Language :

The official language of South Korea is Korean (Most major tourist attractions offer language services in English, Japanese and Chinese).The written form is known as Hangul and also uses adapted Chinese characters called hanja.

 

Speaking English:

Whilst English is spoken / understood by the vast majority of Koreans around Seoul, the reality is that when asking for help or directions while you are out and about, it is usually better to ask slightly younger people as they will most likely be more comfortable with spoken English.

 

Geography:

Seoul is a city surrounded by mountains 700-800 meters high. Namsan (Mount Nam) is situated in the center of the city. The Han River flows across the city from East to West dividing the city into two main areas: North of the River and South of the River.

 

Currency:

The Korean Won or KRW is the local currency, available in denominations of 1000, 5,000 , 10,000 and 50, 000. Coins are in denominations of 10, 50, 100 and 500 . All major credit cards  accepted throughout the country.

 

                      (Approx Exchange Rate =  $1 U.S. = 1,200 Korean Won)

 

Climate:

Four distinctive seasons: Cold and dry winters, hot and humid summers and rather clear and dry spring and fall.

 

Wifi:

Seoul provides free Wi-Fi access in outdoor areas, giving Internet access to over 10,000 parks, streets, buses, subways and other public places.

 

Plugs:

The standard voltage in Korea is 220 volts.

The outlet has two round holes and is the same type used in France, Germany,

Austria, Greece, Turkey, and many other countries.

 

Driving:

As South Korea has deep American Influences, they drive on the right hand side of the road.

 

Traffic:

Roads in Seoul, especially around and into the city centre can become heavily congested. If you plan on using the roads during peak traffic times, please allow for the extra time needed to travel.

 

Transportation:

The city’s metro system is easy, cheap and convenient. Buses and taxis are affordable and reliable.

If you do need to take a taxi, make sure to have your destination written in Korean because not all taxi drivers speak English.

Read this quick guide to taxis in Seoul.   

 

 

 

 

Eating Out: 

Restaurants in Seoul serve a wide variety of food ranging from Taco Bell to sushi, from Western style food to traditional Korean style. For a look at some Korean food you should try while you are here, please click the link.

 

 

 

 

Tipping:

Tipping is not a requirement in South Korea. Hotels etc will add around 10% VAT and 10% service charge.

 

Credit Cards:

Credit cards issued overseas are widely accepted within Seoul and South Korea.

 

Emergencies:

In the event of an accident or a medical emergency:Contact the police at 112 or emergency medical help at 119 and your location will be automatically identified.

 

International Hospital:

 

   Severance Hospital: Yonsei University Hospital

   International Health Care Center (IHCC)

- Address: 134 Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

- Tel: +82-2- 2228-5800

- Emergency: 010-9948-0983

- Website: http://www.yuhs.or.kr/en  [Kor, Eng, Jap, Chi, Rus]

- Open: 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. -- 2:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (weekdays) / 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Saturdays).

- (very close to Seoul Foreign School)

 

Medicine:

All pharmacies in Korea sell Western-style medicine. Most drugs are only available at pharmacies, but basic over-the-counter drugs, like Tylenol or Asprin, can be purchased at convenience stores such as 7-11.