South Korea Travel Guide
TRAVEL WARNING
Current information
There have been repeated major demonstrations in connection with the impeachment proceedings against President Park. Meetings have been peaceful so far, but an escalation can never be completely ruled out.
Country-specific safety instructions
As a country located in Asia according to neovideogames, the Republic of Korea is considered a comparatively safe travel destination. The consequences of the division of the Korean Peninsula and the political relations between the Republic of Korea (South Korea) and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) have so far not impaired the security situation for travelers in South Korea.
There are always tensions between North Korea and South Korea. Since the beginning of 2016 there have been several missile tests by North Korea and tightening of sanctions against North Korea. A specific risk to German citizens is not seen in this context.
German nationals who wish to be briefed in the event of a crisis and who are staying in South Korea for more than three months are advised to register at the German Embassy in Seoul and to leave their contact addresses: More information is available on the website External Link, opens in a new windowwww. seoul.diplo.de is available in the “Information for German Citizens” section. There is a link to the “Electronic German List”.
MONEY
Currency
1 won = 100 chon. Currency abbreviation: W, KRW (ISO code). Banknotes are in circulation to the value of 50,000, 10,000, 5,000 and 1,000 won; Coins in denominations of 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1 won. 1 and 5 won are rarely used.
Credit cards
Visa, American Express and MasterCard are accepted in many major restaurants, hotels and shops in cities. However, they are rarely accepted in the countryside. Cash withdrawals with credit cards are possible at all machines marked with “Global ATM”. Details from the issuer of the respective credit card.
ATMs
EC / Maestro card / Sparcard
At “Global” ATMs, foreign EC / Maestro cards with the Cirrus symbol can only be used to a limited extent. Cashless payments with EC cards are hardly possible. Further information from banks and credit institutes.
Attention: Travelers who pay with their bank customer card abroad and want to withdraw money should find out about the options for using their card from their bank prior to departure.
Bank opening times
Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Foreign exchange regulations
The import and export of the local currency is limited to 8 million won. There is no limit to the importation of foreign currencies, but money from an amount equivalent to US $ 10,000 must be declared upon entry. The export of foreign currencies is limited to the amount declared upon entry (present declaration document).
Currency Exchange
Money can be changed directly at the airport or at banks and exchange offices as well as in hotels and some shops that have to be authorized to do so.
LANGUAGE
Overview
Korean. English and Japanese are also spoken in business circles.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into South Korea duty-free (people over 20 years):
200 cigarettes;
1 bottle of alcoholic beverages;
60 ml of perfume and eau de toilette;
Gifts up to a value of US $ 600.
All valuables must be declared upon entry.
Travelers should refrain from importing any food.
Prohibited imports
Milk, meat and sausage products from Europe, fruit, vegetables, nuts, rice, hay, plant seeds, narcotics, subversive or pornographic print products, weapons and ammunition, explosives, books, films, audio or video recordings, etc. products that originate from or come from communist countries endanger South Korean security.
ECONOMY
Business etiquette
English is widely spoken in business circles and authorities. Appointments should be made in advance, business cards are common. They should be handed over and received with the right hand. The best time to travel on business is from February to June (no rainy season).
Opening hours
Business hours: Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Economy
Korea Trade Center (KOTRA)
Korean trade center
Mainzer Landstrasse 27-31, D-60329 Frankfurt / M.
Tel: (069) 242 99 20.
Internet: www.kotra.or.kr/frankfurt
Korea Trade Center (KOTRA)
300-9, Yomgok-dong, Seocho-ku, Seoul
Tel: (02) 34 60 71 14.
Internet: www.kotra.co.kr
Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
45, 4-ga Namdaemunro, Jung-gu, PO Box 2, 45 4-ga, Seoul 100-743
Tel: (02) 60 50 31 14.
Internet: www.korcham.net
Business contacts
Korea Trade Center (KOTRA)
Korean trade center
Mainzer Landstrasse 27-31, D-60329 Frankfurt / M.
Tel: (069) 242 99 20.
Internet: www.kotra.or.kr/frankfurt
Korea Trade Center (KOTRA)
300-9, Yomgok-dong, Seocho-ku, Seoul
Tel: (02) 34 60 71 14.
Internet: www.kotra.co.kr
Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
45, 4-ga Namdaemunro, Jung-gu, PO Box 2, 45 4-ga, Seoul 100-743
Tel: (02) 60 50 31 14.
Internet: www.korcham.net
COMMUNICATION
Phone
The country code is 0082. There are two different types of public telephones, usually both local and long-distance: pay phones and card phones. Public telephone booths have become rare in the age of cell phones. Mostly they are near bus stops, underground stations and train stations. Phone cards are available for 3,000, 5,000, and 10,000 won. They are available from the 24-hour shops and Kisoken near the phone booths. Cheap calls can be made from evening to morning. An inexpensive alternative to public telephones is Internet telephony, which is offered in Internet cafés, among other places.
Emergency numbers are: police 112, fire and rescue services 119 and an emergency interpreter can be requested at 1330.
Cellphone
GSM 900 and 1800. The main network operator is SK Telecom (Internet: www.sktelecom.com). International roaming agreements exist. Cell phones can be rented or bought at major airports. The rental service must be ordered in advance. Online reservations are possible at www.visitkorea.or.kr. Roaming centers offer roaming services at major international airports and lend WiFi eggs and smartphones. Possibly. It is worth purchasing a South Korean SIM card from Simcardkorea (Internet: www.simcardkorea.com) or from EG SIM CARD (Internet: www.egsimcard.co.kr). Roaming centers at airports also sell SIM cards. International roaming contracts exist.
Internet
The main internet provider is among others KT Corporation (internet: www.kt.com/eng/main.jsp), Korea has the highest number of users worldwide. There are internet cafés in many places across the country (so-called PC-Bangs, cheap tariffs and often open all day). In Korea, there is also access to the Internet in public places such as airports, train stations and bus stations.
Post Office
Airmail shipments to Europe take around 10 days. Post office opening times: Mon-Fri 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mailboxes are becoming increasingly rare. Hotel receptions also accept mail.
Radio
Since the use of shortwave frequencies changes several times over the course of a year, it is advisable to contact Deutsche Welle customer service directly (Tel: (+49) (0228) 429 32 08. Internet: www.dw-world.de) to request.
