Cellular phones
For mobile phone service, the CDMA system is used in Korea. If you want to use your
GSM cellular phone, you should check with your local wireless service provider prior
to arriving in Korea. Alternatively, cell-phone rental services are available at Incheon
International Airport. This service must be ordered in advance. Online-reservation is
possible on www.Tour2Korea.com.
Climate
Korea has the four distinct seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. At the time
of your visit to Jeju in June, you will experience early summer. It is not too much hot
as Jeju is surrounded by sea on all sides, and influenced primarily by the cool oceanic
currents. However, deteriorating whether may occur suddenly under influence of tropical
air mass. The average temperature in June is 21.2℃ and the average precipitation is
189.8mm. Light long sleeved shirts or short sleeved shirts are sufficient. In the evenings,
a light jacket would be advisable. A hat and comfortable shoes are recommended for some
tours. If you would like to check the current whether of Jeju, please visit
http://jeju.kma.go.kr
Currency & Credit card
The Korean local currency is the Won. Under the floating exchange rate system, one US dollar
is 948.60 won as of January 29, 2008. Most businesses only accept the Won. Major foreign
currencies that can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and the airport are the US Dollar, Japanese
Yen, Euro, and UK Sterling. Most restaurants, hotels and shops accept credit cards. You may not
be able use credit cards at small businesses and in rural areas. You can check whether your credit
card is accepted or not by looking at door signs. Visa and Master are most common ones you
can find.
Electricity
The 220-voltage system is more widely in use. You are advised to check your electrical
equipment beforehand.
Language
The official Korean language is Korean. Street signs, transportation signs, and travel
information in Korea are usually provided in both Korean and English for visitors'
convenience.
Telephone
There are three types of public telephones in Korea: coin-operated phones, card phones, and
credit card phones. Card telephones can be used to make international calls as well as local
and intercity calls. Telephone cards come in KRW 2,000, 3,000, 5,000 and 10,000 denominations
and are on sale in convenience stores close to telephone booths. There are also credit card
phones, which you can use with major credit cards. A local call cost 70 Won for three minutes.
To make an international call, first dial one of the international dialing codes (For regular
phone: 001 / cell phone: 00700) then the country code, area code, and the phone number.
Time
The Korean local time is 9 hours ahead of GMT with no daylight savings time.
Tipping & VAT
Tipping is not customary in Korea. Sometimes, expensive restaurants and luxury hotels may add
a service charge of 10%. Value-Added Tax (VAT) is mostly included in the retail price. However,
in hotels and some big restaurants, the price may not include VAT.
Visa
Any foreign visitor wishing to enter Korea must have a valid passport and obtain a Korean visa
before arriving. However citizens of 84 countries who wish to visit Korea temporarily may enter
without a visa according to visa exemption agreements, or in accordance with the principles of
reciprocity or national interest.The website of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Korea,
www.mofat.go.kr has information on Korean visa requirements. For more information, contact the
nearest Korean diplomatic or consular representation.
More information on traveling Korea
- Korea Tourism Organization
www.tour2korea.com
- Korean Information Service
www.korea.net
- Jeju Special Self-Governing Province http://english.jeju.go.kr
- Travel info service (Just call 1330)
When you need English assistance or travel information, just dial 1330. A bilingual operator will
offer you detailed information on tourist sites, transportation, restaurants, etc.
In Korea: 1330(Land line), Area code+1330(Cell phone), From Abroad +82-Area code-1330
|
