Useful Information
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Useful Information
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Korea and Seoul are unique in the degree to which people enjoy the freedom to walk safely on the streets at all times. The crime rate in Seoul, especially in regard to foreign tourists, is one of the lowest in the world.
The South Korean unit of currency is the won (￦), with ￦10/50/100/500 coins. Notes come in denominations of ￦1,000/5,000/10,000/50,000. The exchange rate is subject to market fluctuations.
※ As of April 2023 → 1 USD = 1,295.50 KRW
Seoul, situated in a temperate zone, has four distinct seasons. Sunny days and clear skies are expected, and light clothing is recommended. The average temperature range in October is between 12 degrees to 15 degrees Celsius. In the evenings, a light jacket would be advisable. A hat and comfortable shoes are recommended for some tours.
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/AK/AK_EN_1_1_2.jsp
Major international credit cards are commonly accepted at most hotels, department stores, restaurants, and shops. Restaurants and shops generally display signs indicating what cards they accept.
The time zone is Greenwich Mean Time +9 hours.
https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/south-korea/seoul
International/domestic calls can be made from your hotel room. Public telephones are also available and located throughout the hotel. Mobile phones can be rented at the airport or at major hotels. To apply for a mobile phone rental service, you will need identification(passport) and a credit card.
Banks are generally open between 09:00 and 16:00 on weekdays. All banks are closed on Saturday, Sundays, and public holidays. Government office hours are usually from 09:00 to 18:00 on weekdays. Department stores are open between 10:30 and 20:00. Smaller shops have extended opening hours from 09:00 to late in the evening.
The standard voltage in Korea is 220 volts. The outlet has two round holes and is the same type used in France, Germany, Austria, Greece, Turkey, and many other countries. The multi-voltage travel adapter are available at hotel's front desk. You can find it at a duty-free shop, convenience shop at Incheon Int'l Airport, or Yongsan Electronics Shopping Town.
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.
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 rooms, meals and other services and is included in the bill.
Int'l SOS Korea provides 24-hour emergency service for participants, for a fee, acting as a link between the patient and the Korean hospitals. For medical emergencies dial 1339.
