Climate
The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons : spring, summer, fall, and winter. The Jeju island, off the southern coast of Korea, is the warmest place in the country. Warm marine climate of Jeju generally remains above 15℃ the entire year. The average temperature of the island is about 23℃ in September.
Spring
Spring lasts from late March to May and is warm. Various flowers, including the picturesque cherry blossom, cover the nation’s mountains and fields during this time.
Summer
Summer lasts from June to early September. It is a hot and humid time of the year.
Autumn
Autumn lasts from September to November, and produces mild weather. It is the best season to visit Korea.
Winter
Winter lasts from December to mid-March. It can be bitterly cold during this time due to the influx of cold Siberian air. Heavy snow in the northern and eastern parts of Korea makes for favorable skiing conditions.
Currency & Exchange
The unit of currency in Korea is the Korean Won (KRW). Various notes and coins are used. Notes occur in 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 50,000 won denominations, besides coins occur in 10, 50, 100, and 500 won denominations. As of March 2015, the exchange rate is approximately KRW 1,110 to USD 1. The exchange rate is subject to market fluctuations. Also, credit cards, including VISA, American Express, Master Card and JCB, etc. are widely accepted.
Time Difference
– Korean Standard Time is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+9).
– What time is it in Korea now? Click here
Tax & Tipping
A Value-Added Tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services at a standard rate of 10% and is included in the retail price. At hotels, a 10% VAT is applied to rooms, meals as well as other services and is added to the bill. Also, tipping is not a customary practice in Korea. A 10% service charge is added to your bill at all tourist hotels and 3-10% at some major restaurants.
Electricity
The Korean standard electricity supply is 220 volts AC at 60Hz. Most hotels may provide converters for 110 and 220 volts. It is advised that you check with the hotel beforehand.
Business Hours
Banks
Weekdays: 09:00 – 16:00
Weekends and National Holidays: Closed
Government Offices and Organizations
Weekdays: 09:00 – 18:00
Weekends and National Holidays: Closed
Post Offices
Weekdays: 09:00 – 18:00
Public Holidays: Closed
Nationwide list: www.koreapost.go.kr/eng/
List of post offices in Seoul: english.seoul.go.kr
Foreign Diplomatic Missions
Weekdays: Hours vary, please see the following link for more information >> Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (link – http://www.mofat.go.kr/ENG/main/index.jsp )
Weekends and National Holidays: Closed
Department Stores
10:30 – 20:00
* Typically, one day a month (usually a Monday) department stores are closed to the public. However, closings will vary according to each store.
BBB (Before Babel Brigade) : Volunteer Interpretation Service
Whenever and wherever you encounter communication problems with Koreans, please call 1588-5644 and press a number for your preferred language among nineteen languages. Your call will be connected to a BBB volunteer’s mobile phone through an automated switchboard, and you will soon receive interpretation service. For more information, please refer to BBB Korea official webpage (www.bbbkorea.org).
Emergency Call
• Most operators speak only Korean, so that, a hotel staff or hotel manager may help you.
Emergency Phone number
1339 Medical Emergency
119 Emergencies for Fire, Rescue & Hospital Services
112 Police
129 First Aid Services
Medical Facilities
There are some hospitals where some English is spoken. International clinics at large general hospitals like Jeju National University Hospital and Cheju Halla General Hospital are recommended.
Jeju National University Hospital
Aran 13gil 15(Ara-1Dong) Jeju-si, Jeju Self-Governing Province, Korea, 63241
Website: http://en.jejunuh.co.kr/index.do
International Clinic Tel: +82-64-717-1654 (English) / + 82-64-717-1935 (Chinese)
Clinic Hours:
Please refrain from visiting after 9 p.m. for stability and sound sleep of patients.
• General Ward 11:30~13:30 / 17:00~20:00
• Internal/Surgical Intensive Care Unit 09:00~09:30 / 19:00~19:30
• Infant Intensive Care Unit 09:00~09:30 / 19:00~19:30
Cheju Halla General Hospital
65, Jeju-si Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Korea, 63127
Website: https://www.hallahosp.co.kr/han/en/
International Clinic Tel: + 82-64-740- 5000
Seogwipo Medical Center
47, Jangsu-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Korea, 697864
Website: http://www.jjsmc.or.kr/board/gcontent/contentview.php?content_id=insa_en
International Clinic Tel: +82-64-730-3105 (Emergency +82-64-730-3109)
Clinic Hours:
• Weekday (Mon~Fri): 08:20 ~ 17:20
• Weekends (Sat, Sun): Emergency room treatment 24 hours shifts of total 6 treatment doctors