Currency

The unit of Korean currency is the Won (₩). Coin denominations are ₩10, ₩50, ₩100 and ₩500. Banknotes are ₩1,000, ₩5,000, ₩10,000 and ₩50,000. As of January 30, 2015, the exchange rate is approximately USD 1 to KRW 1,103.

Currency exchange

Foreign banknotes and traveler’s check can be exchanged at foreign exchange banks and other authorized moneychangers.

Credit cards

Diners Club, Visa, American Express and MasterCard are widely accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants in the larger cities. Check with your credit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Traveler’s check

Accepted, but may be difficult to change in smaller towns. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take Traveler’s check in US Dollars.

Tax

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

Weather in October

During the autumn months between September and November, you can experience warm and sunny weather with blue skies and spectacular foliage which make it a perfect time to visit Korea. The average temperature is 13℃ (55℉) with an average low of 7℃ (45℉) and an average high of 18℃ (64℉).

Tipping

Tipping is not a traditional custom in Korea. A 10% service charge will be added to your bill at all tourist restaurants and taxi drivers’ tips are also unnecessary unless he assists you with luggage or provide extra service.

Electricity

In Korea, electrical outlets are operated at 220 volt only. Overseas delegates bringing laptop computers and other electrical appliances are advised to check whether a transformer is required

For more information about Korea, please visit the Korea Tourism Organization website