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| Korea's climate is regarded as a continental climate from a temperate standpoint and a monsoon climate from a precipitation standpoint. The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons. Spring and autumn are rather short, summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold and dry with abundant snowfall. Temperatures differ widely from region to region within Korea, with the average being between 6oC (43oF) and 16oC (61oF). The average temperature range in the June is average 22 degrees Celsius. The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. October is in the autumn. The average temperature range in the October is average 13.7 degrees Celsius |
| Monthly Temperature |
| Month |
Jan. |
Feb. |
Mar. |
Apr. |
May. |
Jun. |
Jul. |
Aug. |
Sep. |
Oct. |
Nov. |
Dec. |
| Temperature |
-4 |
0 |
5 |
12 |
17 |
22 |
26 |
28 |
17 |
10 |
0 |
-4 | |
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| The unit of Korean currency is the won. Major foreign currencies that can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and the airport include the US Dollar, Japanese Yen, Euro, and UK Sterling. Internationally recognized credit cards including VISA, American Express, Diner's Club, Master card, and JCB card are accepted at most hotels, department stores, and restaurants. However, foreign issued ATM cards may have limited use. U.S. dollar 1 is approximately equivalent to Korean won wond1,200(Sep. 2009). EURO 1 is approximately equivalent to Korean wond1,740(Sep. 2009) Foreign Exchange Bank provides exchange rage on quoting time Diners Club, Visa, American Express and MasterCard are widely accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants in the larger cities. |
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| Korean time is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+9). |
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| Government offices are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Most private businesses open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m. but some open until late evening. Bank hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Foreign diplomatic missions in Seoul are usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and are closed on Saturday, Sunday and their respective national holidays. |
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| For international calls, dial the international dialing code (001, 002, or 008), country code, area code, and the individual number. Domestic and international phone card are available for sale at most convenient stores, hotels and airports. |
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| Mobile phone can be rented at the airport or at major hotels. To apply for a mobile phone rental service, you will need an identification card (pass port) and a credit card. Mobile phone can be rented at the airport or at major hotels. To apply for a mobile phone rental service, you will need an identification card (pass port) and a credit card. |
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| You may rent a cell phone at the Incheon International Airport. Users can rent a handset and pay rental and call charges upon returning the phone. Applicants require identification, credit card, and a service contract (available at the booth). Roaming Center booths are conveniently located at the 1st floor of the Incheon International Airport, between Gate 6 and Gate 7. |
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| Outlets for 220 volts 60 cycles are dominant. Always check the power supply before using your equipment. |
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| International SOS Korea () provides a 24-hour emergency service for visitors, acting as a link between the patient and the Korean hospitals. For Medical Emergencies dial 1339. |
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| Any product with this “Tax Free Shopping” sign will give you a refund on VAT. You must depart Korea within 3 months of the purchase Most Tax Free Shopping centers are found either at department stores or shops in Myeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong areas. |
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1. Purchase your items at any shops with this “Tax Free Shopping” sign and receive a payment slip.
2. When departing, you need to get a stamp issued from the customs officer after showing him the purchased items and payment slip.
3. At the Cash Refund Office in the airport, you can receive the amount of VAT. You may also be able to get a refund at the airport of your destination.
For more information: Global Refund: |
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| 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. |
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| Tipping is not customary in Korea. Sometimes, expensive restaurants and luxury hotels may add a service charge of 10%. Thus, you do not necessarily have to prepare for extra charges since it will be included in the bill. |
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| Subway |
There are excellent subway train systems in Korea. The subway is the most efficient and convenient way for travelers to get around the city. Station names, tickets windows and transfer signs are all clearly marked in English.Jan. |
| Taxi |
Taxis are Plentiful, clean, safe and inexpensive in Korea. There are taxi stands in most busy city areas and taxis can also be hailed on the streets. The fare is based on both distance and time. It is \1,900 for the first 2km and \100 for each additional 144m. And the basic fare of a deluxe taxi, which can be identified by its black color and “deluxe” on the doors, is KRW 4,500 (USD 4.33). |
| Intercity Buses |
Korea has an extensive intercity bus system connecting almost every city and town. The system is so extensive that buses go virtually everywhere in every city. Since the bus signs are written only in Hangeul (the Korean alphabet), finding the right bus can be confusing for the first time. Fares can be paid as you board with cash (coins or \ 1,000 notes-change returned) or a transportation card. | |
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| English |
Korean |
Korean Pronunciation |
| How are you? |
안녕하세요? |
Aan-nyeong-haseyo? |
| Thank you. |
감사합니다. |
Gamsa-haam-nida. |
| Yes. |
예. |
Ye. |
| No. |
아니요. |
Aniyo. |
| I am sorry. |
미안합니다. |
Meean-hamnida. |
| I enjoyed the meal. |
잘 먹었습니다. |
Jal mugut-sum-nida. |
| Please give me some more of this. |
이것 더 주세요. |
Yigut du juseyo. |
| The check, please. |
계산서 주세요. |
Yigut du juseyo. |
| The check, please. |
계산서 주세요. |
Gye-saanseo juseyo. |
| Do you take credit cards? |
카드로 계산할 수 있습니까? |
Card-ro gyesaan halsu yisum-neeka? |
| How much is it? |
얼마입니까? |
Ulma-eem-neeka? |
It is ________ won
.5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
30,000 |
_________ 원 입니다.
오천
만
만오천
이만
삼만 |
_________ won eem-needa.
O-cheon
Maan
Maan-o-cheon
Yi-maan
Saam-maan |
| Where is the rest room? |
화장실 어디입니까? |
Hwa-jangsil udee-eem-nee ka? |
| Goodbye. |
안녕히 계세요. |
Aan-nyeonghee gyeseyo. | |
| * Go to Korean Language Learning Website (www.interedu.go.kr) |
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General Information 