Climate
The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. During the conference it is expected to be really hot and humid. Be prepared for the hot weather, but the conference venue will be “cooling” off. The average temperature of Daejeon is about 24.0°C-25.0°C in July (cf average precipitation: 265~320㎜ in July ).
Currency & Exchange
The unit of currency in Korea is the Korean Won (KRW).
Various notes and coins are used. Notes occur in 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 50,000 won denominations, while coins occur in 10, 50, 100, and 500 won denominations. As of June 2012, the exchange rate is approximately KRW 1,170 to USD 1 and KRW 1,460 to EUR 1. Foreign bank notes and traveler’s checks can be converted into the Korean won at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchange outlets. The exchange rate is subject to market fluctuations.
Time Zone
Standard Time in Korea is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+9).
Tipping
Although appreciated, tipping is not a customary practice in Korea.
Banking & ATM
There are plenty of places in Korea to change currencies, including banks, CVS, authorized currency exchanges and major hotels. ATM machines are ubiquitous, although not all offer services for foreign cards. Cards with the Plus and Cirrus logos are the easiest to use and most widely accepted in Korea. Banks are open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.
Business Hours
Government office hours are usually from 9:00 to 18:00 on weekdays and are closed on weekends. Most stores are open every day from 10:30 to 20:00, including Sundays.
Tax & VAT
Foreign tourists can receive nearly 10 percent VAT refunds for purchases at duty free shopping outlets. Goods must be taken out of Korea within three months of purchase to be eligible for a tax refund. A Value-Added Tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services at a standard rate of 10% and is included in the retail price. At hotels, a 10% VAT is applied to rooms, meals and other services and is included in the bill.
Electricity
The standard electricity supply is 220-volts AC at 60Hz. Most hotels may provide outlet converters for 110 and 220 volts. It is advised that you check with the hotel beforehand.
BBB (Before Babel Brigade): Volunteer Interpretation Service
Whenever and wherever you encounter communication problems with Koreans, just call 1588-5644 and press a number for your preferred language. Your call will be quickly connected to a BBB volunteer's mobile phone through an automated switchboard, and you will soon receive interpretation service.
※ BBB volunteer services are available in 16 languages.
※ For more information, please refer to BBB Korea official webpage (www.bbbkorea.org). If you don’t have a mobile phone in Korea, just show a BBB card to any Korean nearby, so that he/she can Help you with their mobile phone.
