20th WCNDT

The basic currency of Korea is Won (KRW). Foreign currencies can be exchanged at airports and government-designated banks. Most of the stores in Korea only accept Korean currency or KRW, so it is advised that visitors exchange to Korean currency at the airport. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and traveler’s checks may be accepted by tourist-oriented shops and at most international tourist hotels and banks. Banks open from 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays(Mon-Fri) and are closed on weekends and public holidays.

Specifically, various notes and coins are used: Notes include 1,000 won, 5,000 won, 10,000 won, and 50,000 won denominations, while coins include 10 won, 50 won, 100 won, and 500 won denominations.

Travelers who carry internationally recognized credit cards can get a cash advance in Korea Won (KRW) from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) installed at airports, major hotels, department stores, subway stations, and tourist attractions. ATMs are in operation 24 hours a day. Most large stores, hotels, and restaurants in Korea accept major international credit cards. Restaurants and stores generally display signs indicating what cards they accept.

Time zone : The Korean local time is 9 hours ahead of UTC with no daylight savings time.
Business Hours : Government office hours are usually from 9:00 am to 06:00 pm on weekdays and closed on weekends. Banks are open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays and closed on Saturday and Sunday. Major stores are open every day from 10:30 am to 08:00 pm including Sundays.

Korea has four distinct seasons, though spring and autumn tend to be short. Spring comes in early April and lasts throughout May. The hot and humid summer begins in June and lasts about four months. The summer rainy season lasts from the end of June to mid of July. Summer ends in late September, giving way to crisp, clear autumn days that last until the end of October. It becomes colder in November, and a very cold, bleak winter sets in during December and lasts until the end of February.

International dialing code in Incheon, Korea is +82-032(Area Code). Please omit (0) when dialing from overseas.

Tip : 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 do tip when they are especially pleased with the service they receive.
Tax : Visitors can receive a refund on a receipt for a minimum purchase of KRW 50,000 (around US$52). To receive this refund, present refund receipts with the purchased goods at the customs desk at the Incheon International Airport when departing. These receipts can be cashed in at the Cash Refund Office in front of the Airport Duty-Free Shop.

The standard electricity supply is 220 volts AC/60 cycles. Most hotels may provide outlet converters for 110 and 220 volts. Participants are recommended to check with the hotel beforehand.

Travelers can purchase SIM cards from the major retail stores or convenience stores. More often than not, this service is cheaper than roaming phones, therefore is the preferred communication service by a large number of business travelers.
You may rent a cell phone at the Incheon International Airport. Users can rent a handset and pay rental and call charges upon returning the phone. Applicants require identification, credit card, and a service contract (available at the booth).

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