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Medical Service
English is spoken in some general hospitals, and the larger ones, such as Samsung Medical Center, Severance Hospital and the Asan
Medical Center, have international clinics where bilingual nurses can provide you with assistance. It is advisable to carry traveler's insurance. back to top |
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Electricity
In Korea, outlets for both 110 and 220 volts are usually available, although many
newer hotels have only 220 volt current. Always check the voltage of the power supply before using equipment.
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Business Hours
Government offices are open between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from March to
October and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from November to February. On Saturdays, they open at 9 a.m. and close at 1 p.m. Most private businesses open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. but some are open until
late evening. Banks are a major exception. Their business hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. All banks and businesses are required by law to
close on Sundays and national holidays. Foreign diplomatic missions in Seoul generally maintain strict business hours. They are usually open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and are closed on Saturdays
,Sundays and their national holidays.
Major department stores are open from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., including Sundays, and are closed one day during the week. Department stores. Smaller shops tend to be
open from early morning until late evening every day of the week. back to top |
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Climate and clothing
Korea's temperate, four-season climate is like that of the eastern U.S. Dress is
more conservative than in the United States. back to top |
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Tipping
Tipping is not a traditional Korean custom. A 10% service charge is added to the bill at all tourist hotels and tipping is
not expected. It is not necessary to tip a taxi driver unless he assists you with luggage or provides an extra service. back to top |
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Currency and Credit Card
The unit of Korean currency is the won. Coin denominations are 1, 5, 10, 50, 100
and 500, but 1 and 5 coins are not commonly used anymore. Bank notes are 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000. Foreign bank notes and traveler's checks can be converted into Korean Won at foreign exchange banks and
other authorized money exchangers. The exchange rate is subject to fluctuation, but US$1 is equivalent to about 1,327 as of Oct 21, 1998. International credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American
Express, Diners Club, and JCB are widely accepted at the major hotels, department stores and restaurants in the larger cities. You may be requested to show your passport. back to top |
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Visa and Passport
Entry Requirements: A passport is required. Visas are not required for tourist or
business stays of up to fifteen days (the day of arrival counts as day number one). For longer stays and other types of travel, visas must be obtained in advance. Changes of status from one type of visa to
another (from tourism to teaching, for example) are not normally granted in country. Applicants must depart and apply for new visas at an embassy or consulate outside Korea. Specific requirements are
available through the Embassy of The Republic of Korea at 2320 Massachusetts Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 939-5660/63, or the nearest consulate in major U.S. cities. back to top |
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Emergency
The hotel front desk or hotel manager can arrange for a doctor or an ambulance in an emergency. If you need a doctor on the
street, ask a policeman or passersby for assistance. A police box can be found on every major street. In addition, AEA International Korea Ltd. provides a 24-hour emergency service for foreigners, acting as
a link between patient and the Korean hospitals for a fee. For details, contact AEA International Korea Ltd.
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Customs
Applicable only to visitors 18 years and older-
Tobacco - 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams of pipe tobacco
(total quantity not exceeding 500 grams)
Liquor - 1 liter bottle of alcohol
Perfume - 2 oz of perfume
Cameras - 1 still camera
Film - reasonable for personal use
Gifts - duty free allowance up to300,000 won
Currency - no restrictions Note:
it is prohibited to bring the following articles into the country: Any printed material, films or phonograph records considered by the authorities to be subversive or harmful to national security or public interests; any firearms, explosives or other weapons; textile fabrics in excess of 5 sq. m (6 sq. yards); more than five foreign phonograph records; radio equipment and any animals or plants prohibited by the relevant regulations. Approval is required for the export of Korea antiques or valuable cultural items from the Seoul metropolitan government, art & antique assessment office, Seoul. Telephone: (2) 732-9442
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Safety
Although the crime rate in the Republic of Korea is low, pickpocketing, purse snatching, hotel room burglaries, and residential crime do occur and
foreigners can be targeted. In addition, increased incidents of physical attacks on foreigners, including sexual harassment, molestation and rape have been recently reported. Travelers can reduce the
likelihood of encountering such incidents by taking the same precautions that they would take in the urban United States. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the
local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Korean National Police (KNP) operate a Central Interpretation Center (CIC) where foreigners can report incidents of crime. The CIC is available on
a twenty-four hour, seven-day-a-week basis. In Seoul, call telephone number 313-0842; outside of Seoul, call (02) 313-0842. The U.S. Embassy has found, however, that English speakers are not often available
at the CIC, so it is best to ask a Korean speaker to place the call. Useful information on safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of
State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." back to top |
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| Japan | Indonesia | Korea | |
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| Malaysia
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| Taiwan | Thailand | |
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