Other Useful Information

Time Difference

Time in Korea is 9 hours earlier than Greenwich Mean Time and there are no daylight savings. If you want to know the time in Korea now, please [click here]

Weather

The average temperature of October in Korea is 10°C to 19°C, a comfortable autumn month. The nights tend to be cooler than days so it's advisable to bring a light jacket or sweater. For more detailed information about weather, Please
[click here]

Business Hours

  • Government office: 09:00 - 18:00 on weekdays, Closed on weekends
  • Banks: 09:30 - 16:00 on weekdays, Closed on weekends
  • Department Stores: 10:30 - 20:00, Everyday
  • Convenience Stores: 24hours open, Everyday

Credit Card

Visa, and Master Card are accepted at almost all retail outlets, but Diners Club and American Express may only be accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants. Check with your credit card company for details on merchant acceptance and other available services.

Currency & Exchange

The South Korean Won is the official currency of South Korea.
  • Currency Exchange : Major foreign currencies that can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and the airport.
  • Bank hours : 09:00~16:00, Monday to Friday

Electricity

Korea uses 220v as the standard voltage and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. The plug uses two round pins and the same shape used in many European, South American and Asian countries. If you don’t have one, you can buy one at a duty-free shop or convenience store at Incheon International Airport.

VAT & Tipping

  • Tip: Tipping is not regularly practiced in Korea. A 10% service charge will be included often to your bill at upscale restaurants and hotels. It is also not necessary to tip a taxi driver unless he assists you with luggage or provides an extra service.
  • Tax: Foreign visitors can receive the tax refunds when they buy goods including tax. Tax refunds can be received immediately when visitors buy items at certified Tax Free Stores up to 30,000 KRW. Visitors can receive also by submitting the applicable receipts at the custom clearance desk when leaving the country.

Visa

Visitors who intend to enter the Republic of Korea must have a valid passport and a valid visa as a basic requirement for an entry permit in principle. However, visitors of certain countries that signed a visa exemption agreement with the Republic of Korea may enter without a visa. For the latest Visa entry information, Please [click here].

Emergency & Useful Numbers

  • Emergency calls
    - Police : 112
    - Lost and Found : 182
    - Fire department : 119
    - Medical Emergency : 1339
    - First Aid Service : 129
  • Useful Numbers
    - Tourist Information: 1330
    - Seoul Call Center: 02-120
    - Local Telephone Directory: 02-114

Useful Websites

  • Weather
    Korea Meteorological Administration
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  • Airport
    Incheon International Airport
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  • Subway
    Seoul Metro
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  • Tour
    Korea Tourism Organization
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  • Visa
    Korea Visa Portal
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  • Hi Korea
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  • K-ETA
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