VISA & TRAVEL
Useful Information
Useful Information

Language

Official language is Korean.
Check out the useful expression in Korean below.
Hello! annyeonghaseyo 안녕하세요
Good-bye. annyeonghi gaseyo 안녕히 계세요
Thank you. gamsahamnida 감사합니다
I’m sorry. mianhamnida 미안합니다
Excuse me. sillyehabnida 실례합니다
It’s okay. gwaenchanhseubnida 괜찮습니다
You’re welcome. cheonman-eyo 천만에요
Good. johseubnida 좋습니다
Would you give me a help? dowa juseyo 도와 주세요


More useful expressions

Business Hours

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

Credit cards

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club are widely accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants in Korea. Check with your credit card company for details using abroad.

Currency & Exchange

Local currency is the South Korean won (KRW, 원 in Korean, pronounced like “won”). There are four bill denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 50,000 “won”s. Apart from the respective denominations, notes are easily discernible by distinct colors and different portraits of historical figures on each note. As of July 17, 2023, 1 US Dollar is equivalent to about 1,267 Korean Won (KRW) and 1 Euro is equivalent to about 1,424 Korean Won (KRW).

Tip & Tax

Tipping is not a customary practice in Korea. Generally, 10% Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied in the total payable. Some upscale restaurants and hotel facilities may charge another 10% Service Charges. Foreigners may take a benefit of reclaiming VATs at the airport for purchases made at shops but purchased goods must be taken out of the country within three months from the purchase date to be eligible for a tax refund. Visitors can receive a refund on a receipt for a minimum purchase of KRW 30,000.

Electricity Info

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

Emergency Phone Numbers
1339 Medical Emergency
119 Emergencies for Fire, Rescue & Hospital Services
112 Police
129 First Aid Services

Useful Websites

Korea Tourism Organization Go >

Gateway to Korea Go >

Seoul Tourism OrganizationGo >

Seoul Metropolitan GovernmentGo >

Korea Immigration ServiceGo >

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and TradeGo >

Incheon International AirportGo >