Useful Information
Business Hours
Banks
Weekday: 09:00-16:00
Closed weekends & public holidays
* Exceptions: Standard Chartered Bank weekdays 09:30-16:30, EVERRICH Bank weekdays 09:00-16:30 / Closed weekends & public holidays
Post Office
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Weekdays 09:00-18:00 / Closed weekends & public holidays
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Website: www.koreapost.go.kr
(Korean, English)
Government Offices and Organizations
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Weekdays 09:00-18:00
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Closed weekends & public holidays
Department Stores
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Monday-Thursday 10:30-20:00, Friday-Sunday 10:30-20:30
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Closed days vary by store
* Typically, department stores are closed one day a month, so we recommend checking before visiting
Korean Currency & Exchange Information
Bills
fifty thousand won
(o-man-won)
five thousand won
(o-cheon-won)
ten thousand won
(man-won)
one thousand won
(cheon-won)
Coins
five hundred won
(o-baek-won)
fifty won
(fifty won)
one hundred won
(baek-won)
fifty won
(sip-won)
Traveler’s Check
Traveler's checks can be exchanged for cash at banks or exchange booths. A number of stores still accept the checks instead cash. Nonetheless, the forms of credit cards and debit cards have become a more preferred means of payment by travelers. Thus trading checks is hardly observed nowadays as there is seemingly a decreasing number of stores that offer this service.
Money Exchange
When you need to exchange your foreign currency into Korean won, visit a bank or authorized exchange service center. Banks are generally open 09:00-16:00 on weekdays, with exceptions to certain banks that operate 09:30-16:30 such as EVERRICH Bank. Please be aware that money exchange of old currency may not be accepted at certain locations. Make sure to check if banks or authorized exchange service centers accept old currency beforehand.
Credit Card
Most of the businesses in Korea widely use and accept payment by credit cards, including at major hotels, department stores, and general shops. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and other credit cards can be used; however check the service availability before making purchases as some stores may not provide this service.
Currency Converter
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Swedish, Arabic)
Electricity & Communication
Electricity and Voltage
The standard voltage in Korea is 220 volts at 60 Hertz, and the outlet has two round holes. If you do not have a multi-voltage travel adapter, you may ask to borrow or purchase one from your hotel's front desk. You can also find them at the airport, retail stores, major duty-free shops, and even convenience stores.
Mobile Phone Rentals and Roaming Service
Korea's major airports, including Incheon, Gimpo, Gimhae and Jeju International Airports, have roaming centers, operated by local network service providers. Visitors can get their mobile devices connected for roaming here after a simple registration process. In addition to roaming services, SIM Card purchase, Wi-Fi egg rentals and even smart phone rentals are available. More information about the fees, location of roaming centers and other details can be found on the service provider's official website.
Roaming Services of Major Network Carriers
• KT Roaming Center website: globalroaming.kt.com (Korean, English, Chinese, Vietnamese)
• SK TELECOM Roaming Center website: www.sktroaming.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
• LG U+ Roaming Center website: www.uplus.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
SIM Card Purchase (Korea SIM card)
Travelers can purchase a SIM card to insert in their personal cell phone device to enjoy unlimited data or receive a personal number while traveling in Korea. These prepaid SIM cards usually cost less than roaming services and offer unlimited data for a period of 5, 10 or 30 days. The SIM cards can be purchased at CU and 7-Eleven convenience stores at Incheon International Airport and Korea SIM Card’s official website. Although they can also be found at certain CU and 7-Eleven branch stores in Seoul and Busan, visitors are recommended to make a purchase in advance via online or at the airport.
[SIM Card Retail Locations]
• Convenience Stores (airport, downtown, etc.): Incheon International Airport (7-Eleven, CU) and limited 7-Eleven branch stores
(Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun, Jongno, & Haeundae)
• Korea SIM Card website: www.krsim.net (English, Chinese)
Internet
Internet service is often provided in public places such as airports, train stations, and bus terminals in Korea. PC rooms and internet cafes are also great places to go and they are mostly open 24 hours.
Helpful Services
Emergency Calls
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Police Department: +82-112
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Fire Department: +82-119
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Medical Emergencies: +82-119
Diplomatic Missions in Korea
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www.mofa.go.kr (Korean, English)
Local Telephone Directory (Assistance)
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Tel: <Local area code> + 114
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Local Area Code Search Website: www.countrycode.org
1330 Korea Travel Hotline
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Tel: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay)
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www.visitkorea.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, French, Spanish, German, Russian)
LOST 112 (Lost and Found Center)
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Tel: +82-2-182
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www.lost112.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Korea Travel Safety Guidelines
