Useful Information

Korean Currency & Exchange Rate

Korea's official monetary unit is the won. There are currency exchanges at the airports and select locations around Seoul and elsewhere, but the best way to get money all over Korea would be through ATMs. You can find ATMs at airports, subway stations and most convenient stores.

Credit Card - Most of the businesses in Korea widely use and accept payment by credit cards, including at major hotels, department stores, and general shops. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and other credit cards can be used; however, check the service availability before making purchases as some stores may not provide this service.
Currency Exchange - When you need to exchange your foreign currency into Korean won, visit a bank or authorized exchange service center. Banks are generally open 09:00-16:00 on weekdays. Operating hours may vary depending on the bank and region, please check in advance prior to visiting. Korea Post Bank operates 09:00-16:30. Please be aware that money exchange of old currency may not be accepted at certain locations. Make sure to check if banks or authorized exchange service centers accept old currency beforehand.
Traveler’s Check - Traveler's checks can be exchanged for cash at banks or exchange booths. A number of stores still accept the checks instead cash. Nonetheless, the forms of credit cards and debit cards have become a more preferred means of payment by travelers. Thus, trading checks is hardly observed nowadays as there is seemingly a decreasing number of stores that offer this service.
Currency Converter - www.xe.com/currencyconverter (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Swedish, Arabic)

Electricity

The standard voltage in Korea is 220 volts at 60 Hertz, and the outlet has two round holes. If you do not have a multi-voltage travel adapter, you may ask to borrow or purchase one from your hotel's front desk. You can also find them at the airport, retail stores, major duty-free shops, and even convenience stores.

Emergency Contacts

  • Emergency calls
    1. Police Department: +82-112
    2. Fire Department: +82-119
    3. Medical Emergencies: +82-119
    4. Infectious Disease Emergencies: +82-1339
  • 1330 Korea
    Travel Hotline
  • Tel: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)
    Website: www.visitkorea.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, French, Spanish, German, Russian)
  • Diplomatic
    Missions in Korea
  • Website: www.mofa.go.kr (Korean, English)
  • LOST 112
    (Lost and
    Found Center)
  • Tel: +82-2-182
    Address: National Police Agency, 97, Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 서대문구 통일로 97 경찰청)
    Website: www.lost112.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
  • Medical facilities
    for international
    travelers
  • Many of Korea’s large hospitals operate an International Health Care Center, catering to international visitors. Follow the link for a list of centers offer top-notch medical services and have expert interpreters available to assist with the entire process, from reservations to treatments and follow-up appointments. Emergency Situations : VISITKOREA

Connectivity & Communication Essentials

  • International calls
  • To make an international call to Korea, dial the number of an international phone call carrier from your country, then dial 82 (country code for Korea), followed by the area code (excluding the first number 0). Finally, dial the phone number you wish to call. To make a call from Korea, First, dial any of the international call company numbers listed below, and then the country code, area code and finally the number you are calling.
    * International Phone Call Carriers: 001, 002, 005, 008, etc.
    * Pre-paid Phone Cards: Pre-paid phone cards are available at convenience stores and major supermarkets
  • Mobile phone rentals and roaming
  • Korea's major airports, including Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae and Jeju International Airports, have roaming centers, operated by local network service providers. Visitors can get their mobile devices connected for roaming here after a simple registration process. In addition to roaming services, SIM Card purchase, Wi-Fi egg rentals and even smart phone rentals are available. More information about the fees, location of roaming centers and other details can be found on the service provider's official website.
  • Korean SIM card purchase
  • Travelers can purchase a SIM card to insert in their personal cell phone device to enjoy unlimited data or receive a personal number while traveling in Korea. These prepaid SIM cards usually cost less than roaming services and offer unlimited data for a period of 5, 10 or 30 days. The SIM cards can be purchased at CU and 7-Eleven convenience stores at Incheon International Airport and Korea SIM Card’s official website.
  • eSIM
  • Prepaid eSIM can be easily purchased and received online. The digital eSIM works by installing a prepaid data plan by scanning the provided QR code. The eSIM can be purchased on their website and you will receive an eSIM plan by e-mail, all without the hassle of visiting an offline store.
  • Internet
  • Internet service is often provided in public places such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals in Korea. PC rooms and internet cafes are also great places to go and they are mostly open 24 hours.

Time

The time zone for South Korea is Korean Standard Time (KST), which is GMT+9.

Weather

November in Korea is a beautiful month of transition, bridging the vibrant autumn season and the onset of winter. The weather is generally cool, dry, and crisp, offering many pleasant, sunny days perfect for exploring.

As November progresses, temperatures in Seoul gradually decline. The city’s average temperatures range from approximately 3°C (37°F) in the morning to 11°C (52°F) during the day. While daytime is typically cool and comfortable, mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, so dressing in layers is recommended.

Business Hours

  • Banks
  • Weekday: 09:00-16:00 / Closed weekends & public holidays
    * Exceptions: Standard Chartered Bank weekdays 09:30-16:30, EVERRICH Bank weekdays 09:00-16:30 / Closed weekends & public holidays
  • Government Offices and Organizations
  • Weekdays 09:00-18:00 / Closed weekends & public holidays
  • Postal Services
  • Weekdays 09:00-18:00 / Closed weekends & public holidays
    Website: www.koreapost.go.kr (Korean, English)
  • Department Stores
  • Monday-Thursday 10:30-20:00, Friday-Sunday 10:30-20:30 / Closed days vary by store
    * Typically, department stores are closed one day a month, so we recommend checking before visiting