Currency

Major foreign currencies that can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and the airport include the US Dollar, Japanese Yen, Euro, and UK Sterling. more

Credit Card

Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major international credit cards including Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Master Card, and JCB. Foreign-issued ATM cards may have limited use.

ATM Machine

Travelers who carry internationally recognized credit cards can get a cash advance in Korea Won from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) installed at airports, major hotels, department stores, subway stations and tourist attractions. ATMs are in operation 24 hours a day. Most large stores, hotels and restaurants in Korea accept major international credit cards. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, since many smaller establishments and stores are unlikely to accept credit cards.

Tip

Tipping is not a regular practice in Korea. Service charges are included in your bill for rooms, meals and other services at hotels and upscale restaurants. Koreans occasionally do tip when they are especially pleased with the service they receive.

Tax

Visitors can receive a refund on a receipt for a minimum purchase of KRW 50,000 (around US$52). To receive this refund, present refund receipts with the purchased goods at the customs desk at the Incheon International Airport when departing. These receipts can be cashed in at the Cash Refund Office in front of the Airport Duty Free Shop.

VAT

Value-Added Tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services at a standard rate of 10%. It is included in the retail price and 10% tax applies to rooms, meals, and other services provided by tourist hotels.

Time

The Korean local time is 9 hours ahead of GMT with no daylight savings time.

Weather

Autumn in Korea lasts from September to late November. The temperature is about 3~11°C on average. It is chilly in the morning and evening. Long-sleeved tops and pants with a light jacket are recommended.

Business Hours

Government office hours are usually from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and closed on weekends. Banks are open from 9:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and closed on weekends. Major stores are open every day from 10:30 to 20:00 including Sundays.

Electricity

The standard electricity supply is 220 volts AC/60 cycles. Most hotels may provide outlet converters for 110 and 220 volts. We recommend for you to check with the hotel beforehand.

Taxi

There are several types of taxis in Korea, regular, first-class, and oversized taxis. You can usually see some taxis waiting for passengers near the subway stations, airports, and tourist attractions. If you have trouble catching a taxi, try using the ‘Kakao T’, the most commonly used taxi application in Korea.

• 23:00 - 00:00 : additional late-night charge 20%
• 00:00 - 02:00 : additional late-night charge 30%
• 02:00 - 04:00 : additional late-night charge 20%

Emergency Call

International dialing code in Busan, Korea is +82-51 (Area code). Please omit (0) when dialing from overseas.

• 112 : Police
• 119 : Emergencies for Fire / Rescue & Hospital Services
• 129 : First Aid Patients
• 1330 : Travel Information Cente

Safety & Security

People in Korea can always enjoy the freedom to walk safely on the streets. The crime rate in Korea, especially in regard to foreign tourists, is one of the lowest in the world. Feel safe while staying in Korea!

USIM

The internet connection in Korea is fast, but wi-fi is not always readily available, especially if you are outside. You can get constant access to the internet with a USIM. Please check the USIM shops in the Incheon Int’l Airport below.