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General Information
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Home > Travel Information > General Information |
Useful Information
| • Climate |
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The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer (wet), fall, and winter (dry). Especially, in December, the season for Precision Medicine for Rectal Cancer, is the best time, not rainy season to visit Korea. You can enjoy the beautiful Korean winter including clear blue skies. Moreover, the temperature in Seoul is average -2~4°C (28.4-39.2°F). And the weather is usually sunny. For more information, please visit Korea Meteorological Administration.
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| • Currency |
The unit of currency in Korea is the Korean Won (KRW). Various notes and coins are used. Notes occur in 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 50,000 won denominations, while coins occur in 10, 50, 100, and 500 won denominations. The exchange rate is subject to market fluctuations.
Calculate live currency and foreign exchange rates by clicking here.
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1) Currency exchange |
| Foreign banknotes can be exchanged at most banks and other authorized money changers. |
| 2) Traveler's checks |
| Traveler's checks can also be exchanged at most banks, but may be difficult to change in smaller towns. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take Traveler's checks in US Dollars. |
| 3) Banking hours |
| 09:30am -16:00pm, Monday through Friday only. |
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| • Tipping & Tax |
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1) Tipping |
| Tipping is not a customary practice in Seoul, although a compulsory 10% service charge is added to the bill at some midrange and all top-end hotels and restaurants. |
| 2) Tax |
| Foreign tourists can receive nearly 10 percent VAT refunds for purchases at duty free shopping outlets. Goods must be taken out of Korea within three months of purchase to be eligible for a tax refund. A Value-Added Tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services at a standard rate of 10% and is included in the retail price. At hotels, a 10% VAT is applied to rooms, meals and other services and is included in the bill. |
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| • Time Difference |
| Standard Time in Korea is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +9) and does not observe daylight savings time. |
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| • Business Hours |
| Government office hours are usually from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Major department stores are open every day from 10:30am to 07:30pm including Sundays. |
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| • Electricity |
| The standard electricity supply is 220-volts AC at 60Hz. Most hotels may provide outlet converters for 110 and 220 volts. It is advised that you check with the hotel beforehand. |
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| • Language |
| Koreans speak Korean in their everyday lives, and knowing a few words of the language will come in very handy. Fortunately, many Koreans can speak English and will be very willing to help you. |
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| • Useful Phone Numbers |
Police 112
Fire and Ambulance 119
Korean Travel Helpline 1330
- Tourist information
- Tourist Interpretation
- Tourist Complaints
- Tourist Police
- Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay/Indonesian
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