Capital
Seoul.
Language
The official language in the country is Korean.
Time
+5 hours to Moscow.
Accommodation
All hotels in the country are divided into five classes – from third-class hotels to super-luxury according to the European system. In addition to them, there are also Korean hotels – yogwan.
Electricity
Voltage – 220 Volts, frequency – 60 Hz. Sometimes there is a voltage of 110 volts.
Money
The national currency of South Korea is the won. Banknotes are in denominations of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10000 won, as well as coins of 10, 50, 100, 1000 and 5000 won. There are also coins of 1 and 5 won, but now they are hardly used.
Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Dollars are accepted in the market and in many stores, but they are not accepted in large stores and department stores.
Banks and exchange offices
South Korea has a very developed network of banks. They are open from half past 10 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays and 1:30 pm on Saturdays. Sunday is a day off. Many ATMs are open around the clock, some only from 9:30 to 22:00. In large hotels you can also exchange money.
The shops
There is no clear work schedule for all stores in South Korea. Many of them open between 5 and 9 am and close after 7 pm. In busy areas of the city, shops are often open until midnight or even around the clock.
Shopping
In South Korea, you can buy fairly cheap electronics, including household ones. The main place for selling such goods is Yongsan. True, customs duties greatly increase the prices of goods. Various souvenirs and essential goods are sold without tax. See liuxers for South Korea customs and traditions.
Useful phones and communication
South Korea has a well-developed telephone network. From the “card payphone” you can always call abroad. Within the country, you can also make calls from a payphone that accepts money.
Major city codes
- Seoul – 02;
- Busan – 051;
- Incheon – 032;
- Jeju-do – 064.
Useful numbers
- Fire service and ambulance – 119;
- Police – 112.
Transport
Transportation between many cities of the country is provided by the National Railway Company. The cars are divided into four classes, depending on the cost and quality of service. Train tickets should be bought in advance, especially on holidays and weekends.
Any city in the country can be reached by intercity bus. Tickets are also best booked in advance.
Between those cities that are on the coast, you can move on sea passenger ships.
You should not hitchhike around the country.
In order to rent a car in South Korea, you must meet several conditions. You must be over 21 years old, have international civil rights, a passport and a year of driving experience. Most car rental companies are located in major hotels and airports.
Tips
Tipping is not customary in South Korea. In restaurants, from 3 to 10% for service will be added to the bill, in the hotel, 10% of the total amount will also be included in the bill.
Security
South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world. There is practically no drug addiction here, since any drugs are completely prohibited. Assaults and pickpocketing are very rare, and events such as car theft are generally considered a real sensation. Almost all areas of all cities are illuminated at night and are constantly patrolled by law enforcement agencies.
There are no special vaccinations required before traveling to South Korea. But international health insurance is absolutely necessary.
