Language
Koreans are one ethic family and speak one language. Sharing distinct physical characteristics, they are believed to be descendants of several Mongol tribes that migrated onto the Korean Peninsula from Central Asia,

Clothing and Season
Clothing
From mid- March through late- May, and mid-September through mid-November you can wear long sleeved shirts and slacks plus possibly a cardigan or a jacket. During summer, June through August, short sleeved shirts and shorts would be a good idea. Late November through early March you must be prepared for the cold. A scarf and gloves are recommended for January and February, and remember that it snows at higher elevations in Korea.

Four Distinct Seasons:
Korea’s climate is regarded as a continental climate from a temperate standpoint and a monsoonal climate from a precipitation standpoint. The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall and winter.

Spring: Spring lasts from late March to May and is warm. Various flowers, including the picturesque cherry blossom, cover the nation’s mountains and fields during this time.

Summer: Summer lasts from June to early September. It is a hot and humid time of the year.

Autumn: Autumn lasts from September to November, and produces mild weather. It is the best season for visiting Korea.

Winter: Winter lasts from December to mid-March. It can be bitterly cold during this time due to the influx of cold Siberian air. Heavy snow in the northern and eastern parts of Korea makes favorable skiing conditions.

Time Difference and Voltage
Korea is 1 hour ahead of Singapore. In Korea, 220 volt outlets are most common.

Water, Hygiene and Toiletries
In Korea, tap water is safe to drink. However is recommended to drink boiled or filtered water.

No vaccinations are required for travel to Korea but it is advisable to check with your doctor for current information and take the necessary precautionary measures before you travel. Toiletries are not provided in most hotels. Therefore please do remember to bring your own toiletries.

Commentary and Guideline for Tour Guide & Driver Tipping (Customary)
Only Chinese speaking guide, local Singapore tour leader maybe assist in basic translations. However local Singapore tour leader is not allowed to hold microphone onboard the coach.

It is customary to tip your guide and driver to show your appreciation for their services.

Korean Tour Guide: USD2 per person, per day (based on from the day of arrival in Korea till the end of tour)

Driver: USD2 per person, per day (based on from the day of arrival in Korea till the end of tour)

Travel Insurance
You are urged to purchase travel insurance before leaving. Insurance plans typically cover accidental loss of belongings, medical cost in case of injury or illness and other possible risks of international travel. For detailed information, kindly approach our friendly tour consultant at 63384455

Passport and Visa
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
http://www.mofat.go.kr/en/index.mof

Immigration Bureau
http://www.immigration.go.kr

Any foreign visitors wishing to enter the Republic of Korea must have a valid passport and obtain a Korean visa before coming. Singapore and Malaysia passport holder do not need to obtain visa.

Visitors from countries not under Visa Exemption Agreements must apply for a visa extension if planning to stay for more than 30 days. Depending on the situation of the consulate, the visa extension will be issued 1 to 3 days from the day of application. Applicants require a completed application form, a recent passport size colour photo and application fee. Visitors do not require the outbound flight ticket. Visa extensions are usually for 90 days.

All visas including long-term visas are for a single visit. Therefore anyone who wishes to leave the country and re-enter later on during the allowed period of stay should obtain the Re-entry Permit from the Ministry of Justice prior to departure. For business visas, the intention of activities must be clearly stated on the visa application form.

Application for Visas
Visa application should be made at Korean Embassies or consulates abroad.
It is required for the visa applicants to submit passport, application forms, a recent passport-style color photograph, and such other documents as determined by the status of stay

Visa fees are as follows: (The information below are subjected to change without notice)

Single entry visa for a stay of no more than 90 days: USD30

Single entry visa for a stay of more than 90 days: USD50

Multiple entry visa: USD80

Prolongation of Re-entry Permit: USD20

Visa Extension
Extensions for tourist visas are possible in special cases such as accidents, health problems, flight cancellation, etc. Applications for visa extensions can be made at a local immigration office at least one day before the day of expiration

Currency
Korea’s currency is the (won).The official exchange rate between U.S. Dollar and won currently is equivalent to USD10 = KRW 8913.76 = SGD$13.84

Korea currency is issued in the following denominations:
Coins: 500 wons, 100 wons, 50 wons, 10 wons
Bills: 10,000 wons, 5000 wons, 100 wons

ATM:
Foreign issued ATM cards may have limited use at ATMs in different countries. Please refer to your bank for more information
”HanNet” ATM: Most foreign cards (VISA/PLUS, MASTER/CIRRUS, DINERS, JCB, AMEX) are accepted 24 hours a day. You may find these ATMs in Seoul Subway Line stations. Sometimes, convenienience stores like LG25, Mini Stop, and Buy the Way may also offer ATMs as well. Hotels, bus terminals, highway rest areas and shopping malls are some other places to look for “HanNet” ATMs.
Some bank branches may be equipped with Global ATMs that allows use of foreign cards. Available between 8:00 am – 10:00pm

Credit Card:
Most restaurants, hotels and shops accept credit cards. You may not be able to use credit cards at small business 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 are most common ones you can find.

Tax Refund:
Any product with “Tax Free Shopping” sign will give you a refund on VAT. You must depart Korea within 3 months of the purchase.
How to Get Tax Refund:
Purchase your items at any shops with this “Tax Free Shopping” sign and receive a payment slip. When departing, you need to get a stamp issued from the customs officer after showing him the purchased items and payment slip.

At the Cash Refund office in the airport, you can receive the amount of VAT. You may also be able to get a refund at the airport of your destination.

Most Tax Free Shopping centers are found either at department stores or shops in Myeong-dong and Cheongdam-dong areas.
For more information: Global Refund: 82-2-776-2170

VAT:
Value-Added Tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services at a standard rate of 10% and is included on the retail price. In tourist hotels, this 10% tax applies to rooms, meals and other services and is included in the bill.

Average Price List of Goods:
0.5 L Water = 600 won
Big Mac set in Macdonald = 4500 won
Starbucks coffee = 3000 won
Movie = 7000 – 8000 won

Telephone services
There are three types of public telephones in Korea: coin-operated telephones, card phones and credit card phones.
A local call costs 70 won (US$0.06) for three minutes. Intercity calls cost considerably more. Coin phones return coins that are not charged, but do not return change for partially used 100 won coins.
Card telephones can be used to make international calls as well as local and intercity calls. Telephone cards come in 2000, 3000, 5000 and 10,000 denominations and are on sale in shops close to telephone boxes and in banks.
There are also credit card phones, which you can use with major

International Calls: -
How to call Korea from overseas:
When you make a phone call to Korea from abroad, first dial 82 (Country Code for Korea), then Area Code (except for the first number “0”), finally, dial the Phone Number you desire to call.
For example: Calling Seoul (Area Code 02) with 777-7777 as the phone number, dial +82-2-777-7777.

How to call overseas from Korea:
*First dial any of the following international call company numbers and the then country code, area code and finally the number you are calling.

* Regular International Phone Call Carriers: 001,002,008 * Mobile Phone Carriers: 00345,00365,00388,00700,00727,00766,00770 and so on.

* Pre-paid Phone Cards: Generally, since it is almost impossible to find budget mobile phone rentals, pre paid phone cards are available at any convenient stores or news stands.

Cell Phone Rental Services:
Cell phone rental services are available at Incheon International Airport. This service must be ordered in advance. Online-Reservation is possible on www.Tour2Korea.com.

Emergency Situation
Emergency Call
Dial 112 for the police, 119 for the fire department, or 1339 for medical emergency (though most operators speak only Korean). A hotel staff or hotel manager can arrange for a doctor or an ambulance.

Lost Property
In the event of misplaced or lost property, contact the Lost and Found Center of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Bureau:
102, Hongik-dong, Seongdong-gu

Tel: +82-2-2299-1282 (Korean speakers only), Fax: -+82-2-2298-1282

Official Holidays
New Year’s Day (January 1)
The first day of the New Year is recognized and celebrated
Seollal (January – February)
Lunar New Year’s Day (Seollal) is one of the most important traditional events of the year, still much more significant than January 1st. Most businesses are closed, and people take several days off to visit their hometowns to be with family ties.

Independence Movement Day (March 1)
This day commemorates the Declaration of Independence proclaimed on March 1, 1919, while under Japanese colonization. A reading of the declaration takes place in a special ceremony at Tangol Park in Seoul, where the document was first read to the public

Arbor Day (April 5)
Trees are planted across the country every year as part of the nation’s vast reforestation program.

Buddha’s Birthday (April – May)
The 8th day of the 4th lunar month(May 15 in 2005). Elaborate, solemn rituals are held at many Buddhist temples across the country and lanterns are hung in the temple courtyards. The Sunday before Buddha’s birthday these lanterns are lit and carried in parades in the evening(May 15 in 2005)

Children’s Day (May 5)
On this day, parents dress up the little ones and take them to children’s parks, amusement parks, zoos, or to the cinema for a full day of fun and games

Memorial Day (June 6)
Memorial Day is set aside to honor the soldiers and civilians who have given their lives for their country. The largest ceremony is held at the National Cemetery in Seoul

Constitution Day (July 17)
Commemorates the proclamation of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea that was made on July 17, 1948

Liberation Day (August 15)
This day commemorates Japanese acceptance of the Allies’ terms of surrender and the resulting liberation of Korea in 1945

Chuseok (September – October)
Chuseok is one of the year’s most important traditional holidays. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. Chuseok is often referred to as Korea Thanksgiving Day,

National Foundation Day (October 3)
This day commemorates the founding of the Korean nation in 1222 B,C. by the legendary god-king Dangun.

Christmas (December 25)
Christmas is observed as a national holiday in Korea as in many other countries.

Special Days
Labor Day (May 1)
Although Labor Day is not a national holiday, banks and business establishments are closed
Parents’ Day (May 8)
Sons and daughters show their love and respect for their parents on this day.

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