Emergency Calls
- Police Department: 112
- Korea Immigration Center: 1345
- Medical, Fire Emergencies: 1339
- Infectious Disease Emergencies: 1339
- Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)
- Lost and Found Center: +82-2-182
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.
| Bills | |||
|---|---|---|---|
50,000 won |
10,000 won |
5,000 won |
1,000 won |
| Coins | |||
|---|---|---|---|
500 won |
100 won |
50 won |
10 won |
Time Difference & Business Hours
Korean time is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+9). / No daylight savings time. Business hours for banks are generally from 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays only. Banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. ATMs are widely available. Major department stores are open from 10:30 to 20:00 or 20:30, including Sundays, but smaller shops and restaurants tend to open earlier and close later every day.
Tax
Value-added tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services at a standard rate of 10% and is included in the retail price. In tourist hotels, this 10% tax applies to meals and other services and is added into the bill.
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.
- Global Blue https://www.globalblue.com/en
- Global Tax Free https://global-taxfree.com/?lang=en#1
Tipping (Gratuities)
Tipping is not a traditional custom in Korea. A 10% service charge will be added to your bill at all tourist restaurants and hotels. It is also not necessary to tip a taxi driver unless she or he assists you with your luggage or provides an extra service.
Language in Korea
Hangeul (한글), official alphabet of Korea, was first invented by King Sejong during the Joseon Dynasty. Originally called Hunminjeongeum (훈민정음), the language was conceived in 1443, and further promulgated by the King in 1446. At the time of its inception, the language was consisted of 17 consonants and 11 vowels however, since then, 3 of the originally established consonants and 1 vowel have fallen into disuse bringing the total number of characters to 24. Syllables are formed by the selective combination of vowels and consonants to create words.
Public Transport
You need a T-money card (transportation card) to use the public transport in Korea. T-money cards can be bought at any convenience stores at KRW 3,000 ~ KRW 5,000. Each travel within a city costs KRW 1,500.
Electricity
The standard electricity supply is 220 volts AC/60 cycles. Most hotels may provide outlet converters for 110 and 220 volts. Participants are recommended to check with the hotel beforehand.
