The Korean peninsula is located in Northeast Asia. It is surrounded by the ocean on three sides. Because of its unique geographical location, Korea is a very valuable piece of land and an international hub of Asia.
Seoul has been the capital of Korea for more than 600 years since the Joseon Dynasty. It was referred to as “Hanyang” during the Joseon Dynasty.
Today’s Seoul is a bustling metropolis, acting as the hub for political, economical, socialand cultural matters. The Hangang River, which runs through the center of the city, divides Seoul into the culture and history-oriented northern region, and the business-oriented southern region.
Dining out is one of the great pleasures of visiting Korea, a country famous for its diverse native dishes. Korean cuisine is nutritious, well balanced and low in calories as it involves a wide variety of vegetables and fermented foods. Bulgogi and Bibimbap are the most famous. Korea traditionally used spoon for rice and liquid foods, such as stews or soups and use chopsticks for other foods.
Hangeul, one of the most indigenous and unique creations of the nation, was introduced by King Sejong, the 4th king of the Joseon Dynasty. In order to help all commoners to easily read and write this new alphabet, Hunminjeongeum (meaning “Proper sounds to instruct the people” in Korean) was created. In 1910, the name of the language was changed to Hangeul, a term widely used today. Hangeul is a series of creative and scientifically designed characters. The language is very easy for all to learn, evidenced by Korea’s illiteracy rates being one of the lowest in the world.
I. Climate and Clothing
The Korean climate has four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are very pleasant with mild temperatures. During summer, temperatures can reach up to 38°C. Winter temperatures average -7° to 1°C with moderate snowfall. The Korean Peninsula is generally protected from Southeast Asia’s autumn typhoons by the Japanese archipelago and earthquakes are rare. In Korea, September is very hot, so light and thin clothes are necessary, but it is good to keep long clothes separately because there is great temperature difference between day and night.
For further information on weather in Korea, please visit: https://web.kma.go.kr/eng/
II. Healthcare
In the summer of Korea, it is usually expected to show high fever and high humidity, and also strong UV rays. You should get enough moisture, avoid outdoor activities, and be careful not to catch a cold at night. Moreover, if the humidity is high, as there a risk of germs and fungi breeding, so you should also take precautions to eat food.
III. Useful Tips
“T-money” is transportation cards that can be used on public buses and subways in several different metropolitan cities and locations throughout the nation. With this transportation card, travelers can save the hassle of purchasing single journey subway tickets for every ride and enjoy discounts on rides during transfers from one bus to another, one subway line to another, or from bus to subway or vice versa (within a transfer time limit).
Tipping is not required nor expected in South Korea.
As a leading nation in information technology, Korea provides one of the best internet connections worldwide. Take privilege of the world’s fastest internet speed through Wi-Fi for your convenience during your time in Korea.
IV. Currency & Exchange
South Korea’s official monetary unit is the won(₩). The Korean currency consists of fifty thousand, ten thousand, five thousand, and one thousand won notes, and five hundred, one hundred, fifty and ten won coins.
Foreign banknotes and traveler’s check can be exchanged at most banks.-Banking Hours- Weekdays: 09:00 – 16:00; Weekends and Public Holidays: Closed
V. Credit Cards
Most of the business establishments in Korea widely use and accept payment by credit cards, including at major hotels, department stores, large restaurants and stores. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and other credit cards can be used. Use of other payment services such as PayPal, Alipay and Apple Pay is limited.
VI. Time Zone
Korean time is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+9). South Korea does not observe DST.
VII. Electricity
The standard electricity supply is 220V and AC/60 cycles. (Type C, Type F)
VIII. Emergency Situations
SOS: Korea provides a 24-hour emergency service.
First aid patient &Emergencies : 119
Rescue & Police service : 112
For further information of visiting Korea, please visit: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.jsp