Useful Information
South Korea has a unique geographical feature surrounded by the sea on three sides. With Seoul as the capital, the mainland is approximately 1,030km long and 175km wide at its narrowest point, with a total land area of 100,033㎢. The terrain consists mostly of mountainous areas, with more than half of the country covered by mountains, and typical mountains include Mt. Halla, Mt. Seorak, and Mt. Taebaek. In addition, South Korea has a relatively temperate climate with four distinct seasons, attracting a lot of tourists. South Korea is well positioned to expand into continents and oceans, as it is connected by continents in the north and oceans in the south. With its Pacific Ocean border, these geographical conditions have a great influence on Korea's climate, economy, and culture, with convenient exchange of materials and culture with many countries around the world, including China and Japan.
Currency
Major foreign currencies that can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and the airport include the US Dollar, Japanese Yen, Euro, and UK Sterling. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major international credit cards including Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Master Card, and JCB. Foreign-issued ATM cards may have limited use. more
| New Bills | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
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50,000 won (oman won) |
10,000 won
(man won) |
5,000 won (ocheon won) |
1,000 won (cheon won) |
| Coins | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
500 won (obaek won) |
100 won (baek won) |
50 won (osip won) |
10 won (sip won) |
ATM (Automated Teller Machines)
Travelers who carry internationally recognized credit cards can get a cash advance in Korea Won from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) installed at airports, major hotels, department stores, subway stations and tourist attractions. ATMs are in operation 24 hours a day. Most large stores, hotels and restaurants in Korea accept major international credit cards. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, since many smaller establishments and stores are unlikely to accept credit cards.
Time
When Indicating Korea Time: Present Time (GMT+9) / No daylight savings time
Sim Card
You may buy a sim card at the Incheon International Airport. You can ask the Information Help Desk at the airport for way to sim card counters.
International Call
The international dialing code in Incheon, Korea is +82-32 (Area code). Please omit (0) when dialing from overseas.
Tip & Tax
! Tip Tipping is not regular practice in Korea. Service charges are included in your bill for rooms, meals and other services at hotels and upscale restaurants. Koreans occasionally tip when they are especially pleased with the service they receive.
! Tax Visitors can receive a refund on a receipt for a minimum purchase of KRW 50,000 (around US$52). To receive this refund, present refund receipts with the purchased goods at the customs desk at the Incheon International Airport when departing. These receipts can be cashed in at the Cash Refund Office in front of the Airport Duty Free Shop.
Business Hours
Government office hours are usually from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays. Banks are open from 9:00 to 16:00 on weekdays. Most stores are open every day from 10:30 to 20:00, including Sundays.
Electricity
The standard electricity supply is 220 volts AC/60 cycles. Most hotels provide outlet converters for 110 and 220 volts. Participants are recommended to check with the hotel beforehand.
Emergency Phone number
| • | 1339: Medical Emergency |
| • | 119: Emergencies for Fire, Rescue & Hospital Services |
| • | 112: Police |
| • | 129: First Aid Services |
