Seoul, South Korea
Currency and Banks
The Country's currency is the won (KRW).
The exchange rate in recent months is
around 1400 KRW for 1 USD. Foreign
currencies can be exchanged at airports
and government-designated banks. Most of
the stores in Korea only accept Korean
currency, or KRW, so it is advised that
visitors exchange to Korean currency at
the airport. Major credit cards are
widely accepted, and traveler's checks
may be accepted by tourist-oriented
shops and at most international tourist
hotels and banks. Banks open from 09:00
to 16:00 on weekdays (Mon-Fri) and are
closed on weekends and public holidays.
Rate of Exchange: 1 USD = 1,425.64 KRW
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.
Time Zone & Business Hours
Time zone. The Korean local time is 9
hours ahead of GMT with no daylight
savings time.
Business Hours. Government office hours
are usually from 9:00 am to 06:00 pm on
weekdays and closed on weekends. Banks
are open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on
weekdays and closed on Saturday and
Sunday. Major stores are open every day
from 10:30 am to 08:00 pm including
Sundays.
Climate
Korea has four distinct seasons, though
spring and autumn tend to be short.
Spring comes in early April and lasts
throughout May. The hot and humid summer
begins in June and lasts about four
months. The summer rainy season lasts
from the end of June to mid of July.
Summer ends in late September, giving
way to crisp, clear autumn days that
last until the end of October. It
becomes colder in November, and a very
cold, bleak winter sets in during
December and lasts until the end of
February.
Korea Meteorological Administration
International Call
International dialing code in Daegu,
Korea is +82-053(Area code). Please omit
(0) when dialing from overseas.
Tip & Tax
Tip. Tipping is not a regular practice
in Korea. Service charges are included
in your bill for rooms, meals and other
services at hotels and upscale
restaurants. Koreans occasionally do 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.
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.
Cell phone rental
You may rent a cell phone at the Incheon
International Airport. Users can rent a
handset and pay rental and call charges
upon returning the phone. Applicants
require identification, credit card, and
a service contract (available at the
booth).
Emergency Phone number
Fire, Rescue & Hospital Services: 119
Police Services: 112
First Aid Services: 129
Medical Emergency: 1339
Korea Travel Phone: 1330
