The Country's currency is the won (KRW). The exchange rate in recent months is around 1100 KRW for 1 USD. 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.

Travelers who carry internationally recognized credit cards can get a cash advance in Korea Won 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. However it is advisable to carry some cash, since many smaller establishments and stores are unlikely to accept credit cards.

Time zone The Korean local time is 9 hours ahead of GMT 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. Korea Meteorological Administration

International dialing code in Jeju, Korea is +82-64(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.

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).

- Fire, Rescue & Hospital Services: 119
- Police Services: 112
- First Aid Services: 129
- Korea Travel Phone: 1330