There is a wide selection of good international standard hotels with all the normal expected services available in almost all the main centres of South Korea. Hotels are classified into five categories: super deluxe (five-star), deluxe (four-star), first class (three-star), second class (two-star), third class (one-star). The prices of hotels vary depending on season and location. Breakfast is in some cases included but it is recommended that guests enquire about this. It should be noted that South African styled breakfasts are normally only available at some Four star and Five star hotels.

Korea's currency is the won(W). It is advised that visitors exchange dollars whilst still in South Africa. In some tourist areas, merchants may be willing to accept U.S. dollars or Japanese Yen, but the exchange rate will be worse than the official rate.

Most banks and hotels can exchange money, and most will also take travelers checks.

Most restaurants, hotels and shops accept credit cards. You may not be able use credit cards at small businesses and in rural areas. You may also want to check whether your credit card is accepted or not by looking at door signs. Visa and Master can readily be used.

Some bank branches may be equipped with Global ATMs that allows use of foreign cards but it is recommended that travellers verify with their bank whether their ATM Cards or Credit Cards are authorised to be used abroad.

Seoul and South Korea is on GMT+9:00 hours and therefore 7 hours in front of South African time.

Seoul is considered relatively safe. Please, however, remember that tourists all over the world are always easy targets for criminals who take advantage of persons not fully familiar with their surroundings.

It is advised that you take all the normal common-sense precautions. If a South African becomes the victim of a crime or have lost his/her passport please contact the Embassy.

International calling cards are available from most telephone shops and can be utilised from public phones.

To dial South Africa from South Korea: dial: 001 + 27 + city code (remove 0) + local number

Whereas South African cellular networks operate on the GSM 1800 and 1900 MHz frequency, South Korea operates CDMA system. Not all South African mobile phones operate in Korea.

Like South Africa, South Korea provides 220V current. Plugs are similar to the European two-point plug.

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.

Any product with a "Tax Free Shopping" sign will give you a refund on VAT. You must depart Korea within 3 months of the purchase.

Dial 112 for the police, 119 for the fire department, or 1339 for medical emergencies. Please not that most operators speak only Korean. A hotel staff or hotel manager can arrange for a doctor or an ambulance.

In Korea, a doctor's prescription is required to buy a certain medications. For anything other than simple cold medicines, you will need to visit a hospital.

In the event of misplaced or lost property, contact the Lost and Found Center of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Bureau:
Address: 102, Hongik-dong, Seongdong-gu
Tel: +82 2 2299-1282 (Korean speakers only), Fax: +82 2 2298 1282

Information on events and festivals in Korea is available on the website of the Korea Tourism Organisation http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_2_2.jsp

The 1330tt call center, operated by the Korea Tourism Organisation, is a one-stop helpline available as a public service for local and international travelers.

How to call 1330 tt call center:
In Korea 1330(Landline) / 02-1330 (Mobile) / From abroad 82-2-1330

Tipping is not customary in Korea. Sometimes, expensive restaurants and luxury hotels may add a service charge of 10%. Thus, you do not necessarily have to prepare for extra charges since it will be included in the bill. In the other restaurants and service industries, tipping is neither expected nor required. However, Koreans do sometimes tip when they are especially pleased with the service they receive or when a taxi driver, for example, goes out of his or her way to help them.

From mid-March through late-May, and mid-September through mid-November you will need a cardigan or a jacket. During summer, June through August, it can be humid and hot. Late November through early March you must be prepared for the cold. A scarf, gloves and snow shoes are recommended for January and February, and remember that it snows at higher elevations in Korea.