Travel

Travel
Time Difference

Korea standard time is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich mean time (GMT +9).

Climate

Korea is geographically located in the mid-latitude temperate climatic zone, experiencing four distinct seasons: spring (March-May), summer (June-August), fall (September-November), and winter (December-February).

ICIMC2026 is scheduled to be held in June, and if you visit Korea during this time, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful summer scenery with clear skies and refreshing breezes. The weather during this period is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C and occasional rainfall, with an average precipitation of 70.2 mm.

Business Hours

Government office hours are usually from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays. Banks are open from 9:00 to 16:00 on weekdays. Although most stores are open every day from 10:30 to 20:00, including Sundays, please check the website of the location that you would like to visit.

Electricity

Korea uses 110 and 220 volts, 60 cycles system but the standard voltage is 220 volts. Regarding the shape of outlet, Korea use ‘Round pin attachment plug’ type. Please check up your plug and prepare the adapter, if necessary.

Telephone Calls

To make an international call, first dial the international dialing code (001, 002 or 00700), then the country code, area code, and finally the individual number. You may rent a cell phone at the airport.

Currency and Exchange

The unit of Korean currency is the won (₩). Coin denominations are ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, and ₩500. Banknotes are ₩1,000, ₩5,000, ₩10,000, and ₩50,000.

Credit Cards

Most global credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, shops, and restaurants in Korea. Check with your credit card company for details about use abroad.

Tax & Tipping

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 included in the bill.

Tipping is not a regular practice in Korea. Service charges are included in your bill for rooms, meals, and other services at hotels and upscale restaurants. Koreans occasionally tip when they are especially pleased with the service they receive.

Emergency Phone Numbers

119 Emergencies for Fire, Rescue, and Hospital Services
112 Police

Language

Check out the useful expression in Korean below.

Hello! annyeonghaseyo 안녕하세요
Good-bye. annyeonghi gaseyo 안녕히 계세요
Thank you. gamsahamnida 감사합니다
I’m sorry. mianhamnida 미안합니다
Excuse me. sillyehabnida 실례합니다
It’s okay. gwaenchanhseubnida 괜찮습니다
You’re welcome. cheonman-eyo 천만에요
Good. johseubnida 좋습니다
Would you give me a help? dowa juseyo 도와 주세요
Useful Websites
Korea Tourism Organization
Korea Immigration Service
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Incheon International Airport
Seoul Tourism Organization