Useful Information

Time Zone

Korea is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +9) and does not have daylight savings time.

International Call

International dialing code in Busan, Korea is +82-51(Area code). Please omit (0) when dialing from overseas.

Emergency Phone Number

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

Tax

Value-added tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services at a standard rate of 10% and is included in the retail price. In tourist hotels, this 10% tax applies to meals and other services and is added into the bill.

Tipping

Tipping is not a traditional custom in Korea. A 10% service charge will be added to your bill at all tourist restaurants and hotels. It is also not necessary to tip a taxi driver unless he assists you with luggage or provides an extra service.

Currency

The Korean local currency is the Won. Major foreign currencies that can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and the airport include the US Dollar, Japanese Yen, Euro, and UK Sterling. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept major international credit cards including Visa, American Express, Diners Club, Master Card, and JBC. Foreign-issued ATM cards may have limited use.

Old Bills
 
10,000 won (man won) 5,000 won (ocheon won) 1,000 won (cheon won)  
New Bills
10,000 won (man won) 5,000 won (ocheon won) 1,000 won (cheon won) 50,000 won (oman won)
Coins
500 won (obaek won) 100 won (baek won) 50 won (osip won) 10 won (sip won)

Electricity

The electricity supply commonly used in Korea is the 200-volt 60Hz system. Because most newly built hotels and houses have the 220-volt wiring installed, you are advised to check your electronic equipment beforehand.

Language

Hangeul (한글), Korea's official alphabet, was first invented by King Sejong during the Joseon Dynasty. Originally called Hunminjeongeum (훈민정음), the language was conceived in 1443, and further promulgated by the King in 1446. At the time of its inception, the language consisted of 17 consonants and 11 vowels however, since then, 3 of the originally established consonants and 1 vowel have fallen into disuse bringing the total number of characters to 24. Syllables are formed by the selective combination of vowels and consonants to create words.