Electricity and Voltage

The standard voltage in Korea is 220 volts. The outlet has two round holes and is the same type used in France, Germany, Austria, Greece, Turkey, and many other countries. If you do not have a multi-voltage travel adapter, you can borrow one from your hotel’s front desk. If you want to buy one in Korea, you can do so at a duty-free shop, convenience shop at Incheon International Airport, or Yongsan Electronics Shopping Town.

What to Wear

Korea has four distinct seasons: spring (March-May), summer (June-August), fall (September-November), and winter (December-February). The changing of seasons also means changing of attires. With temperatures varying greatly by season, it is important to dress for the weather. Here are the essential items for each season.

Spring (March-May)

Spring is the transition period between winter and summer. Average temperatures in spring range between 7.1℃ and 17.8℃. The weather remains chilly in March due to the last cold snaps, but begins warming up at the end of the month. Still, even in April and May, temperatures may drop after sunset. Therefore, a light outerwear is essential in spring. Popular spring fashion items include cardigans, scarves, hats and sunglasses.
☞ Spring

Summer (June-August)

Summer is the hottest season. Receiving the majority of annual rainfall, it is also the wettest season. In fact, summer begins with the rainy season called ‘jangma’, which generally lasts from mid-June until the end of July. During jangma, umbrellas and raincoats are essential.
After jangma, the weather begins heating up, with temperatures rising up to anywhere between 35℃ and 40℃ during daytime. Light clothing, often made with “cooling” fabric, becomes essential for preventing overheating. Popular summer fashion items include light and/or short pants, short-sleeved or sleeveless shirts, hats and sunglasses. Applying sunscreen is also highly recommended.
☞ Summer

Fall (September-November)

Fall, referred to as the season of ‘cheongomabi’*, is the transition period between summer and winter. Humidity subsides and cold snaps return. As in late-May, the weather in early September is warm. Then, it turns colder and drier starting late-September, contributing to the changing of colors of leaves throughout October. An outerwear is essential in fall. Popular fall fashion items include trench coats in early to mid-fall, and jackets in mid- to late-fall.
* Cheongomabi (“The sky is high, and horses fatten.”) means that the sky is so clear that it appears much higher, and the harvests are so bountiful that there is plenty to eat.
☞ Autumn

Winter (December-February)

Winter is the coldest season. The northern region, largely comprised of Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do Provinces as well as Seoul and Incheon Metropolitan Cities, is generally colder than the southern region including Busan Metropolitan City and Jeju Island. After a cold wave passes through the Korean Peninsula, the ‘sam-han-sa-on’, the unique climate pattern of three cold days and four warmer days, repeats. Warm clothing is essential in winter. Popular winter fashion items include winter coats, sweaters, scarves, shawls, beanies, gloves, and boots. Naebok or thermal underwear produced with lighter fabric and in trendy design is also worn a lot.

Korean Currency

Denomination

Bills Old Bills 10,000 won man won 5,000 won ocheon won 1,000 won cheon won New Bills 10,000 won man won 5,000 won ocheon won 1,000 won cheon won       50,000 won oman won

Coins 500 won obaek won 100 won baek won 50 won osip won 10 won sip won

* Buses and vending machines may only accept 1,000 won bills and coins.

Business Hours

Banks  Weekdays: 09:00 – 16:00
Weekends and National Holidays: Closed

Government Offices and Organizations         
Weekdays: 09:00 – 18:00       
Weekends and National Holidays: Closed         

Post Offices    
Weekdays: 09:00 – 18:00  
Saturdays: 09:00 – 13:00
Sundays & National Holidays: Closed

* Only 79 post offices nationwide remain open on Saturdays.
Please click on one of the links below for specific locations.

Nationwide list: www.koreapost.go.kr (Korean)
List of post offices in Seoul: english.seoul.go.kr (English)

Foreign Diplomatic Missions  
Weekdays: Hours vary, please see the following link for more information >> Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (English)
Weekends and National Holidays: Closed

Department Stores    
10:30 – 20:00 
* Typically one day a month (usually a Monday) department stores are closed to the public. However, closings will vary according to each store.

National Holidays

Koreans previously followed the lunar calendar, but in recent history, they have followed the solar calendar in line with international practice. While public holidays are based on the solar calendar, there are a few days that are celebrated based on the lunar calendar. These are the most important traditional holidays like New Year’s Day (the first day of the first lunar month), Chuseok mid-autumn festival (fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month), and Buddha’s Birthday (eighth day of the fourth lunar month).
In general, museums, galleries, royal palaces, and other major tourist attractions close only on a certain day of the week, regardless of public holidays. Some department stores and large marts are closed on Lunar New Year’s Day and Chuseok Day, but are opened on the days before and after, in addition to other public holidays. Each location has varying policies on days off, so be sure to double check the operation hours of any location you plan to visit on a public holiday.

2014 CALENDAR (Korea)