I'm going to Korea in a week. What are some cultural things I should be aware of and what should I pack?

I am in high school I am staying with a friend in Annyang, a suburb of Seoul and I will doing an internship at a community facility and I'm working with mentally disable people.
My Korean is limited. I can read and write, but I can't speak very well at all.
Please tell me any advice you have!!

wow! i envy you~

I really want to go back to Korea~

Hmm.. better read or just write important phrases (the polite forms) and memorize them.

if you can't memorize~ just make sure you have it every time with you.

and, you can ask help from your friend. ^^

It's interesting to study Korean. ^_^

If it's your first time in Korea, just be open-minded. People will probably be doing things differently here than where you're from. Try to adjust to Korea's culture and don't expect Koreans to adjust to yours.

For what to pack: it's winter now so you should pack winter clothes (coat, scarf, gloves). Of course if you want to dress like Korean women (a mini-skirt and boots will do). I'd bring some magazines and books too.

Hope you enjoy your time in Korea.

Pack whatever you would normally pack for a trip. Make sure you have warm layers.

If you know some Korean already I am guessing you already know a bit about the culture... just be patient.

The other answers are pretty good... so follow their advice too. But here is mine: bring your own deodorant and tampons... for the entire time you will be here. Annyang is close to Seoul, but you might still find it hard to get the kind of things that you might consider basic. I even try to bring my own makeup... but I can find that in department stores.

Well, since no one else has, I'll give the easy answers

-Koreans don't really have a concept of personal space and may get very close to you when talking to you
-Don't stick your chopsticks in your rice
-Reaching across the table is usually OK
-Don't drink directly from a bottle(more for when you're at dinner), its considered greedy because they generally share
-It is polite to hand things with two hands(the left hand can be placed under the elbow and the right can be used to give the item)
-Although these days most people just pretend to be asleep, it is polite to give up your seat on the bus or train to the elderly.

Since you're in high school I won't go over the drinking customs. And if you drink, well, you'll learn them quickly.

As far as what to bring, well, Korea is cold in the winter. Many Korean women will wear mini skirts and boots in the winter as the previous poster said. Our theory was that they always watched the fashion shows that were for the next season and wore everything too early. I recommend pants a jacket and a scarf(or muffler as its called in Korea). If you're from any of the new england states you know how to dress in winter. If you're from down south, well go shopping for some cold weather clothes. Besides that bring all the essentials and a camera. And extra film(or memory card). Theres plenty of pictures to take of the sights, and Koreans are also crazy about taking pictures in front of everything.

Enjoy your trip!

Just be polite and respectful, and you should be fine.

I like captain C's answers.. all good tips.
did anyone tell you to bring enough deodorant/anti-perspirant for your entire stay??? You will NOT find american type there and Korean type does not work the same.
Feminine hygiene products are actually better made than we have in the USA, so don't bother there. You'll probably want room in your suitcase to bring hte Korean kind back with you.
if this is yoru first trip, pack the pepto bismol, just in case.. and maybe the Immodium. If a food or virus rubs you the wrong way, you are likely to see diarreah for a few days.
American meds are available for triple the [rice through black market stalls, so just bring your own cold meds, Tylenol, etc.
much easier.
bring great walking shoes.
have fun!