General Information
Capital:Seoul. Time: GMT + 9. Tel. Code: 00 82 + 2 Seoul. Official Language: Korean. Currency: Won (W). Notes are in denominations of W10,000, 5000 and 1000. W1000 is called Chon Won in Korean (chon means ‘one thousand’). Coins are in denominations of W500, 100, 50 and 10. Electricity: 2110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. Government policy is to phase out the 110 volt supply and many hotels now have a 220 volt supply. Religion: Mahayana Buddhism with a large Christian minority. Also Confucianism and Chundo Kyo, which is peculiar to Korea and combines elements of Shamanist, Buddhist and Christian doctrines.
Climate
Climate: Moderate climate with four seasons. The hottest part of the year is during the rainy season between July and August, and the coldest is December to February. Spring and autumn are mild and mainly dry and are generally considered the best times to visit.
Required clothing:Lightweight cottons and linens are worn during summer, with light- to mediumweights in spring and autumn. Medium- to heavyweights are advised during the winter.
Airports
Seoul (SEL) Incheon International Airport (ICN) is located 40km (25 miles) west of Seoul on Yongion.
Busan (PUS) (Kimhae) is 27km (17 miles) from Busan (in the far south).
Jeju (CJU) (Jeju), located on the island of Jeju, is 4km (2.5 miles) from the town centre.
Departure tax: W10,000. Transit passengers and infants under two years old are exempt.