominant faith. The latest national census that included a question on religion found that 56.1% of the population reported no religious affiliation in 2015, while 43.9% identified with a religion. Protestant Christianity, Buddhism and Roman Catholicism are the country’s largest organized religious traditions. Korean society has also been influenced historically by Confucian ethics, shamanic traditions and newer Korean religions, including Won Buddhism and Cheondoism.
• South Korea also has smaller Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh, Bahá’í and other religious communities, particularly in Seoul and other large cities. The Constitution protects freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion. However, religious-minority communities have fewer dedicated facilities than Protestant, Catholic and Buddhist communities, and students may need to travel across Seoul to reach a congregation associated with their denomination or tradition.
• Christian students will generally find churches readily available. Ewha Womans University was established within a Christian tradition and has an Ewha Womans University Church and several Christian prayer rooms on campus and in its residences. Seoul also has Catholic and Protestant congregations serving Korean-speaking and international communities; Myeongdong Cathedral is the principal Catholic cathedral of the Archdiocese of Seoul. Students seeking services in English or another language should confirm the congregation’s schedule before attending.
• Buddhist temples are accessible throughout Seoul. Jogyesa Temple, located in central Seoul, is the headquarters of the Jogye Order and a major centre of Korean Buddhism. Temple ceremonies and information may primarily be offered in Korean, and students should check service times and visitor expectations before attending.
• Muslim students can access the Seoul Central Mosque in Itaewon, Korea’s first purpose-built mosque and the principal Islamic worship centre in Seoul. The Korea Tourism Organization also maintains a Muslim-Friendly Travel resourceidentifying prayer rooms at selected airports, tourist attractions, hotels and other facilities. Prayer spaces are not available at every venue, so students should identify suitable locations before field trips and confirm daily and Friday-prayer arrangements directly with the mosque or onsite staff.
• Jewish religious infrastructure is much more limited and is concentrated primarily in Seoul. Chabad of Korea provides Friday-evening and Saturday-morning services, Shabbat meals, holiday observances and community support for residents, students and visitors. Participation in Shabbat meals requires advance registration, so students should contact Chabad before attending rather than arriving without notice.
• Students following Hinduism, Sikhism, Bahá’í or another smaller religious tradition may find local communities in the Seoul metropolitan area, but dedicated worship spaces and English-language information can be limited. They may need to contact the relevant community directly or travel some distance from Ewha.
• The main barriers for multi-faith students may include travel distance, limited English-language information, services held only on specific days, and the absence of a neutral multi-faith prayer room at some locations. Ewha’s publicly listed campus prayer rooms are explicitly Christian spaces, so students requiring a non-Christian prayer area should not assume that these rooms will meet their needs.
• If you are looking for religious accommodation support during your Summer Abroad program, such as religious observations that may conflict with academic activities and field trips, please contact the Summer Abroad Diversity & Inclusion Program Coordinator in advance. Summer Abroad will work closely with you to ensure that your religious observance needs are accommodated to the best of our ability, creating an inclusive environment that respects and values your faith while planning and participating your Summer Abroad experience.

• Religious and plant-based dietary options are available in Seoul, but students should not rely only on the appearance or name of a dish. Meat or seafood broth, fish sauce, shrimp paste, pork products and shared cooking surfaces are common considerations in Korean food. Students with strict requirements should confirm ingredients and preparation practices directly with the restaurant.
• Halal: The Korea Tourism Organization’s Muslim-Friendly Travel directory categorizes restaurants as Halal Certified, Self-certified, Muslim Friendly, or Pork Free. These categories are not interchangeable. A “Muslim Friendly” restaurant may serve only some halal dishes and may also sell alcohol, while a “Pork Free” restaurant is not necessarily halal and may serve other non-halal meat. Students with strict requirements should prioritize restaurants certified by an accredited body such as the Korea Muslim Federation and confirm whether separate equipment and preparation areas are used. Itaewon, particularly the area surrounding the Seoul Central Mosque, has one of Seoul’s largest concentrations of halal restaurants and grocery businesses.
• Kosher: Kosher food and certified products are limited and require advance planning. Chabad of Korea’s visitor informationprovides information about kosher meals, grocery products, Shabbat meals and delivery within Seoul and elsewhere in Korea. Its restaurant generally requires a reservation at least 24 hours in advance, while Shabbat meals must also be booked ahead. Students should not assume that vegetarian Korean food is automatically kosher because preparation equipment, sauces, fermented ingredients and processed products may not meet their level of observance.
• Vegetarian and vegan: Vegetarian and vegan dining is possible in Seoul, but the statement that it is “not difficult” should be qualified. Dishes that appear meat-free may contain anchovy or beef broth, fish sauce, fermented seafood, egg or meat garnish. The official Visit Seoul vegan dining guide identifies plant-based restaurants, while HappyCow’s Seoul directory can be used as a supplementary resource. Korean Buddhist temple cuisine is generally plant-based and avoids meat and seafood, although students with allergies or strict vegan requirements should still confirm individual ingredients.
• Planning ahead: Students should save restaurant names and addresses in Korean, carry snacks during field trips and communicate restrictions clearly. Students with food allergies should carry a bilingual English-Korean allergy translation card that clearly identifies their allergens and explains the risk of cross-contact. A short spoken phrase may not be sufficient for a severe allergy. Students can prepare a personalized card in consultation with their healthcare provider or use a professionally translated resource such as an allergy card (Summer Abroad Allergy Card for South Korea). They should show the card to restaurant staff before ordering and should still confirm whether the kitchen can safely accommodate their needs.