Useful links:
Korea Immigration Service
immigration.go.kr/HP/IMM80/index.do
Customs
Seoul Tourism Information
- seoulwelcome.com/en
- english.seoul.go.kr
- kto.visitkorea.or.kr/eng.kto
- asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/index.kto
TripLinks app
Useful facts:
Airport & public transport
The section Arriving in Seoul provides airport information, including options for getting from the airport to your hotel or the conference venue. Public transport options are described in the section on Getting around Seoul.
Banks
- Weekdays: 09:00 – 16:00
- Weekends and national holidays: closed
Government offices and organizations
- Weekdays: 09:00 – 18:00
- Weekends and national holidays: closed
Post offices
- Weekdays: 09:00 – 18:00
- Public holidays: closed
- Nationwide list: www.koreapost.go.kr (Korean, English)
- List of post offices in Seoul: english.seoul.go.kr (English)
Foreign diplomatic missions
- Weekdays: hours vary, for more information please the website for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (English)
- Weekends and national holidays: closed
Department stores
- 10:30 – 20:00
Typically one day a month (usually a Monday) department stores are closed to the public. However, closings will vary according to each store.
Currency
Korea's official monetary unit is the Korean Won (KRW). US$ 1 is worth approximately KRW 1,200.
Emergency phone number
- Police Department Tel: 112
- Fire Department Tel: 119
- Medical Emergencies Tel: 1339
1330 Korea Travel Hotline
The 1330 Korea Travel Hotline, operated by the Korea Tourism Organization, is a one-stop helpline available as a public service for both local and international travelers. Click here to learn more.
Electricity
The standard voltage in Korea is 220 volts (and 60 Hertz, or cycles), and the outlet has two round holes, which is the same type used in France, Germany, Greece, Turkey, and many other countries. If you do not have a multi-voltage travel adapter, you can borrow one from your hotel’s front desk for free of charge (however, some establishment may request a minimal fee as deposit, covering for possible loss). If you would like to buy one in Korea, you can do so at any of the retail stores, major duty-free shops, Yongsan Electronics Market, convenience stores, or even stationery stores.
Time zone
Seoul lies in Korea Standard Time (KST) which is nine hours ahead of GMT (UTC+09:00). Korea does not observe daylight saving time.
Vaccinations
Travellers should ensure that their routine primary courses and booster vaccinations are up to date (especially Tetanus) and a Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended. These should be administered at least eight weeks prior to travel.