Visit Korea

Visa Information

• Any foreign visitor wishing to enter the Republic of Korea should have a valid passport and a visa.
• Visitors for sightseeing or transit with confirmed outbound tickets may stay in Korea up to 30 days without visas, except the followings.
• Stateless Persons
• Nationals of such countries or regions as follows :

ALBANIA, CAMBODIA, CUBA, LAOS, RUSSIA, UKRAINE, BELARUS, MOLDOVA, AREMENIA, AZERBAIJAN, KAZAKHSTAN, TURKMENISTAN, UZBEKISTAN, TAJIKISTAN, KYRGYZSTAN, GEORGIA, MACEDONIA, BOSNIA-HERCEGOVINA, CHINA P.R, MONGOLIA, VIETNAM, GHANA, INDIA, IRAN, MYANMAR, NEPAL, NIGERIA, PHILIPPINES, SRI LANKA, PALESTINE

• For further information please visit Web site of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Weather & Climate

• Korea is located in the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere and the Temperate Zone with four distinct seasons. Geographically, it lies on the east coast of the Eurasian Continent adjacent to the West Pacific.
• During the winter, from December to January, it is cold and dry under the dominant influence of the Siberian air mass.
• Meanwhile, the summer, from June to August, is hot and humid with frequent heavy rainfalls associated with the East-Asian Monsoon, locally called "Changma".
• It is mild and serene during spring and fall with fairly periodic passages of the transient high and low pressure systems.
• Refer to the Korea Meteorological Administration web site for more information.
  

Foreign Exchanges

• USD 1$ approximately equals 1,200 KW(Korean Won). (Detailed information)

Travel Information

• Subway
  The subway is the most efficient and convenient way for foreign travelers to get around Seoul and Pusan. Station names, ticket counters, and transfer signs are all clearly marked in English as well as Korean, the different lines are color-coded, and all trains have announcements in English and Korean. The subways themselves are clean and efficient, air-conditioned, and have automatic ticket dispensers and convenient bus connections. Each station has a large waiting area and the walls are decorated with various artistic works. Fares are inexpensive, but do vary with service areas, so check the cost for your destination before purchasing a ticket from the ticket counter or dispenser. (Line map)
• City Buses
  The bus systems differ slightly from city to city in Korea. There are two types of city buses, local and express, and both are numbered according to their routes. The bus system is so extensive that it may be used to get almost anywhere in the city. Since the bus signs are written only in Korean, however, finding the right bus can be quite confusing to the first-time visitor. Hotel staff will be able to assist in choosing the correct bus and stop for your destination. Fares can be paid with either cash, a token, or a bus card as you board. Bus cards in 10,000 KW and 20,000 KW denominations are available at token booths near bus stops. The bus fare 600 KW is automatically deducted from the bus card when it is passed over the card reader located next to the driver. Empty cards can be recharged at token booths to be used again. To stop the bus at your destination, push one of the stop buttons located along the length of the bus.
• City Express Buses
  City express buses, called chwasok buses in Korean, stop less frequently and thus travel throughout congested areas faster. The fare for the city express buses and the new deluxe city express buses are 1,100 KW and 1,300 KW respectively.
• Taxis
  Taxis are a popular form of public transportation in Korea. There are many taxi stands in most busy city areas and taxis may also be hailed on the streets. An increasing number of taxi drivers speak some English. Available taxis are identified by a red light just inside the passenger-side windshield.
• Ordinary(Medium-Sized) Taxis
  The fare is calculated from both the distance traveled and the time taken. Fares are 1,600 KW for the first 2 km and 100 KW for each additional 168m. If the taxi is going less than 15 km per hour due to traffic congestion, an additional charge of 100 KW every 41 seconds is added to the basic fare. Fares increase 20% between midnight and 4 a.m.
•  
• Deluxe Taxis
  Deluxe taxis, called mobum taxis in Korean, are black with a yellow sign on the top and the words "Deluxe Taxi" written on the side. They offer a higher standard of service. Fares are 4,000 KW for the first 3 km and 200 KW for each additional 205 m or 50 seconds if the speed drops below 15 km per hour. Car phones are available and receipts are given. There is no late-night surcharge. Deluxe taxi stands are located at hotels, bus and subway stations, bus terminals and on major city streets. Transportation Complaint Center (02)585-2101/2, 735-0101.

Places to Visit around Seoul

Kyongbok Palace
		Kyongbok Palace was built in 1394 as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It is the most comprehensive and beautiful one among the five palaces for the Joseon Dynasty. There are elegant pavilions such as Gyeonghoeru, Hyangwonjeong and other refined wooden and stone structures such as Geunjeongjeon Hall.
◈  Tour Information site      :       http://www.triptokorea.com
Aquarium and Han River
The COEX Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Korea! You'll be fascinated by the 500 species of fish and 40,000 underwater creatures represented here. You will experience thrill and excitement as you pass through the 72m-long under-sea tunnel. The Han River runs through the heart of the Korean peninsula. On its way through Seoul, bisecting the capital, it passes by many scenic attractions along its banks.
◈  Tour Information site      :     http://www.koreahas.com
Panmunjum
		One of the last places some people might expect as a popular tourist attraction, this small village straddles the line separating North and South Korea. When you join the Panmunjum tour,  you will always be under military escort.
◈  Tour Information site      :     http://www.koreahas.com
MinsokChon (The Korean Folk Village)
The Korean Folk Village is the home of true Korean heritage where many features of the Korean culture have been collected and preserved for future generations to see and learn. It is set in a natural environment occupying approximately 243 acres, and visitors can experience the authentic atmosphere with over 260 traditional houses reminiscent of the late Joseon Dynasty including various household goods from different regions.
◈  Tour Information site      :     http://www.triptokorea.com
Seoul World Cup Stadium
		Seoul World Cup Stadium held the opening ceremony of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea-Japan. The stadium shields kite and sailboat-shaped with traditional Korean beauty that is designed to express the hope for peace of the Korean people.
◈  Tour Information site      :     http://www.triptokorea.com
Seoul Tower
Seoul Tower stands tall on the thick pine tree covered summit of Mount Namsan. It is an integrated telecommunications tower  that displays traditional Korean beauty. From is highest point, the tower commands a view of the Seoul Metropolitan City which has had 600 years history. It is a fantastic tourist attraction. Spectacular night scenes of Seoul from here will always be memorable.
◈  Tour Information site      :     http://www.startravel.co.kr
Lotte World
		Lotte World is the world's largest indoor theme park. You can enjoy many thrilling rides along with a variety of performances and events regardless of the weather outside. After Lotte World Theme Park, we will visit Lotte Folk Museum, which provides a vivid experience of Korean history and culture with the help of a variety of interesting and different attractions.
◈  Tour Information site      :     http://www.triptokorea.com
Everland
Everland is a world-class theme park. In 1996, Everland achieved a record for annual guests; over 9 million people! Everland ranked seventh on the list of worldwide theme park destinations. Festival World is equipped with more than 40 theme attractions and a zoo offering various Flower Festivals and Seasonal Events.
◈  Tour Information site      :     http://www.triptokorea.com
Seoul City Tour Bus
	The 35-seat luxury bus ensures passengers a comfortable ride by employing wide leg room and reclining seats. Expert tour guides who can speak Korean, English, Japanese, or Chinese accompany the tour. All the bus drivers are veterans with more than 15 years of driving experience. A tour begins every 30 minutes at the bus terminal. Tourists with a day ticket can hop on and off for an unlimited time from any bus at any of the designated tour-bus stops.
◈  Tour Information site      :     http://www.seoulcitytourbus.com