Welcome to Seoul!
Official Seoul City Tourism
Blog Entry: Seoul City Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions for Visitors to Seoul:
Where is Seoul?
How do we get there?
What is the time change?
What is the local currency?
What languages are spoken in Seoul?
What is the weather going to be like in Seoul in June?
How do we get around Seoul?
What are some Tourist Attractions in the Vicinity of COEX?
Will I be able to withdraw funds from an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine)?
What is the customary tipping policy in Seoul?
What is the electrical current?
What is proper business etiquette in Seoul?
Where is Seoul?
Seoul, pronounced sole, is located in the center of the Asia-Pacific region of South Korea, on the basin of the Han River in the countries northwest. The North Korean border lies about 50 km to the north. With over 10 million people, Seoul is one of the largest cities in the country and falls as the capital of South Korea. As a major business and financial center, Seoul is known as the business hub of Asia, ranking fifth in the world for number of fortune 500 companies.
How do we get there?
Ideally, you can fly into Incheon International Airport (ICN) and IAAPA will have more details on flights to Seoul in early 2009. Seoul operates more than 3,600 flights to and from 142 cities and over 40 countries, each week. Convenient public transport facilities will take you on an approximate 50 minute ride from either Incheon International Airport or Gimpo Airport into the major business district.
What is the time change?
Seoul is fourteen hours ahead of EST in the United States and eight hours ahead of most of Western Europe.
What is the local currency?
The South Korean Won is the country's form of currency; USD$1 ≈ 1000 Won. Japanese Yen or US Dollars are found to be the most convenient currency to exchange.
What languages are spoken in Seoul?
Korean is the official language of South Korea. Although most Koreans have studied English since middle school, they have had little practice using the language. However, English is the common language of business. Therefore, businesspeople are often familiar with English, especially in urban areas. Cab drivers often do not speak English, so have your hotel concierge give you directions to and from your hotel to give to drivers.
What is the weather going to be like in Seoul in June?
Early June is considered springtime with warm temperatures. The average high temperature for June is 79 degrees Fahrenheit and the average low temperature is 64 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do we get around Seoul?
The city is very compact and many places are well within walking distance. You may choose to take taxis; though the black cabs are seemingly more expensive than other colors. Seoul does have access to a subway; however, the subway is very complex with many lines and interchanges. All the road signs and subway maps are in both Korean and English.
What are some tourist attractions near the COEX Centre?
LG Art Center
As a future-oriented, multi-purpose auditorium that can accommodate diverse fields of art, from music to dance to drama to choral, the Center has the capacity of 1,103 seats. This performance hall features first-class acoustic conditions, modern equipment, and facilities to fully accommodate all forms of performance art.
COEX Aquarium
The world’s one and only tunnel structured aquarium. Visitors experience diverse marine life, following the water from a high mountain to the deep sea. The aquarium is divided into six parts, each sub unit following a different theme.
Lotte World
Experience state of the art ride facilities inside the world’s largest indoor amusement park. With parades, laser shows, arcades, and performances displayed year round. Enjoy this mix of amusement park, shopping center, museum, ice rink, and artificial lake.
Will I be able to withdraw funds from an ATM (Automatic Teller Machine)?
Yes, you will most likely be able to withdraw funds from an ATM as it is common in Korea. However, some ATM’s may not accept foreign cards. In order to draw money from an ATM with a foreign card, look for machines with a sign saying Global Service and the Visa, Mastercard and other credit card logos.
What is the customary tipping policy in Seoul?
Tipping is not an established practice in Seoul. Hotels and hotel restaurants will add 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers are not tipped unless they help with the luggage, or provide an extra service.
What is the electrical current?
Electricity is 110V or 220V AC, 60Hz. Government policy is to phase out the 110-volt supply and many hotels now have a 220 volt supply.
What is proper business etiquette in Seoul?
- Dress formally; men should wear suits, and women should dress conservatively.
- When making introductions for the first time, and in formal meetings, always use the person's title and family or personal name.
- Bow politely when you greet.
- Schedule prior appointments and respect punctuality.
- Expect to set the agenda and adhere to it rigidly.
- Use both hands for giving and receiving anything, including business cards and gifts.
- Bring a large stack of business cards and present one upon first meeting any new business contact.
- Respect the hierarchy and address yourself to the most senior person.
- Understand that personal relationships are important in business dealings, so do receive introductions.
|
