Travel tips
Tips for Adoptees Traveling to Korea for the IKAA Gathering 2007
Transportation
Climate and clothing
Visa/Passport
Money
Shopping
Telecommunications/Internet
Health
Electricity
Travel guides
Transportation
SUBWAY
General Information, including a map and route guide, can be found at the Seoul Metro Website: http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/eng/.
The fare depends on the distance you travel and how you pay.
TICKETS: If you purchase a ticket, you must tell the ticket agent your destination station and you will be given the appropriate ticket. Keep this ticket because you will need it to exit. Tickets are approximately KRW 100 more than if you use a refillable transportation card.
TRANSPORTATION CARD (Korea Smart Card, T-Money Card): The initial cost is KRW 2,500 for the card, so if you give the ticket agent a KRW 10,000 bill when you first ask for the card, your balance will only be KRW 7,500. Once you have the card, you can refill it at any ticket booth at any station and the exact amount you give them will be added to your card. You can check your balance each time you use the card (when you enter and exit the turnstile). You can also use this card at certain convenience stores (where you see the T-Money logo) and in some taxis to pay for your purchase/ride.
TAXI
Regular Taxis: General fares are calculated by both the distance and time of travel (KRW 1,900 for the first 2km and KRW 100 for each additional 168m. If the speed drops below 15km per hour, an additional charge of KRW 100 per each 41 seconds is added). There is also a 20% extra charge between the hours of midnight and 4:00 am.
Deluxe Taxis: The deluxe taxis, called “mobeom” in Korean, are black with a yellow sign on the top and “Deluxe Taxi” written on the side. General fares are more than twice that of a regular taxi (KRW 4,500 for the first 3km and KRW 200 for each additional 205m or 50 seconds if the speed drops below 15km per hour).
Climate and clothing
The summer months of July and August are the hottest of the year and extremely humid. Summer brings “monsoon season” to Korea, which means heavy rains from the end of June through July. Usually, the rains stop around the beginning of August, although it varies from year to year. You will only need to bring light clothing and possibly a sweater for indoor use (in the air conditioning). If you forget to pack an umbrella, there are numerous shops that sell them all over Seoul.
Visa/Passport
Check with your local Korean consulate or your adoptive country’s embassy in Seoul to find out about visa and passport requirements/restrictions.
VISAS: Most conference participants coming from Western countries can travel to Korea without having to obtain a tourist visa prior to entry. Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, Immigration & Customs officials will stamp a tourist visa in your passport – Americans (up to 30 days), Canadians (up to 6 months), many Europeans (up to 90 days) and Australians (up to 90 days). However, make sure you double check before coming to Korea, by visiting the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website: click here
Money
The currency of Korea is the won (KRW). Although exchange rates fluctuate, approximately 1 USD = 930 KRW, and 1 EUR = 1,200 KRW (as of January 2007). You can access a handy exchange rate converter at: http://www.xe.com for up-to-date information.
Traveler’s checks are not accepted everywhere, but they can easily be exchanged for KRW at banks, hotels, and the airport. Where can you get the best exchange rate? Usually banks give the best rate, and hotels give the worst rate. However, at the bank, you may encounter some challenges if the employees don’t speak English very well, where as hotels, all the front desk staff speak English.
You can withdraw cash from global ATMs in Korea using your home debit/bank card (a.k.a. check card). The exchange rate applied to ATM withdrawals is usually good and comparable to that of banks. However, keep in mind that your bank and/or the ATM from which you withdraw funds might also assess a user fee. Not all ATMs are global, however, you can find them at most large bank branches and subway stations that clearly display the international cards that can be used at them to withdraw money. Lastly, make sure that your debit/bank card can be used internationally – this may be indicated by displaying the Visa®, Mastercard® or Maestro® logos, etc.
Finally, credit cards are usually accepted at most stores, hotels, restaurants, bars, etc. - the most common cards being Visa® and MasterCard®.
Shopping
Credit cards are accepted at most stores, hotels, restaurants, bars, etc., but even in establishments that accept credit cards, the preferred method of payment is often cash. In addition to the regular price haggling that occurs in Korea, you will find that some places will lower the price even more if you agree to pay in cash. This does not occur in stores where prices are clearly labeled on items.
Telecommunications/Internet
Having a mobile phone during your trip to Korea can be extremely helpful. Making calls from your hotel room can often be prohibitively expensive, even for local calls. Most mobile phones purchased outside Korea will not work, although from the U.S., Verizon Wireless customers can get a Korean program installed on their phone and can use it in Korea, but it will be cheaper to just rent a phone in Korea. It is possible to rent a phone at Incheon International Airport upon your arrival.
The cheapest and easiest way to communicate with family and friends back home is through e-mail. Korea is one of the most wired countries on the planet, with Internet cafés (PC 방 [bang] = PC room) on just about every corner. If you want to make international calls while in Korea, we recommend that your purchase an international calling card prior to your trip. Cards can also be purchased at some convenient stores as well as at the airport, and many vendors located in Itaewon.
BBB Phone has offered a special phone rental deal for the Gathering participants: read more here
Health
Health problems are not likely to occur in Korea. The hygiene standards are high and medical facilities are widespread. However, do not take any risks and ask your doctor which precautions (vaccinations) you can take before you leave. If you are on medication, be sure to take enough with you and do not forget to bring the original wrapping and your prescription. Pharmacies are located in every major area of the city should you need to purchase medicine.
If you should have a medical emergency dial 119 and an ambulance will come get you, however it is advisable that you have a Korean-speaking person accompany you. It’s advisable to know that in Korea, patients are expected to pay for medical services upfront.
Most people in Korea drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap water.
Electricity
220 Volt. American appliances require special adaptors to safely convert your 110 Volt appliances for use in Korea. While staying at the Sofitel Ambassador Hotel during the conference you can contact the Housekeeping Department to obtain these converters, however, it is recommended that you purchase a voltage converter before your trip.
Travel Guides
For more information on traveling to Korea, you can check various travel guides, such as Lonely Planet, or the online website of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) at http://www.english.tour2korea.com.
Transportation
Climate and clothing
Visa/Passport
Money
Shopping
Telecommunications/Internet
Health
Electricity
Travel guides
Transportation
SUBWAY
General Information, including a map and route guide, can be found at the Seoul Metro Website: http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/eng/.
The fare depends on the distance you travel and how you pay.
TICKETS: If you purchase a ticket, you must tell the ticket agent your destination station and you will be given the appropriate ticket. Keep this ticket because you will need it to exit. Tickets are approximately KRW 100 more than if you use a refillable transportation card.
TRANSPORTATION CARD (Korea Smart Card, T-Money Card): The initial cost is KRW 2,500 for the card, so if you give the ticket agent a KRW 10,000 bill when you first ask for the card, your balance will only be KRW 7,500. Once you have the card, you can refill it at any ticket booth at any station and the exact amount you give them will be added to your card. You can check your balance each time you use the card (when you enter and exit the turnstile). You can also use this card at certain convenience stores (where you see the T-Money logo) and in some taxis to pay for your purchase/ride.
TAXI
Regular Taxis: General fares are calculated by both the distance and time of travel (KRW 1,900 for the first 2km and KRW 100 for each additional 168m. If the speed drops below 15km per hour, an additional charge of KRW 100 per each 41 seconds is added). There is also a 20% extra charge between the hours of midnight and 4:00 am.
Deluxe Taxis: The deluxe taxis, called “mobeom” in Korean, are black with a yellow sign on the top and “Deluxe Taxi” written on the side. General fares are more than twice that of a regular taxi (KRW 4,500 for the first 3km and KRW 200 for each additional 205m or 50 seconds if the speed drops below 15km per hour).
Climate and clothing
The summer months of July and August are the hottest of the year and extremely humid. Summer brings “monsoon season” to Korea, which means heavy rains from the end of June through July. Usually, the rains stop around the beginning of August, although it varies from year to year. You will only need to bring light clothing and possibly a sweater for indoor use (in the air conditioning). If you forget to pack an umbrella, there are numerous shops that sell them all over Seoul.
Visa/Passport
Check with your local Korean consulate or your adoptive country’s embassy in Seoul to find out about visa and passport requirements/restrictions.
VISAS: Most conference participants coming from Western countries can travel to Korea without having to obtain a tourist visa prior to entry. Upon arrival at Incheon International Airport, Immigration & Customs officials will stamp a tourist visa in your passport – Americans (up to 30 days), Canadians (up to 6 months), many Europeans (up to 90 days) and Australians (up to 90 days). However, make sure you double check before coming to Korea, by visiting the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade website: click here
Money
The currency of Korea is the won (KRW). Although exchange rates fluctuate, approximately 1 USD = 930 KRW, and 1 EUR = 1,200 KRW (as of January 2007). You can access a handy exchange rate converter at: http://www.xe.com for up-to-date information.
Traveler’s checks are not accepted everywhere, but they can easily be exchanged for KRW at banks, hotels, and the airport. Where can you get the best exchange rate? Usually banks give the best rate, and hotels give the worst rate. However, at the bank, you may encounter some challenges if the employees don’t speak English very well, where as hotels, all the front desk staff speak English.
You can withdraw cash from global ATMs in Korea using your home debit/bank card (a.k.a. check card). The exchange rate applied to ATM withdrawals is usually good and comparable to that of banks. However, keep in mind that your bank and/or the ATM from which you withdraw funds might also assess a user fee. Not all ATMs are global, however, you can find them at most large bank branches and subway stations that clearly display the international cards that can be used at them to withdraw money. Lastly, make sure that your debit/bank card can be used internationally – this may be indicated by displaying the Visa®, Mastercard® or Maestro® logos, etc.
Finally, credit cards are usually accepted at most stores, hotels, restaurants, bars, etc. - the most common cards being Visa® and MasterCard®.
Shopping
Credit cards are accepted at most stores, hotels, restaurants, bars, etc., but even in establishments that accept credit cards, the preferred method of payment is often cash. In addition to the regular price haggling that occurs in Korea, you will find that some places will lower the price even more if you agree to pay in cash. This does not occur in stores where prices are clearly labeled on items.
Telecommunications/Internet
Having a mobile phone during your trip to Korea can be extremely helpful. Making calls from your hotel room can often be prohibitively expensive, even for local calls. Most mobile phones purchased outside Korea will not work, although from the U.S., Verizon Wireless customers can get a Korean program installed on their phone and can use it in Korea, but it will be cheaper to just rent a phone in Korea. It is possible to rent a phone at Incheon International Airport upon your arrival.
The cheapest and easiest way to communicate with family and friends back home is through e-mail. Korea is one of the most wired countries on the planet, with Internet cafés (PC 방 [bang] = PC room) on just about every corner. If you want to make international calls while in Korea, we recommend that your purchase an international calling card prior to your trip. Cards can also be purchased at some convenient stores as well as at the airport, and many vendors located in Itaewon.
BBB Phone has offered a special phone rental deal for the Gathering participants: read more here
Health
Health problems are not likely to occur in Korea. The hygiene standards are high and medical facilities are widespread. However, do not take any risks and ask your doctor which precautions (vaccinations) you can take before you leave. If you are on medication, be sure to take enough with you and do not forget to bring the original wrapping and your prescription. Pharmacies are located in every major area of the city should you need to purchase medicine.
If you should have a medical emergency dial 119 and an ambulance will come get you, however it is advisable that you have a Korean-speaking person accompany you. It’s advisable to know that in Korea, patients are expected to pay for medical services upfront.
Most people in Korea drink bottled or filtered water rather than tap water.
Electricity
220 Volt. American appliances require special adaptors to safely convert your 110 Volt appliances for use in Korea. While staying at the Sofitel Ambassador Hotel during the conference you can contact the Housekeeping Department to obtain these converters, however, it is recommended that you purchase a voltage converter before your trip.
Travel Guides
For more information on traveling to Korea, you can check various travel guides, such as Lonely Planet, or the online website of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) at http://www.english.tour2korea.com.
