Money :
South Korea's monetary unit is the won (KRW). Currency can be exchanged at most banks, and travellers cheques cashed at authorised banks and hotels. Most merchants in the cities accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express credit cards, but Koreans traditionally prefer cash. ATMs at banks are usually accessible only during banking hours, and instructions on the machines are generally only in Korean. Public ATMs at convenience stores and subway stations are generally available 24 hours. US Dollars are an accepted form of foreign currency.
Time :
Local time is GMT +9.
Electricity :
Electrical current is 110 or 220 volts, 60Hz. Most hotels operate on 220 volts.
Language :
The official language is Korean.
Health :
There are no required vaccinations for entry to Korea and standards of medical care are high. Payment for treatment is usually expected in advance. Medical insurance with provision for repatriation is also recommended. Hepatitis A and typhoid inoculations are recommended, and there is a small risk of malaria is some areas. Outbreaks of bird flu have been confirmed throughout the country, but no human infections have been reported. The risk to travellers is low, but as a precaution visitors should ensure that all poultry and egg dishes are well cooked, and contact with live birds is avoided. Tap water is chlorinated but may cause stomach upsets, therefore it is preferable to drink bottled water. Food should be well cooked and milk boiled.
Tipping :
Tipping is not customary in Korea. Sometimes, expensive restaurants and luxury hotels may add a service charge of 10%. Taxi drivers are usually tipped if they assist with baggage.
Safety :
Most visits to South Korea are trouble-free. The crime rate against foreigners is low, but it is still advisable to use sensible precautions particularly in safeguarding passports, money and credit cards in crowded areas. There has been an increased number of rapes reported in the nightlife areas of Seoul, as well as in private homes and travellers should be cautious, particularly at night, travelling only in legitimate taxis or public transport. The political situation is generally stable but since the Korean peninsula was divided by a demilitarised zone in 1953, tensions have risen and fallen on occasion. It is wise to be informed about current conditions. You should carry some form of identification at all times and ensure your next-of-kin details have been entered into the back of your passport.
Customs :
English is not widely spoken or understood, so if you plan to use taxis or other local services it is wise to have instructions written down in Korean. It is advisable to carry some form of identification at all times. Social harmony is crucial, and public anger or criticism that causes an individual to 'lose face' or dignity is a serious breach of etiquette. Koreans will go out of their way to maintain a comfortable situation.
Business :
The increase in trade with Western countries has meant that Koreans do not expect visitors to understand all the nuances of their culture, however they are appreciated. Koreans dress conservatively and formally and it is important to do the same. Koreans like to do business with people whom they know and often introductions via a third known party are necessary. Greetings often consist of a bow, followed by a handshake. Introductions are very important and ascertain the hierarchy, often according to age, which is to be observed and respected. Often the most important person will be introduced first. Greeting in Korean, 'an-yang-ha-say-yo' (hello), and 'gam-sa-ham-ni-da' (thank you), is a good way to earn respect. Business card etiquette is vital; they should be given and received with both hands, with the details translated from English into Korean or Chinese on the alternate side, and must be treated with the utmost respect. Each one is to be read carefully and the name acknowledged. It is important, when issuing cards, not to stack them or keep them in one's wallet or purse. Koreans are referred to by their surnames and it is best to ask in advance how to address the person. The giving of gifts is appreciated and often reciprocated. Business hours are generally 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Duty Free :
Travellers (over the age of 19) arriving in South Korea may bring in the following items free of customs duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco products; 57g perfume; 1 litre of alcohol (only those over 20 years old); and gifts valued at not more than 400,000 won. Products from communist countries are prohibited, as are fruit, seeds and any published or recorded material deemed to be subversive or obscene.
Communications :
The international dialling code for South Korea is +82, and the outgoing code is 001 or 002 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the UK). The outgoing code when using some mobile phones is 00700. City or area codes are in use, e.g. (0)2 for Seoul. Telecommunications are well developed and call boxes accepting both cash and cards are prevalent. Internet cafes are widely available. Although mobile telephones are widely used by locals, there is no GSM network and foreign phones will not usually work in the country. Local mobile phones may be rented.
Contacts :
Emergencies: 112 (Police); 119 (Ambulance)
