Other Information

1) Emergencies

Police Dial 112 / Fire & Ambulance Dial 119 The hotel front desk or hotel manager can arrange for a doctor or an ambulance in an emergency. If you need a doctor on the street, ask a policeman or passersby for assistance. A police box can be found on every major street. In addition, AEA International Korea Ltd. provides a 24-hour emergency service for foreigners, acting as a link between patient and the Korean hospitals for a fee. For details, contact AEA International Korea Ltd.

Address : 5F, Shindong Bd. 726-164, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea. (Zip Code: 140-210)

(02) 790-7561 / Fax (02) 790-6785


2) Medical Care

English is spoken in some general hospitals, and the larger ones, such as Samsung Medical Center, Severance Hospital and the Asan Medical Center, have international clinics where bilingual nurses can provide you with assistance. It is advisable to carry traveler's insurance.

  • Samsung Medical Center
    • Address : 50, Irwon-dong, Kangnam-gu, Seoul
    • (02)3410-2114
    • International Clinic : (02)3410-0200
    • Hours :
      08:00-17:00 on weekdays
      09:00-12:00 on Saturdays
  • Severance Hospital
    • Address : 134, Shinch'on-dong, Sodaemun-gu, Seoul
    • : (02) 361-5114
      International Clinic (02) 361-6540
    • Hours :
      08:30 - 12:30 and 13:30 - 17:30 on weekdays
      08:30 - 12:30 on Saturdays
  • Asan Medical Center (Chung-ang Hosp.)
    • Address : 388-1, P'ungnap-dong, Songp'a-gu, Seoul
    • : (02) 224-3114
      International Clinic (02)224-5001
    • Hours :
      09:00 - 17:00 on weekdays
      09:00 - 12:30 on Saturdays


3) Electricity

  In Korea, outlets for both 110 and 220 volts are usually available, although many newer hotels have only 220 volt current. Always check the voltage of the power supply before using equipment.


4) Time Differences

The following world time chart shows the time differences between Seoul and other major cities. Korea does not have Daylight Savings Time.

* Previous day

City

Time

Seoul, Tokyo

1

4

7

10

13

16

19

22

Taipei, Manila, Hong Kong,
Kuala Lumpur, Singapore

24*

3

6

9

12

15

18

21

Bangkok, Jakarta

23*

2

5

8

11

14

17

20

New Delhi, Calcutta

22*

1

4

7

10

13

16

19

Teheran, Kuwait, Jeddah

19*

22*

1

4

7

10

13

16

Hamburg, Rome, Paris,
Amsterdam

17*

20*

23*

2

5

8

11

14

London, Madrid

16*

19*

22*

1

4

7

10

13

Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo

13*

16*

19*

22*

1

4

7

10

New York, Montreal,
Bogota, Toronto

11*

14*

17*

20*

23*

2

5

8

Chicago, Houston

10*

13*

16*

19*

22*

1

4

7

Vancouver, Seattle,
San Francisco, Los Angeles

8*

11*

14*

17*

20*

23*

2

5

Sydney, Melbourne

2

5

8

11

14

17

20

23


5) Business Hours

  Government offices are open between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. from March to October and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from November to February. On Saturdays, they open at 9 a.m. and close at 1 p.m. Most private businesses open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. but some are open until late evening. Banks are a major exception. Their business hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, and from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays. All banks and businesses are required by law to close on Sundays and national holidays. Foreign diplomatic missions in Seoul generally maintain strict business hours. They are usually open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and are closed on Saturdays ,Sundays and their national holidays. Major department stores are open from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., including Sundays, and are closed one day during the week. Department stores. Smaller shops tend to be open from early morning until late evening every day of the week.


6) Useful Tips

 Greeting

Greeting and saying "thank you" are very important to Koreans. Words of greeting and thanks are always said with a bow of the head. The depth of the bow depends on the relative seniority of the two speakers.

Friendship

Upon first introduction Koreans do not appreciate overly outgoing style and thus generally limit their physical contact to a courteous handshake. However, as one gets to know Koreans better, a greater familiarity becomes possible. In fact, foreigners are often quite surprised to see men, especially young men, walking in the street with their arms around each other's shoulders and women walking hand in hand. Touching close friends while talking to them is perfectly acceptable in Korea. Public displays of affection between the sexes, however, such as hugging and kissing, are regarded as unseemly.

Visiting Manners

Koreans traditionally sit, eat and sleep on the floor, so shoes are always removed when entering a Korean home. Bare feet can be offensive to the elderly, so it is best to wear socks or stockings when visiting families.

Hospitality

There is no such thing as "going Dutch" among Koreans; the visitor should be prepared to be either host or guest.

Restrooms

There are many public restrooms in Korea. It is also perfectly acceptable to use the restrooms in office buildings, hotels, shops, and restaurants. Sometimes only Asian-style restrooms are available, but often Western-style restrooms are also provided.

Table Manners

It is impolite to talk excessively during a meal. True appreciation of the food and service is gratefully received. It is impolite to blow your nose when anyone present is eating.


7) Tipping

  Tipping is not a traditonal Korean custom. A 10% service charge is added to the bill at all tourist hotels and tipping is not expected. It is not necessary to tip a taxi driver unless he assists you with luggage or provides an extra service.


8) Tax

  A 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 rooms, meals and other services and is automatically added onto the bill.





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