GENERAL INFORMATION
TRAVEL IDEAS
- Best of Korea and China, 14 days
- Classic Korea, 7 days
- Seoul, 3 days
- Gyeongju, 3 days
- Gyeongju & Busan, 5 days
- Jeju Island, 3 days
- Korean Temple Stay, 2 days
- Korean Temple Stay, 3 days
JOIN-IN TOURS
- Korea In Depth, 11 days
- Seoul In Depth, 6 days
- Korea Showcase, 7 days
AIR-LAND INCLUSIVE
- Classic Korea Getaway, 8 days
Korea
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
PASSPORTS
All visitors must have a valid passport. Visas are not required for Canadian passport holders on holidays up to 6 months or US passport holders on holidays up to 3 months.
Business travelling, signing contracts or any monetary exchange require a visa.
VACCINATIONS
No vaccinations are required to enter Korea, however, vaccinations against cholera and yellow fever are recommended for travellers arriving from infected areas.
CUSTOMS
An oral or written declaration must be made to a customs officer at the port of entry. Incheon International Airport is making use of the dual channel system for passenger baggage inspection, where passengers may choose either the green or red channel for customs clearance. Passengers satisfying both of the following conditions may use the green channel: * Carrying less than 20kg (44 pounds) of articles. * Not carrying restricted or prohibited articles. Passengers not satisfying both of these conditions must go through the red channel.
CURRENCY
Won (KRW)
DEPARTURE TAX
KRW 15,000 for adults. (Approx. CAD$18 / US$12). Price is included in the price of airline ticket.
POPULATION & LANGUAGE
The population of Korea is over 49 million people. Korean is the official language, though English is widely used in hotels, restaurants etc.
TAXIS
Taxis are plentiful and relatively cheap in Korea. There are taxi stands in busy city areas, and can also be hailed on most streets. Certain taxis can be requested by phone, though the fare is somewhat higher than taxis (Tel: (02) 417-0084). An increasing number of taxi drivers speak some English. It is not advisable to take taxis during the morning and evening rush hours, as the roads are very congested. It is better to take the subway, which, although crowded at this time, runs on schedule.
TELEPHONES
There are three types of public telephones in Korea: blue telephones, grey telephones, and card telephones. All telephones can be used for both local and long distance calls (I.D.D.). A local call costs 50 Won for three minutes. Long distance calls cost more. Time can be extended by depositing more money. These telephones take 10, 50 Won and 100 Won coins.
ELECTRICITY
Outlets for both 110/220 volts are available.
TRAVELLER'S CHEQUES
Foreign money and traveller's cheques can be changed into Korean Won at foreign exchange banks and authorized money changers.
CLIMATE
Temperate climate: Transitional zone between continental climate and subtropical maritime climate.
Four distinct seasons: Spring (Late March through May); Summer (June to early September); Autumn (September through November); Winter (December to mid March).
MEDICAL FACILITIES
There are many hospitals and some English is spoken. However, it is best to use the international clinics at large general hospitals like Severance and Asan Medical Centres.
EMERGENCIES
Dial 112 for police and 119 for the fire department. The hotel front desk or manager can arrange for a doctor or ambulance. If you need a doctor on the street, ask a policeman or someone for assistance. A police box can be found on every major street.
TIPPING
If service charge is not included, 10% is normal, though not necessary.
KOREAN TABLE MANNERS
Traditionally, Korean food is not served in courses, but instead it is all placed on the table at the same time. There is no set order in which to eat the food, just according to personal preference. The main dish is almost always accompanied by bap(rice), guk(soup), kimchi, and several side dishes, which are all included in the price.
Koreans eat their rice and soup with a spoon, and side dishes with chopsticks. Do not leave chopsticks inserted directly into the rice, as this is a ceremonial act that symbolically designates the chopsticks for use by the dead. Koreans always wait for the oldest person present to begin eating before they begin and do not leave the table until the oldest person has finished.
