Travel Essentials
※PASSPORT & VISA
| All visitors to the Republic of Korea should possess a valid passport. With the exception of citizens from countries that have visa waiver agreements with the Republic of Korea, tourists must apply for a single-entry visa, which allows a stay of 90 days from the date of issue. For details on visa exemption countries and period of stay, please visit www.hikorea. go.kr. |
※TIME DIFFERENCE
| South Korea is 9 hours ahead of GMT/UTC. |
※CURRENCY
| South Korea’s currency is the Korean won (\). Paper money comes in denominations of 1,000; 5,000; 10,000; and 50,000 won bills. Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 100, and 500 won (1 and 5 won coins are not widely circulated). A Korean currency note of \10,000 equals about US$9 (as of November 2019). Most banks offer a currency exchange service (working hours 9am-4pm). A traveler’s daily budget is expected to be at least \100,000 when using business hotels, midrange restaurants, and public transportation. |
※PHONE & INTERNET
| To stay connected in Seoul, please visit http://english.visitseoul.net/essential-Info-article/Phone-Internet_/392 to get more information on How to Make International Calls from Korea, how to rent mobile phones from airports or hotels, how to purchase SIM cards online, and how to access wireless internet etc. |
※TAX REFUNDS VAT
| It can be refunded when more than \30,000 was spent in any shop with a “Tax Free” sign. Upon leaving the country, visit the customs declaration office at Incheon International Airport with your passport, receipts, and purchased items before the check-in to get a confirmation stamp; or use the kiosk machine. |
※EMERGENCY CALLS
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COUNTRY CODE —+82 Police — 112 Fire & Ambulance — 119 Tourist Information — 1330 Seoul Information (Dasan Call Center) — 120 |
Get more help from Seoul Official Tourist Guide