Before you go

Weather

October is the autumn month which is the best time to visit Korea. The weather in Incheon may be warm and sunny. In October long slacks, long-sleeved shirts, and cardigans or jackets are ideal.

Average Temp. 15 ºC
Average max: 22.0 ºC [71 ºF]
Average min: 10.0 ºC [50 ºF]

Time zone

Incheon is 9 hours ahead of UTC (UTC+9).

Electricity

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. Visitors will require plug adaptors for continental Europe and potentially voltage converters.

Currency

Korean currency: Korea`s official monetary unit is the won. The Korean currency consists of a ten thousand, five thousand, and one thousand won note, and five hundred, one hundred, fifty and ten won coins.

Currency Exchange Rate: One U.S. dollar is roughly equivalent to 1,200 won. Please note that exchange rates fluctuate daily; it is recommended to check current rates before making any large transactions.

Opening hours

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
Saturdays: 09:00 – 13:00
Sundays and National Holidays: Closed

Core opening hours for shops are Monday to Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Many shops have extended hours until 9 p.m.

Calling to and within Korea

Dialling into Korea:

When you make a phone call to Korea from abroad, first dial 82 (Country Code for Korea), then Area Code (except for the first number 0) , finally, dial the Phone Number you wish to call. For example: Calling Seoul (Area Code 02) with 777-7777 as the phone number, dial +82-2-777-7777.

Dialling out of Korea:

First dial any of the following international call company numbers and then the country code, area code and finally the number you are calling.

Regular International Phone Call Carriers: 001, 002, 005, 006, 008
Mobile Phone Carriers: 00345, 00365, 00388, 00700, 00727, 00766, 00770 and so on.
Pre-paid Phone Cards: Generally, since it is almost impossible to find budget mobile phone rentals, pre-paid phone cards are available at any convenience stores or news stands.

Emergency numbers

Crime Reporting & Police 112
Fire and Medical Service 119
Linked to Korea Travel Phone 1330, it provides foreign tourists with emergency rescue service.
Medical Referral Service 1339
Information Service - International call 00794

Visa

Any foreign visitors wishing to enter the Republic of Korea must have a valid passport and obtain a Korean visa before their arrival. However, citizens of the 99 countries listed below are permitted to enter Korea for a limited time without a visa according to visa-exemption agreements, or in accordance with principles reciprocity or national interest.

To see the list click here: english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/GK/GK_EN_2_1_1.jsp

Tipping in restaurants / bars

No tip is necessary in Korean restaurants and bars, as table service as service is already included in the final price. Politeness is appreciated as a way of showing your satisfaction.

Specific cultural information

When meeting someone, the bow, rather than the handshake, is used. the deeper the bow, the more respect you are showing. Typically, however, a slight bow is all that is required.

For many actions, the use of bth hands is a sign of respect. This includes shaking hands, offering and receiving business cards and pouring or accepting drinks.

The dradition of Confucianism is still influencing the Korean society and much respect is given to elderly people or work superiors.

The moment you arrive in Korea, you will be a year older. Korean people count age from the moment of conception, rather than from date of birth.

Tourist information

Incheon Tourism Information

1127-1, Guwol-dong Nam dong-gu

405-835 Incheon, Korea

Tel: +82-32-220-5100