KAIST
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Welcome to KAIST.
I am delighted to welcome you to KAIST.
As we at the Office of Student Affairs realize that you must have many questions upon preparing to start your life in KAIST, we are providing this handbook in hope that it will give you adequate answers and help facilitate your transition.
This booklet, with its extensive and detailed information, is one of first concrete forms of support you will receive at KAIST; certainly it won't be the last. I encourage you to acquaint yourself with the many services available on the campus guided by this handbook.
We sincerely wish that you will accomplish your academic goal while making many beautiful memories in KAIST. We also look forward to the contributions you will make to the KAIST community while you are here.
with best wishes,
Prof. Seung S. Lee Dean of Student Affairs
Contents
WELCOME TO KAIST
Contact Points 2
Get yourself connected 5
Banking 7
ACADEMIC LIFE
Registration 10 IC Card 11 Credit System 12 Certificates 15 Courses Registration 16 Academic Support 21 Language Support 22 Libraries 24 IT on campus 25ACCOMMODATION
On-Campus Housing 30 Off-Campus Housing 32Apply for Housing 33
Fees & Payments 35
Moving in the First Time 37
HEALTH
Health Check 40
National Health Insurance (NHI) 41 KAIST Student Health Insurance Association (SHIA) 42
On-Campus Clinic 42
WELLBEING IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Food 44
On-Campus Shopping 47
Entertainment / Sports 48
STUDENT SUPPORT
KAIST Counseling Center 54
KAIST International Student Association(KISA) 54 Societies, Organizations and Clubs 54
TRANSPORTATION
Public Transportation 56 Transportation Card 60 Cycling 61 Motorcycle 62OFF-CAMPUS LIFE
Getting Around 64 Shopping 64 Restaurants 66INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
Tuition Fee Exemption for International Undergraduate 68
Scholarship Registration 68
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions & Answers 70
FOREIGNER’S SOJOURN
Foreign Registration 76
Extension of Stay 79
Activities outside the Purpose of Stay 82
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
851. Welcome to KAIST
C
ontact points
G
et Yourself Connected
Contact points
Student Affairs Team (E11, 1st Floor #112)
_Scholarships, National Health Insurance E-mail: [email protected] Ext # 2163
Student Welfare Services Team (E11, 1st Floor #113) _Dormitory, KAIST Student Health Insurance Association E-mail: [email protected] Ext # 4712
Academic Registrar’s Team (E11, 1st Floor #111) _Course registration, GPA, Academic Certificates E-mail: [email protected] Ext # 2362
Admission Team (E11, 2nd Floor #214) _Information on admission
E-mail: [email protected] Ext # 2143 Home Page: http://admission.kaist.ac.kr
Information and Communications Team (N2, 3rd Floor) _Internet & Network (N2, 3rd Floor, #305)
E-mail: [email protected] Ext # 5688 Home Page: http://ict.kaist.ac.kr
Emergency Call
Campus police Ext # 4200 Fire & accidents Ext # 4000 Night duty office Ext # 3000 Fire department(ambulance) 119 Police Station 112
Contact points
Department / Division Phone Phone
Physics
Mathematical Sciences
Chemistry
Graduate School of Nanoscience & Technology
Biological Sciences
Bio & Brain Engineering
Graduate School of Medical Science & Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Ocean Systems Engineering
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering
Materials Science & Engineering
2502-4 2702-3 2802-4 1102-6 2602-5 4302-4 4232 3002-5 3702-4 1502-5 3602-4 3902-4 3302-6 http://physics.kaist.ac.kr http://mathsci.kaist.ac.kr http://chem.kaist.ac.kr http://nbst.kaist.ac.kr http://bio.kaist.ac.kr/index_eng.htm http://biosys.kaist.ac.kr/english http://gsmse.kaist.ac.kr http://me.kaist.ac.kr http://ae.kaist.ac.kr http://kaist-ocean.or.kr http://civil.kaist.ac.kr http://che.kaist.ac.kr http://mse.kaist.ac.kr
Contact points
Department / Division Phone Phone
Nuclear & Quantum Engineering
Graudate School of EEWS
Graudate School of Culture Technology
Humanities & Social Science
Electrical Engineering
Computer Science
Information & Communications Engineering
Industrial & System Engineering
Knowledge Service Engineering
Industrial Design
Graudate School of Management
Management Science
Graduate School of Innovation & Technology Management 3802-4 1702 2902-4 2371 3402-6 3502-5 6105 3102-4 1602 4502 *1-3211-4 6302 4902 http://nuclear.kaist.ac.kr http://eewseng.kaist.ac.kr http://ct.kaist.ac.kr http://hss.kaist.ac.kr/eng http://www.ee.kaist.ac.kr http://cs.kaist.ac.kr/index.cs http://ice.kaist.ac.kr http://ie.kaist.ac.kr http://kchannel.kaist.ac.kr/CH500-014/en http://id.kaist.ac.kr http://business.kaist.ac.kr/eng http://ms.kaist.ac.kr http://itm.kaist.ac.kr
Get Yourself Connected
Telephone
On the campus, laboratories, department offices and dormitories are connected with four-digit phone numbers. From the outside, they can be called with the area code of 042 and prefix 350. You can receive domestic and international calls with any telephone on the campus, but sometimes they are locked and only outgoing calls can be made. To make calls from dormitories, it is necessary to purchase pre-paid phone cards.
Korea’s prefix for international call is 82 and Daejeon’s area code is 042. Your family can reach you by dialing +82-42-350-XXXX.
Telephone cards may be perchased at on campus shops and outside convenience stores. The telephone cards are available in four prices: ￦2,000, ￦3,000, ￦5,000 and ￦10,000. There are three types of pay phones: coin-operated phones, card phones and both.
To make an international call from a pay phone,
Dial 001, 002, 0052 or 00700+country code+area code+local number.
Postal Service
Mail is delivered first to KAIST mail room then distributed to each office, and dormitory twice a day.
To send mail, visit the Post Office located on the 1st floor of the Student Center (N12). Specify “express” or “registered” on the envelope if you need such services, and pay accordingly.
After finishing your program in KAIST, you can send your belongings to your next address via surface or air mail. At the post office where carton boxes are available, people there will help you pack up. Each box can contain up to 20 kilograms.
Get Yourself Connected
It is possible to make international calls using credit cards. Phones offering this service are installed at hotels and major public facilities and have English instructions on their use.
Mobile Phone
There are three mobile phone operators in Korea: SKT, KT and LGT. Procedures for mobile phone subscription are a little more complicated for foreign residents. You are recommended to be accompanied by a Korean colleague when you visit a mobile phone shop to subscribe to a post-paid or pre-paid service.
Inside KAIST campus, there is one KT-Show shop on the 2nd floor of Tae Wul Gwan (N13). N-Zone service is provided enabling free phone calls for KT subscribers inside the Daejeon campus.
If you are going to use mobile phone just for a short period, rental services are available, but remember charges are quite high. Rental services firms are: Yellowpage Korea Co., Ltd. +82-2-725-0411 (Fax +82-2-720-0052) J.B.I. Technology +82-2-3481-9925 (Fax +82-2-3481-9926)
Electricity
In Korea, The standard voltage is 220V. Two-pin plugs are standard on most electrical equipment.
You can buy it in convenience store on campus(N13) or discount mall such as Homeplus, E-mart, and etc.
Banking
Banking
The KAIST branch of Woori Bank, is located in the Student Center (W2), issues drafts and traveler’s checks, and changes money. It is recommended that you open a bank account as soon as possible (there is no charge for this service).
To open an account, you will need to bring your passport or alien registration card as identification. When you withdraw cash by using your VISA or Master Card, please go to the bank with your passport. The bank is open from 09:00 to 16:00 Monday through Friday, excluding national holidays. There are several ATMs on the campus and most of them operates until late. Outside school you can find ATMs at convenience stores and at virtually every corner of streets.
In Korea, it is very common and convenient to use internet banking. So, please ask the bank teller to activate your internet banking function when you open a new account. The service is free and secure. Another tip is creating more than one account. Students often have two to three bank accounts in order to separate their “official” money and “personal” money. Woori Bank accounts can be made in Korean won or foreign currency passbooks.
Banking
Currency Information
Korea’s official monetary unit is the won. The Korean currency consists of fifty thousand, a ten thousand, five thousand, and one thousand won note, and five hundred, one hundred, fifty and ten won coin.
Currency Exchange rate
Currently, a dollar exchanges for about 1,200 won. Exchange rates may change at any time according to the market conditions, but the won is a relatively stable currency so it is safe to keep your money in this form.
Exchanging money
When you need to exchange your foreign currency into Korean won, visit a bank, exchange service center, or an authorized exchange. The Woori Bank may not exchange some currencies-in this case, you need to find your way to a Korea Exchange Bank (KEB) or other exchange center.
Credit Cards
In Korea, it's very convenient to use credit cards. It is recommended that you open a BC Debit Card at Woori Bank (W2). This card is widely accepted at restaurants, supermarkets and at almost every commercial establishments in Korea. It takes only 15 minutes for registration, and there usually is no membership fee. For more information, visit Woori Bank branch.
_KAIST has cooperated with Woori Bank to provide a convenient way for students to manage their finance. Your student card is integrated with your Woori Bank account so you can use it to withdraw money at ATM machines easily.
_After office hours (09:00 ~ 16:00 from Monday to Friday), you will be charged a fee when you withdraw money from ATM machine. The fee varies from 600 won to 1,200 won depending on the time you use the machine. Remember that you will also be charged if you withdraw money from an ATM machine that does not belong to Woori Bank (Woori Bank ATM machine has its logo on the top).
2. Academic Life
Registration
IC Card
Credit System
Certificates
Course Registration
Academic Support
Language Support
Libraries
IT on campus
R
egistration
Visit the Academic Registrar’s Team (ART) at Room 111 on the 1st floor of the Creative Learning Building (E11) and submit the following documents.
1. KAIST registration form for International Student 2. A copy of passport
3. 2 passport photos
Check your student number and temporary resident registration number. After receiving your "Alien registration card" from the Immigration Office, give your alien registration number to the ART.
Contact: [email protected] Ext # 2362
I
C Card
After registration at the ART, you will be given a temporary integrated circuit card (IC Card) from the Educational Support building, 1st floor, W8, #1107.
After receiving your alien registration card, you should come back to the Security Team and exchange the temporary IC Card with the official IC Card with your student ID number on it. Two passport photos are needed for the issuance of the official IC Card.
Your IC Card serves as a key to many buildings on campus, as well as an ID and ATM card. First issuance of the IC Card is free, but you will have to pay a fee of 10,000 won for re-issuance of the card.
If you lose your IC card, go to the Educational Support building (W8, # 1107) and visit the Safety & Security Team on the 1st floor, which will have a big yellow sign reading 'Card Key' at the door. There, you need to fill out an ID-Card re-issuance application form with your name, alien registration number, department and ID number. Take this form to the bank and pay the fee, then return to the Security Team office, where you will be issued a temporary IC card while a new one is being made.
C
redit System
Credit System
Undergraduate Courses_Credit Requirements
- 130 credits including at least 40 credits from one’s major - TOEFL score of 83(IBT or its equivalent)
_Credit Information
One credit is normally earned by attending one hour of lecture per week for the entire semester. To complete the undergraduate course in four years, students generally take 12 to 24 credits every semester.
Students have a maximum of six years to complete their undergraduate course.
_Credit Transfer
The maximum number of transferable credits earned from other universities is 66. Those credits will be recognized by KAIST departments (divisions) if they are equivalent to the courses offered within the program of study the student is currently undergoing at KAIST.
Master’s and Ph.D. Courses
_Credit Requirements
Master’s degree: Students must earn at least 36 credits, of which 24 or more must be course credits.
M.S.-Ph.D. joint program: Students must earn at least 72 credits, of which 42 or more must be course credits.
Doctorate program: Students must earn at least 72 credits, of which 42 or more must be course credits and 30 or more research credits. Credits earned from a previous master’s course at KAIST may be used to fulfill the Ph.D. course credit requirement.
C
redit System
_Credit Information
One course credit is normally earned by attending one hour of lecture per week for the entire semester. Research credits are normally earned by doing thesis research and attending seminars and lab experiments. One research credit is equivalent to three hours of research work per week for the entire semester.
Generally, students take 9-12 credits (including research credits) every semester.
Students working for Master’s degrees have a maximum of five years to complete their course, and those for the doctoral degrees have a maximum of seven years.
_Dissertation
For graduation, each Master’s program student must complete 12 credits on thesis and research while 30 credits are required for the M.S.-Ph.D. joint program or doctorate program students.
Below is the guideline for thesis:
Degree Dissertation Review Committee Key Criteria
Master’s
Doctorate
Three KAIST faculty members, including at least two full-time professors.
Five KAIST faculty members, including one representing a field other than the one from which the degree is sought..
Problem solving ability is the main criteria. A 2/3 majority approval is needed for awarding the degree.
Creativity is the main criteria. A 2/3 majority approval is needed for awarding the degree. Dissertation should be published in an international journal.
C
redit System
_Credit Transfer
A maximum of 12 credits earned from other graduate schools are transferable to the master’s program in KAIST and a maximum of 18 to the doctoral program. Those credits will be recognized by KAIST departments (divisions) if they are equivalent to the course work and research offered within the program of study the student is currently undertaking at KAIST.
KAIST uses the “A-B-C-D” grading system. A+ is one’s highest achievable result.
Note that A+ is equivalent to 4.3 points of GPA while universities in some other countries have lower or higher maximum GPA points (4.0 or 4.5). Remember to check and convert your scores in formal documents.
Letter Grade Explanation Grade Point
A+, A0, A- Outstanding Performance 4.3, 4.0, 3.7
B+, B0, B- Superior Performance 3.3, 3.0, 2.7
C+, C0, C- Satisfactory Performance 2.3, 2.0, 1.7
D+, D0, D- Minimal Pass 1.3, 1.0, 0.7
F Fail
C
ertificates
Certificates
There are various ways to have academic certificates issued for you.
_ At the Academic Registrar's Team
Certificate Types (Korean/English): official transcript, enrollment, graduation/degree conferment, expected graduation/degree conferment, course completion
_ Via vending machine
Certificate Types (Korean/English): official transcript enrollment.
Location : 1st floor, Creative Learning Building (E11) (available 24 hours)
_ Long distant/postal issuance
You need to contact Academic Registrar’s Team for special arrangement.
-Basic fee is 500 won per copy. Course completion certificates for master’s and Ph.D. programs cost 1,000 won per copy. Educational payment certificates are issued free of charge.
C
ourse Registration
Academic Calendar
The Spring Semester runs from the beginning of February to the end of May and the Fall Semester from the beginning of September to the end of December. Limited numbers of courses are offered during the Summer and Winter Semesters.
For detailed schedules, please check the full academic calendar announced at the start of every academic year.
Don’t forget to register for courses before the end of the previous semester.
Regular Enrollment
You can apply for the next semester's courses by visiting KAIST Web site during the given period at the end of each semester. The application period is announced in school calendar.
If you missed this period, you still have a chance to apply for the classes during the add/drop period (the first two weeks of new semester). Remember that some popular courses will be full quickly, so the earlier you register, the more possibility you secure your position.
_Enroll online
Online application at http://kaipa.kaist.ac.kr or the CAIS System
Note that these require a portal access which you can obtain after finishing academic registration
If you need more information about the lectures, please contact the site below. http://webcais.kaist.ac.kr/devsso/lecture/lecture_elist.php
_Procedure
- Choose classes listed on the homepage (CAIS Web Service > Academic service > Opening courses).
- Apply to classes on the homepage/CAIS. - Print out completed application form.
C
ourse Registration
- Obtain guidance professor’s signature and submit the form to the Department office/interdisciplinary programs office.
Add/Drop Courses
You have the option of changing your schedule during the first two weeks of the semester. Use KAIPA to change your schedule and print out a sheet detailing the changes made, and then take this sheet to your Undergraduate advisor to receive a signature, then take the sheet to the academic registrar team.
The official withdrawal period for courses is during the first two weeks of each semetser. However, for those who enrolled after 2007 and before 2009, the withdrawal period is extended to the time just before the midterm exams. You can withdraw from any course before midterms. However, you do not receive your scholarship unless you have completed 12 credits during the previous semester, so take care to leave at least that many courses.
Instead of being able to drop any course before the midterm, it is possible to retake a class (after receiving a grade other than W) only 3 times in your study. And you can take the same course to completion only twice.
_Period: within two weeks from the beginning of a new semester _Procedure
- Decide to add/drop courses on the KAIPA system (http://kaipa.kaist.ac.kr) - Complete add/drop in KAIPA System.
- Print out completed add/drop form
- Obtain signature of course professor and supervising professor, and then - Submit form to department/interdisciplinary programs office.
C
ourse Registration
Withdrawal from Courses
_Period: within two weeks after the beginning of the semester for undergraduate students and nine weeks for graduate students in every semester _Procedure: same as the procedure for add/drop courses
Note that the grade of an withdrawn course is not included in the grade point average; students are given a “W” (withdrawal) on their transcripts.
Make-up Courses
_Registration Procedure: (same as the regular registration) Check “Make-up Course” mark if you are registering for make-up courses.
- Students must repeat the course and earn credit if the required course’s grade is “F” However, students can repeat up to three courses regardless of grades. - Make-up course’s final grade replaces the original grade, but it cannot exceed B+.
_Payment for make-up courses: Amount: 150,000 won for 1 credit. (Example: 3 credits: 150,000 won x 3 = 450,000 won)
Academic Warning
If you have been attending KAIST for at least a year, and get a GPA of less than 2.0 in one semester, you will receive an academic warning. Three academic warnings result in expulsion. (Not counting winter or summer semesters.) However, it is possible to request a hearing within 15 days of expulsion to explain your position; expulsion can be cancelled once.
C
ourse Registration
If you have a cumulative GPA of 1.0 or less, you will be expelled. In this case too it is possible to request a hearing within 15 days of expulsion to explain your position.
Credit Recognition Exams
For some of the mandatory general and elective courses, you can take exams at the beginning of a semester to obtain credit for the class (instead of attending lectures). There will be a short period at the beginning of each semester (about 3 days) during which you can sign up to take such credit recognition exams.
Graduation Requirements (in brief)
A minimum of 130 credits is required to graduate. At least 28 credits from general courses (English and Humanities & Social Sciences) is required, along with 8 AU(Activity Units) from Physical Education, Humanity/Leadership, and Community Service. Physical Education AUs can be obtained from taking PE courses (basketball, soccer, badminton, golf, jogging, etc). or through joining a sports club. Humanity/Leadership AUs are obtained through the Leadership Training programs. Community service AUs can be obtained through a variety of methods. Public community service outside of campus is possible, but there are many opportunities to earn AUs on campus through volunteer activities. You generally do not have to worry about submitting signatures when you obtain AUs on campus. 23 credits from the Mandatory Basic Courses are required, as well as 9 credits from Elective Basic Courses. Generally, at least 40 credits are required from major courses, but this can vary from major to major. Some departments require students to take courses from other majors. Each department has slightly different requirements for graduation, so it is best to check on the websites for the department you plan to major in.
Physical Education activity unit require 4AUs. Humanity/LEeadership acticity unit require 2AUs. Community activity unit require 4AUs.
The total number of unit require 8 AUs. •
Leadership Mileage System
- Students can earn mileages for leadership education and activities, and receive a leadership certificate according to the total amount
C
ourse Registration
•Leadership Mileage Chart
Field Program Mileage
Education
Leadership(The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Course, Phoenix
Leadership Seminar, etc)
Maximum 50 mileage (Recognized only once) Communication(Dale Carnegie
Course, Speech Presentation Course, etc)
Maximum 50 mileage (Recognized only once)
On-Campus Volunteer
Activity
Executive of the General Students Association
70 mileage / semester for leader/vice-leader Executives and members receive mileages according to the leader's evaluation (Maximum 2 semesters can be recognized, but it cannot be cognized with student organization activities.)
Executive of the Student Organization (Club Association,
Student Welfare Council, ELKA, VOK, KAINURI, KAIST Times)
50 mileage / semester for leader/vice-leader Executives and members receive mileages according to the leader's evaluation(Maximum 2 semesters can be recognized, but it cannot be recognized with general students association activities)
Leader of Departments/Dormitories 25 mileage / semester(Maximum 2 semester can be recognized) Lecturer of Cultural Activity
Class(Individual/Group)
70 mileage/semester for group(Divided between members)50 mileage/semester for individuals (Maximum 2 semester can be recognized) Other On-Campus Volunteer
Activities(Commencement/Student Festival Support, etc)
Mileage will be arranged according to the activities(Maximum 50 mileage, but it cannot be recognized with volunteer activity unit(AU)) Off-Campus
Volunteer Activity
Leader of Universities’ Joint Club Mileage will be arranged according to the time andactivity (Maximum 50 mileage) Other Off-Campus Volunteer
Activities
1 mileage / hour(Maximum 50 mileage, but it cannot be recognized with volunteer activity unit(AU)) Physical
Training
Cultural Activity Class 1 mileage / hour
KAIST Marathon Race 5 mileage / race(Maximum 10 mileage)
Leadership Experience
Marine Camp, Canan Farmer's School, etc Maximum 50 mileage(Recognized only once) Cultural Experience Course Maximum 50 mileage(Recognized only once) Summer Session, International
Exchange Student Course, etc
25 mileage / summer session
50 mileage / international exchange student course (Maximum 50 mileage)
External Award Mileage will be arranged according to the contents Blood Donation 5 mileage/donation
Other Leadership Activities Mileage will be arranged according to the time and activity, relation with leadership
C
ourse Registration /
A
cademic Support
•Leadership Mileage Grade
•Applying Mileage for Tuition Fee
- 50 mileage can be used to increase 0.1 point of the GPA used for arranging the tuition fee - Mileages can be used when the total amount is over 150 mileage(ex. If you have 150
mileage, you can use 50 mileage)
- Maximum 150 mileage can be used per semester(ex. If you have 300 mileage, you can use maximum 150 mileage)
Tutoring Services
_Qualification
a. Korean/non-Korean undergraduate freshmen having trouble keeping pace with their undergraduate courses.
b. Undergraduate non-freshmen with an average GPA of below 2.5
c. Non-Korean freshmen can apply for up to two courses for a maximum of two semesters.
_Fees (per class: a maximum of 24 hours for a class)
Undergraduate and Korean non-freshmen with an average GPA of below 2.5 should pay 150,000 Korean won (i.e. 6,250 Korean won per hour): 150,000 won is subsidized by KAIST. International undergraduate freshmen are exempted from the Fees.
Leadership Grade Total Leadership Mileage
Diamond Over 350 mileage
Platinum 300 ~ 349 mileage
Gold 250 ~ 299 mileage
A
cademic Support /
L
anguage Support
Undergraduate Student Advisor
Each undergraduate student at KAIST is assigned with an undergraduate advisor, a professor who is to serve as a sort of guidance counselor. After registering for a major, a professor from that major will become your Undergraduate Advisor. Your Undergraduate Advisor may give you much help and advice, and you will need his/her signature when altering your course schedule.
Korean Language Courses
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences offers Korean Basic Course I & II for International students. It is obligatory for International undergraduate students to take the Korean Basic I in the first semester. Graduate students are not required to take the Korean language course but IITA, KRF, NIIED scholarship students must take this course before graduate.
Other Language Support Available
_KAIST Language Center
The KAIST Language Center provides language education programs in both Korean and English. Students and researchers can take advantage of these language courses, special programs, English proof-reading services and Korean-English translation services.
The Language Center regularly offers free language courses (English and Korean) for students. Family members of international students can take free Korean courses at different levels at the KAIST Language Center.
For more information, contact the Language Center home page: http://lang.kaist.ac.kr/english/
L
anguage Support
_English Clinic
English Clinic is offered by KAIST's School of Humanities and Social Sciences. You can check in free tutorial sessions with English professors for two or three times per week. It’s really helpful for improving your English conversation and writing skills. For further information, please contact: http://kefl.kaist.ac.kr/
_KI House has volunteer Korean tutors. You can arrange for a one-on-one or group tutoring with KI House members.
_DaeHeung Baptist Church offers free Korean class (1 student / 1 tutor) on Sunday and offers free local tour once a month. If you are interested, go to the KAIST Main Gate at 11:30 a.m. every Sunday.
_Hanbit church (next to KAIST West gate) also offers free Korean learning class for foreigners at weekends.
- There also are many local students who are willing to tutor you in Korean or to have a “mutual tutoring” arrangement with International students.
L
ibraries
KAIST Daejeon campus has two major libraries.
The Science Library (E9) has many books and magazines in English and other languages. There also are a bookstore and a cafe on the first floor.
The undergraduate branch library (N10) has reading rooms and seminar rooms. Book photocopy service is available there at reasonable price. There are some computers in the library. (in searching books, for example) It’s advisable to bring your own laptop computer to work there.
Schedule
Science Library Mon. - Fri.: 09:00 ~ 24:00 Sat.: 09:00 ~ 17:00 Sun.: 13:00 ~ 20:00 Undergraduate Branch Library
During semester: Mon. - Fri.: 09:00 ~ 24:00 Sat.: 09:00 ~ 17:00 During vacation: Mon. - Fri.: 09:00 ~ 18:00 Sat.: 09:00 ~ 13:00 _Closed on Sundays but the study area is open 24 hours a day.
In order to access photocopy and printing services at the two libraries, students need to use copy/printing cards, which can be purchased at the photocopy store inside the library. The photocopying stores allow you to copy with cash.
I
T on campus
Internet Connection
All facilities in KAIST, including laboratories, offices, dormitories, libraries, and even lecture rooms are provided with internet connection. In your dormitory, you can find a memo which states IP address for your own computer in order to access internet in your dorm room. If you need to obtain an IP address for your computer other than dormitory, please ask ICT team (http://ict.kaist.ac.kr).
Wireless connection is available in all buildings. You will be asked to fill in an online form with your ID number if it is the first time logging in. The SSIDs for Wireless connection are usually "KAIST_IPv4" or "KAIST_IPv6". If you have any problem with setting up Wireless connection, please ask ICT team.
There are several places in the campus where you can use public computers with internet connection for free:
_ Woori Cafe at 1st floor of Undergraduate Library (N10), 09:00~12:00 weekdays
_ 1st & 2nd floor of Undergraduate Library (N10), 24 hours _ Book Cafe in Science Library (E9), when Book Cafe is open.
I
T on campus
How to get licensed software (KFTP)
KAIST provides licensed software for students, like Microsoft Office or HansoftOffice, for free. Inside the campus you can download most of them through the KAIST Software Hub (http://kftp.kaist.ac.kr). Some software, like Windows XP, is available through each department office. Instead of using illegal copies through internet, try to use those licensed software.
Important Websites
KAIST Portal
http://portal.kaist.ac.kr
The most important website for all KAIST students. General notices are provided through this website. It is strongly recommended to check the Portal daily to update on all the useful and critical information, such as scheduling for power stoppages, course registrations, and so on. Also, through the Portal, you can access your KAIST e-mail account, WebCais (on-line credit checking system), and the Group Study Room Booking system.
KAIPA : KAIST Course Registration Service http://kaipa.kaist.ac.kr
Before the beginning of the semester, you must register for the courses you want to take. This registration process goes through KAIPA. During the course registration change period, you can register for another course or drop the courses you don’t want to take, through this website.
I
T on campus
ARA : KAIST On-line Forum, BBS http://ara.kaist.ac.kr
Buying & Selling used books and other things, discussions about KAIST, sharing information about recent movies - all those on-line conversations pass through ARA. Most of the topics in ARA are written in Korean, but you're free to post an article in English. ARA started about 20 years. It is KAIST's oldest on-line forum.
Other useful websites inside KAIST
http://library.kaist.ac.kr (Library and licensed journals) http://kds.kaist.ac.kr (Dormitory registration system)
http://kisa.kaist.ac.kr (KAIST International Student Association) http://msa.kaist.ac.kr (Muslim Student Association)
http://vn.kaist.ac.kr (Vietnamese Student Association) http://kacha.kaist.ac.kr (KAIST Chinese Student Association) http://faq.kaist.ac.kr (KAIST FAQ system)
Useful websites outside KAIST
http://www.koreaherald.co.kr (The Korea Herald, an English Newspaper) http://endic.naver.com (Korean-English online dictionary)
I
T on campus
How to use Portal site (installing Active-X, ...)
To use KAIST Portal site, to read general notices, you will need some Active-X installed to your web browser. Usually those Active-Xs are automatically installed; otherwise you have to install them manually. In order to install Active-X, go to http://workflow.kaist.ac.kr. In a few second you'll see a notification which suggests you to install Active-X controls. While using KAIST Portal, beware that you need to install all Active-X controls to use it. If it never works, download https://portal.kaist.ac.kr/workflow/KaoniComponent.exe, and install it, and run "C:\Program Files\Common Files\KaoniComponent\register_auto.bat". (Start Menu -> Run -> ...)
INDEX OF CONTENTS
3. Accommodation
O
n-Campus Housing
O
ff-Campus Housing
A
pply For Housing
F
ees & Payments
O
n-Campus Housing
Undergraduate Student Dormitories
Undergraduate student dormitories are located in the northern district of the campus and consist of six dormitories for male students and one dormitory for female students.
Undergraduate student dormitories can accommodate a total of 2,410 residents -1,911 males and 499 females. Hee mang hall has guest rooms where students’ parents can stay while visiting them.
The sizes of rooms are about 16.5 square meters (double room) and 23.1 square meters (tripple room). Each room is furnished with beds, closets, chairs, etc. On each floor are rest rooms, washrooms, shower rooms, and lounges.
Areum-kwan and Silloe-kwan has fitness rooms. A laundry shop and a store are located in the Student Center (N12).
Graduate Student Dormitories
Seven dormitories located at Guseong Dongsan in the eastern district and eleven dormitories located at Ureun Dongsan in the western district are for graduate students. Two dormitories in the eastern district are for female students.
Graduate student dormitories can accommodate 2,225 residents. The sizes of rooms are 15.84 square meters (regular double room), 23.1 sq.m (large double room), and 49.5 sq.m (apartment for 3 people). Each room is furnished with beds, closets, chairs, etc. and each floor has public rest rooms, washrooms, shower rooms, and lounges. There is a laundry shop in Eastern Dormitories.
O
n-Campus Housing
Heemang and Dasom Hall
Heemang and Dasom Hall is located at Pureun Dongsan in the western district, accommodate both undergraduate and graduate students. It can accommodate 1,000 residents - 684 male and 316 female students. There are two guest rooms in the new complex.
Some units have private rest rooms and shower rooms while students in regular rooms share public rest rooms and shower rooms on each floor. The smaller type has a floor space of 17.16 square meters and larger rooms have 20.46 square meters each.
New Student dormitory is under construction
It can accommodate 600 residents and scheduled to be completed in December 2010 Heemang and Dasom Hall (W4)
O
ff-Campus Housing
Apartments in Gung-dong
The apartments in Gung-dong are five minutes by car from the campus. They can accommodate a total of 70 families of married students. Each unit has a floor space of 49.5 square meters. The apartment complex includes a playground for children. Elementary and middle schools are located within 200 meters from the apartments.
These apartments cannot be applied for via online system. Applicants should individually contact Student Welfare Services (1st floor, E11).
Married Students in M.S. & Ph.D.: 200,000won per month
(excluding deposit money and maintenance fee)
Nuri Hall(Dormitory for Foreign Students in Daejeon)
The new dormitory complex near the Expo Park is available for foreign students. The property with a total of 224 units and two others for handicapped people was built as a joint project of KAIST and several local universities in Daejeon. KAIST can use 42 units, each of which can accommodate two students.
Each room is furnished with an air-conditioner (students should pay the extra charge for cooling), beds, closets, chairs, etc. but residents share public rest rooms, washrooms, shower rooms, and lounges. The building is equipped with a gym, a dining room and two kitchens. On the first floor, there is a store and a fitness room equipped with cycles, treadmills, etc.
Application can be made online just as in-campus dormitory. International students have priority over local students.
A
pply For Housing
Application
Applications for on-campus dormitories and Noori Hall can be made online via KAIST Web site (log on to http://kds.kaist.ac.kr with your portal ID). Application period is short (several days around the end of semester) and is announced in the school calendar at the beginning of the school year. It might be difficult for foreign students to apply by themselves as the Web site is mainly in Korean so it is advisable to seek help from your colleagues.
All applications go through a computerized balloting system as the combined capacity of dormitories is not enough to accommodate all who need them. Note that competition for “good room” (for instance, in newly built buildings) is very high so it depends on your “luck.” The results then will be announced within 15 days and you have less than a week to pack up and move in. Therefore, it is very important to keep an eye on application dates and do it on time.
For inquiries, please contact Student Welfare Services Team (1st floor, E11, # 113) Email: [email protected]. Ext # 4712
A
pply For Housing
Accommodation for Parents
Visitors can meet residents at lounges, but the dormitory deans can designate specific places for meeting for some special occasions. Dormitory deans have duties to record visiting time and verify visitors’ identifications, and visitors should follow their instructions.
Visitors can meet residents after showing their identification (student cards, resident registration cards, driver's license, etc.) to dormitory deans.
_Accommodation at undergraduate student dormitories: - Male: Sarang Hall (N14), Somang Hall (N16), Seongsil Hall (N17),
Jinri Hall (N18), Silloe Hall (N20), Jihye Hall (N21) - Female: Areum Hall: (N19)
_Accommodation at graduate students dormitories:
- East dormitory: (E8), West dormitory (W3), On-campus apartment (W5), Nanum Hall (W7)
F
ees & Payments
Dormitory Fees (Including Deposits) _
http://kds.kaist.ac.kr/Dormitory Gender Course Dormitory fee (Per person) Undergraduate dormitories Male Undergraduates 304,000won / 4months
Areum Hall Female Undergraduates 304,000won / 4months
1~3 wings of Sejong Hall Female Undergraduates / Graduates
Undergraduates: 304,000won / 4months
graduates: 395,000won / 5months 4~7 wings of Sejong Hall Male Graduates 395,000won / 5months
Galilei Hall Male Undergraduates / Graduates
Undergraduates: 304,000won / 4months
graduates: 395,000won / 5months
On campus Apt. Male / Female Undergraduates / Graduates Undergraduates: 565,000won / 5months graduates: 415,000won / 5months Nanum Hall Male Graduates 375,000won / 5months Huimang & Hall & Dasom Hall one-bed studio Male / Female Undergraduates / Graduates 1,045,000won / 5months two-bed studio 630,000won / 5months
two-bed
standard room 495,000won / 5months room for 3
people (lounge) Male
Undergraduates /
Graduates 395,000won / 5months Noori Hall Male /
Female
Undergraduates /
Graduates 580,000won / 5months
Moonji dong dormitory Male / Female Undergraduates / Graduates Undergraduates: 480,000won / 4months graduates: 600,000won / 5months
Hwa-am dong dormitory Male / Female Undergraduates / Graduates Undergraduates: 400,000won / 4months graduates:
F
ees & Payments
Payments
_ Residents in on-campus housing have to pay dormitory fees for each semester (for 6-month or 5.5-month period).
There is also certain period for payment, normally several days after the results of balloting are announced. If payment is not made within the given period, additional fees of 10,000 won (if payment is made within 15 days from the payment deadline) or 20,000 won (if payment is made within the maximum one month after the end of the payment period) may be charged. If payment is not made within one month from the end of the payment period, residents may be asked to leave the dormitory.
Students are required to pay the deposit fee of 100,000 KRW (won) once for maintaining the rooms’ furniture. This fee will be refunded when students graduate or move out of their dormitories.
_Residents in the apartments in Gung-dong must pay the fees to Woori Bank on the campus with their monthly-issued bills.
_How to pay for the university housing fee:
There are many ways to transfer money to the school account as payment for your dorm -- via internet banking (recommended), money transfer at bank or ATM, pay at post-office.
_Bank account number:
Transfer money to Woori Bank account number 025-310617-13-011, Recipient: 한국과학기술원
Specify your name and student ID when making the transfer. If your student ID is 20081234 and name is “Hong Kil Dong,” type in “81234 Kil Dong” as the sender.
Note that if the student ID and the name do not match, payment will be ineffective and application will be canceled.
M
oving In the First Time
Refund Policies
When residents leave dormitories for inevitable reasons, dormitory fees for the remaining period of stay will be refunded. In that case, residents must submit a check-out and refund form.
Fees will be refunded when residents leave dormitories for such reasons as leave of absence, voluntary withdrawal, moving to other domestic or overseas universities under exchange programs, employment, marriage, or contagious disease. Fees will be refunded by month. If residents stayed in dormitories for less than 15 days, only half of the monthly fee will be refunded.
Moving In
Dormitory rooms are fully furnished so you only have to bring your own things, such as books, bedding (pillow, blanket, mattress cover, etc.), toilet articles, clothes hangers, and other daily necessity.
4. Health
H
ealth Check
N
ational Health Insurance (NHI)
K
AIST Student Health Insurance Association (SHIA)
O
n-Campus Clinic
H
ealth Check
Health Check
Students are required to pass health check which is conducted at the beginning of every semester. If the student fails in this test, he or she will not be permitted to use any public facility on KAIST campus.
International students need to submit the official health check result paper from their home countries to the school when they apply for residence in the dormitory. If you already done health check before you come to KAIST, you can submit the result to the school and the test must include blood test and X-ray results.
Health check is usually conducted at the beginning of each semester for all students. If you missed it, you must go to the Hospital by yourself. It is free to have health check at school If you are member of SHIA whereas you have to pay 30,000 won in the hospital.
N
ational Health Insurance
National Health Insurance (NHI)
In Korea, all people subscribe to the national medical insurance system for which monthly fees are paid. When you receive treatment at a hospital, you pay 30% of the cost of treatment, and the rest is paid by the National Health Insurance Corporation (NHIC). Foreigners may also enjoy the benefits of national health insurance. Korea requires that all foreign residents join the country’s medical insurance system.
You are qualified to apply to NHIC at any time after you have registered as a foreign resident. Apply at the Yuseong Branch of the National Health Insurance Corporation (10-minute ride by taxi from KAIST).
Address: Bongmyung Building, Bongmyung-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon Contact Phone number: 1345 (English Operator)
Homepage: http://www.nhic.or.kr/english/index.html or
http://www.daejeon.go.kr/language/english/residents/medicalsevice/medicalservice/in dex.html
Initial registration should be made after you receive Alien Registration Card in Korea or entering KAIST. The membership should be renewed every six months.
Required documents: Certificate of enrollment and a copy of alien registration card. Fees: about 35,900 won/month (*Amount can be changed)
(If you use automatic payment, you can pay 35,700 won/month.)
For the KAIST, scholarship beneficiaries, 100% of the amount of National Health Insurance will be refunded by KAIST. For more information, please contact Students Affairs Team.
E-mail: [email protected] Ext # : 2163
Your national health insurance coverage will end on the day of your permanent departure from the country. Therefore, before your sojourn in Korea is finished.
K
AIST Student Health Insurance Association (SHIA) /
O
n-campus Clinic
KAIST Student Health Insurance Association (SHIA)
All KAIST students are strongly recommended to apply for the KAIST Students Health Insurance Association (SHIA). The registration period in the Spring semester is from the final week of February until the first week of March. In the Fall semester, it is from the last week of August until the first week of September.
A regular health checkup is given once a year with advance notification. The medical aid covers 45% ~ 65% of the total treatment fees for injuries/diseases and also provides a free medical examination, medical consultation, and vaccinations. In the case of injuries and accidents occurred in campus, 100% of all medical costs are provided by the SHIA. However, international exchange students coming to KAIST should arrange for health insurance from their respective home countries. Exchange students should submit a copy of their health insurance to the International Relations Team upon arrival.
Benefits: medical subsidies & free health checkup
Fees: 25,000 won/semester (*At first, pay 3,000 won for registration fee.) Contact: Student Health Insurance Association
Email: [email protected] Ext # 2177
On-campus Clinic
The Campus Clinic is located on the 2nd floor # 2104, Tae Wul Gwan (N13). Ext # 2176. The nursing staff provide international students with free medications and simple treatments for any health problems, including headache, stomachache, cold, fever and injuries.
For serious illness, the campus clinic personnel will tell you the best hospitals and clinics where you can have high-quality medical treatments.
Hours of operation: Mon. ~ Fri.: 09:00-18:00 Sat. ~ Sun.: Closed
5. Wellbeing in Everyday Life
F
ood
O
n-Campus Shopping
E
ntertainment / Sports
Food
On-campus Cafeteria
There are 3 cafeterias on campus (N11, W2, E5). They operate on a self-service system, where you pick up a tray and take the items you want, and pay at the counter before sitting down to eat. There is also a set-menu option available; you buy a coupon for the item you want from a machine before going to get the food.
The undergraduate cafeteria is nearest to the undergraduate dormitories. The set-menu can be purchased at any time before 1am. The self-service food
available at these times:
Breakfast 08:00 ~ 10:00 Lunch 11:30 ~ 14:00 Dinner 17:30 ~ 19:30
Snack Bar
They sell snacks, bread, ice cream, milk products, cup noodle, instant rice, beverage, fruits, etc.
Thanks to school’s support. you only have to pay for approximately 60% of marked prices (except for several items.)
Location Weekday Saturday Sunday Satudent Center 2 N12 09:00 ~ 01:00 09:00 ~ 17:00 14:00 ~ 01:00 Satudent Dormitory W4 19:00 ~ 02:00 Closed 18:00 ~ 02:00
West Dormitory W3 19:00 ~ 02:00 18:00 ~ 02:00 Closed Satudent Center1 W2 09:00 ~ 19:00 09:00 ~ 13:00 Closed East Dormitory E8 19:00 ~ 02:00 18:00 ~ 02:00 Closed
Food
Burger King
The Burger King is located in N12, right across from the Snack Bar Hours of operation: 10:00 to Midnight everyday
DDDN Pizza
DDDN Pizza sells pizza by the slice at low prices (5,400 won for 2 slices and a can of coke)
Menu: DDDN Supreme, Mexican, Vegetarian, Pepperoni, Double Cheese Pizzas Location: 1st floor, Student Center-1 (W2)
Open: 11:00 ~ 20:00 Closed on Sundays
Burger King
F
ood
Book Cafe
There is a cafe in the Digital Science Library (E9). They sell coffee, tea, juice, cookies, cakes, sandwiches and etc. Prices range from 1,500 won to 5,000 won.
Vending Machines
There are various vending machines around campus. Machines which sell drinks are easy to find, and cost is around 500 won. There are also machines which sell hotbars (processed meat on a stick) at 800 won a stick and machines which cook ramen noodles for 1,000 won.
West Gate
Down Endless Road and outside the West gate, there is the neighborhood of Aeundong. There are mostly restaurants and bars here, with some convenience stores and grocery shops. Further out is Gungdong, where there are more shops, restaurants and bars.
On-campus shopping
On-campus Shopping
There are some convenience stores on the campus where they sell daily articles such as shampoo, soap, office supplies, laboratory cloths, sport equipment, electric devices, etc.
- At Tae Wul Gwan (N13)
Hours of operation: Mon. ~ Fri. 09:00 ~ 18:00 - At Student Center (W2):
Hours of operation:
Mon. ~ Fri. 09:00 ~ 19:00 / Sat. 09:00 ~ 14:00 / Sun. closed
There is an optometrist in Tae Wul Gwan (N13) where you can make a pair of glasses and check your eyesight. They operate even during the lunch time. KAIST Brand Shop at Student Center (W2, opposite to the convenient store) is a good place to buy mementoes and souvenirs.
E
ntertainment /
S
ports
On-campus Entertainment
Periodically concerts and live shows are held in the Auditorium (N15) or the outdoor auditorium (W9). Sometimes, at weekends, there are live shows by the school band in the basement hall of Tae Wul Gwan (N13).
In front of the Post Office (N12), there is a billiard bar. Hours of operation:
Mon. ~ Sat. 16:00 ~ 01:00 Sunday, holidays. 18:00 ~ 01:00
E
ntertainment /
S
ports
West Gym
Facilities: racket ball (underground level), gym (underground level) for badminton, volley ball, basket ball, table tennis (1st floor).
Location: Student Center (W2)
Hours of operation: 06:00 ~ 06:00(everyday)
Reservation can be made by submitting application at the management office (underground level, EXT # 4682) for group use of facilities (no phone reservation).
E
ntertainment /
S
ports
Lyu Keun-Chul Sports Complex
Hours of operation:Mon.~ Fri. 07:00 ~ 22:00 Sat. 08:00 ~ 18:00
Sun. and national holidays: closed Contact Phone number: Ext # 4833
1. Strength and Cardio Exercise Zone
The Strength and Cardio Exercise Zone is designed with over 40 pieces of state-of-the-art cardio exercise equipment (with monitors attached) and over 70 pieces of strength and lifting equipment. It has the best all-around view of the KAIST campus and the best exercise equipment at KAIST. Training outfits and towels are provided for the best training experience. There will be an instructor or a professional trainer stationed in the facility to assist members and explain workout routines or design systematic training programs.
2. Golf Zone
The Golf Zone has 18 spacious stations and offers the latest cutting-edge screen golf technology that captures the swing motions and estimates the distance the ball travels. This facility is designed for indoor golf swing practice and for learning the game through systematic training sessions by a personal coach. A professional golfer will be on hand to instruct the members.
E
ntertainment /
S
ports
Swimming Pool
Facilities: Swimming pool, fitness room, shower rooms, sauna rooms Location: Auditorium (E15)
Hours of operation:
Mon.~ Fri. 08:00 ~ 21:00 (for swimming pool) Sat. 08:00 ~ 18:00 (for swimming pool) 07:00 ~ 19:00 (for fitness room) Sun. and holidays: closed Fees:
- For swimming pool: 1 time: 1,000 won Discount tickets for 20 times: 16,000 won Discount tickets for 6 months: 75,000 won - The fitness room is free.
Contact Phone number: Ext # 4941
S
ports /
S
taying Safe
Tennis Courts
Location: Next to N7 Bldg.Hours of operation: 24 hours/7 days
Free and open to all students and faculty members
Outdoor Stadiums
There are two stadiums, the Grand Stadium at E4 and the Students’ Stadium just behind Tae Wul Gwan (N13), each equipped with a soccer field, a baseball field, a volleyball court, and basketball and tennis courts.
Fitness Rooms
Location: Silloe-kwan Hall (N20), Areum-kwan Hall (N19), East Dormitory (E8), Himang-kwan (W4), Auditorium (E15)
Available equipment: Treadmills, cycling machines, high-frees, butterflies, various weight training equipment, etc.
Hours of operation: 24 hours, except at Auditorium
Campus Police
Security team patrols the university complex constantly to maintain safety and order, prevent fire, robbery, and trespassing, and perform traffic control and emergency service duties. If you need their help, call Tel. 4000, 4200
Useful Phrases (How to ask for help)
도와주세요 (Dowa Juseyo) : Please help me 불이야! (Burriya!) : Fire!INDEX OF CONTENTS
6. Student Support
K
AIST Counseling Center
K
AIST International Student Association (KISA)
S
tudent Support
KAIST Counseling Center
The Center offers counseling for students on academic and financial issues, human relations and other problems of life. It is located in 3112 of Tae Wul Gwan. Home Page: http://kcc.KAIST.ac.kr
Contact: [email protected], [email protected], Ext # 4714
KAIST International Student Association (KISA)
KISA was established in April 2004 and has been run by international students. It supports all international students on administrative affairs, accommodation and financial issues as well as problems they face in everyday life. The Association also organizes such as sports competion, field trip, etc.
homepage: http://kisa.kaist.ac.kr
Student Clubs
There are around 60 clubs of various characters and orientations in the undergraduate community and 20 clubs in the graduate society. Club offices are mostly located in the Student Center (N12, W2) and Tae Wul Gwan (N13). For more information about clubs, contact Student Club Association
7. Transportation
P
ublic Transportation
T
ransportation Card
C
ycling
Public Transportation
Airport Limousine
The most convenient way to travel from and to Incheon airport is by using Airport Limousine bus. The bus leaves the airport at regular intervals and arrives in Daejeon first at DaeDuk Culture Center, then near the Government Complex Building before reaching the Daejeon Eastern Express Bus Terminal. There will be a short break at a highway resting area before getting to Daejeon.
Once the bus exits from the highway, prepare to get off at the second stop “Government Complex Building” (in Korean, 정부청사) the most convenient stop to take a taxi to KAIST campus. (Cost for the taxi ride is around $4 or 4,000 won) Bus boarding place in Incheon International Airport: Bus stop #9D(Other Provinces) in front of the arrival terminal during normal operating hour (boarding stop may be different in early and later hours).
Ticket prices for two kinds of buses:
(1) Airport Limousine (standard): 14,800 won/person, one-way (2) Airport Limousine (deluxe): 22,200 won/person, one-way For more information, please contact: (042) 624-4451
Public Transportation
From KAIST to Incheon Airport
To go to Incheon Airport, catch a taxi to the Government Complex Building Bus Terminal (정부청사 터미널) and buy a ticket there. The fare for standard bus is 14,800 won, and for the deluxe limousine bus is 22,200 won. For more information, please contact:
Phone: (032) 743-7912, 7913 http://www.airhelp.co.kr
It is recommended that you make a reservation six hours in advance.
Express Bus (Inter-City Bus)
It's very simple in Korea to travel other cities as the inter-city bus system is very well organized. Tickets are purchased at Daejeon Express Bus Terminal where the bus departs for virtually all major cities in Korea. There are two kinds of tickets (for standard and deluxe buses). Deluxe bus tickets are more expensive but it provides more comfortable ride. Reservation is available.
Daejeon Express Bus terminal is right next to Yuseong open market. The cost for a taxi ride from KAIST to the terminal is around 3,000 won.
You can check out the schedule on:
Public Transportation
Daejeon City Bus
There are numerous bus routes in Daejeon. Note that the service guide is fully in Korean and drivers cannot speak English at all. Bus frequency can be really bad sometime with irregular intervals. So it is not recommended for first time traveler and in the rush hour situation. However, it is a very cheap way to get around and have fun to explore.
Cost for a bus ride is 1,000 won regardless the travelling distance. Around KAIST, you can catch the bus right in front of the Main Gate.
Train Service
There are three kinds of trains in Korea. KTX is the high-speed train with comfortable seats, also the most expensive.
Saemaeul-ho and Mugunghwa-Saemaeul-ho are ordinary trains but tickets are much cheaper. There are two railway stations in Daejeon: Daejeon Station (Tel. 042-253-8150~4) and Seodaejeon Station (042-522-7789)
KTX Routes
If you travel to Seoul by KTX, you should check your station carefully as there are two options.
- KTX Honam Line: Yongsan St. (Seoul) West Daejeon St. - KTX Gyeongbu Line: Seoul St. Daejeon St.
Public Transportation
Subway
The Daejeon Subway operates from 05:30 a.m. until midnight, at 5-minute intervals during peak hours, and every 8-10 minutes at other times. Fare is 1,000 won for less than 10km and 1,100 won for more than 10km trip.
The nearest subway station to KAIST is: Wolpyeong Station (KAIST Station). There is a shuttle bus between Wolpyepng (KAIST) Station and KAIST (except for national holiday and weekends).
Pick-up place: 50 meters from Wolpyeong (KAIST) Station Exit #3, near bus stop Time: 08:28, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00
KAIST pick-up place: In front of E15 -> In front of the Information Center Time: 09:40, 10:40, 11:40, 12:40, 13:40, 14:40, 15:40, 16:40, 18:00
Transportation Card
Hankkumi Card
The Hankkumi Card is an “electronic cash card,” created by Hana Bank, which can be used in the Greater Daejeon Area and on Daejeon city buses. The Hankkumi Card can be used to pay for bus fares, also as a credit card, digital certificate (form of ID), debit card, and for accessing the Hana Bank Internet banking. The initial fee to register for a Hankkumi Card is 4,000 won (rechargeable).
T-money Card
A T-Money card is like a pre-paid card and can be used for bus and subway (and even for taxi in the near future), everywhere in Korea. It can also be used to pay for public parking lots and tours of culture facilities such as old palaces and museums.
Initial purchase of the card costs 11,500 won including 9,000 won for your travel. The card is rechargeable. You can get it at any GS25 convenience store or subway ticket counters.
Cycling
Bicycle
One of the fastest and most efficient modes of transport in Daejeon is the bicycle. Most KAIST students use bicycles when traveling around campus. Due to legislation by
Daejeon’s municipal government, the streets of the city, particularly in Yuseong district, are extremely bicycle-friendly. Thanks to Korea’s hilly topography, it is also very fun to explore the landscape on bike.
You can buy a new or used bicycle from KAIST Bicycle Shop (behind Undergraduate Library N11). The owner also offers free checkup service and repair (you should pay for parts) for all bikes purchased on campus. He cannot speak English so bring a Korean friend with you in a complex case.
For broader choice, students can visit bicycle stores near KAIST, Homeplus and other discount outlets or online shopping web sites.
Motorcycle
Motorcycle
Recently the trend of riding motorcycle is rising. On road, the motorbikes use the same lanes as cars so accidents involving these two-wheeled fast vehicles are not infrequent. But it is very convenient for people who like moving around. There are several stores located in Aeundong near KAIST where you can find nice motorbikes with affordable price tags on it.
To purchase and use a motorcycle, you need a license. Also, don't forget to wear your helmets every time you ride or you will get fined by traffic police (and for your own safety).
8. Off-Campus Life
G
etting Around
S
hopping
G
etting Around /
S
hopping
Getting Around
There are many places around Daejeon that you can enjoy your spare time. Below are some recommended places for you:
- Expo Park
- Downtown Daejeon - Yuseong Spa - World Cup Stadium - Baseball Stadium
- Gyeryong Mountain National Park - Jangtae Mountain
- National Science Museum - Daecheong Dam
- Daejeon O-world(Zoo)- http://www.oworld.kr/ - Dunsan Area
- Cinus, Lotte cinema, CGV (Multiplex theater)
For more information on famous tourism places in and around Daejeon, you should visit: http://www.metro.daejeon.kr/english/tour2daejeon/visitorsindex.jsp
Shopping
Major shopping centers in Daejeon include: - Homeplus (discount Market)
- Galleria Time World (department store) - Galleria Dongbaek (department store) - Say (department store)
- Lotte (department store) - Save Zone (discount outlet) - Fashion World (apparel outlet) - Envy (shopping mall)
S
hopping
There are a number of traditional markets in Daejeon. The largest and most popular is Jungang Sijang near Daejeon Station. Practically everything you need can be found there.
Another popular one is Yuseong Jaerae Sijang located across from Yuseong Express Bus Terminal. The market fully comes alive when the date ends in 4 and 9 that are 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th, and 29th day of each month.
Online Shopping
Online shopping is one of the most convenient way to buy products. It is recommended that you apply for Internet Banking to pay for goods. Using international credit cards is quite complicated because you will need to make some verification and not all online shopping sites accept this method.
There are several famous Web sites that you can register using your Alien Registration Number. All the Web sites are in Korean so it is recommended that you get help from your Korean friends.
•http://www.gmarket.co.kr (English site: http://global.gmarket.co.kr) •http://www.auction.co.kr
•http://www.11st.co.kr •http://www.interpark.co.kr
