Republic of Korea

Principal Airport: Seoul International Airport (Incheon).

Language: Korean; some Chinese, Japanese and English also spoken.

Currency: The Korean unit of currency is the Won (indicated as W). Coin denominations are W1, 5, 10, 100 and 500. Bank notes are W1,000, 5,000 and 10,000. Be sure to ask for a receipt each time you change money as a receipt is required when converting unused Won back into U.S. Dollars.

Credit Cards: International credit cards are widely accepted at the major hotels, department stores and restaurants in the larger cities.

Banking: Banks are open 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays; 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed Sundays and national holidays.

Electricity: 100 volts, 50 cycles, A.C. In Hotels, both 110 volts and 220 volts are provided.

Tipping: Tipping has not traditionally been part of the Korean custom and individual tipping is not encouraged. Most hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities will add a 10% service charge to the bill.

VAT: Value-added tax (VAT) is levied on most goods at a standard rate of 10%. VAT is also levied on services at 10% in most hotels, restaurants and tourist facilities.

Taxi: Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive in Korea.

Water: Bottled water is recommended and sold widely throughout the country. Please use caution in restaurants, where bottles may be refilled with tap water. Only use water from containers with a serrated seal, not tops or corks. Also be cautious of fruit juice, particularly if water may have been added. When in doubt, don’t drink the water. Hot tea, coffee, or any boiled drink should be safe.

Crime: Korea is one of the safest countries in Asia with very strict gun control laws and almost no drug addictions. But like most big cities in the world, Seoul is experiencing an increase in crime. Beware of pickpockets in crowded streets and public places. Don’t leave your luggage, purse unattended. You should leave valuables at home.

What to Wear: Seoul is very fashion-conscious, especially the young women. Smart casual wear is recommended. Business wear is fairly conservative, jackets and ties for men and business-like suits for women are the norm.

Time: Pacific Standard Time + 17 hours.

Climate: Four distinct seasons.

Spring - Late March through May, cherry blossoms bloom in early April.

Summer - June to early September, weather is hot and humid. Half the annual rainfall occurs during the monsoon months of late June and July.

Autumn - September through November, warm days and cool nights.

Winter - December to mid-March, intense cold dry spells alternate with milder weather. Heavy snow in the mountains.