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Handy Fact
Handy Fact 2
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There are many hospitals where some English is spoken. However,
it is recommendable to use the international clinics at large general
hospitals like Severance Hospital, Asan Medical Center or Samsung
Medical Center.
Severance Hospital:
134, Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul Tel:
(02)361-5114.
International Clinic Tel: (02)361-6540,
Open 9:30-12:00 and 14:00-17:00 on weekdays, and 9:30-12:00 on Saturdays.
Asan Medical Center (Jung-ang Hospital):
388-1, Pungnap-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul Tel:
(02)3010-3114;
International Clinic Tel: (02)3010-5001,
Open 09:00-17:00 on weekdays.
Samsung Medical Center:
50, Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Tel: (02)3410-2114;
International Clinic Tel: (02)3410-0200,
Open 09:00-16:00 on weekdays, and 09:00-11:00 on Saturdays.
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News Papers, TV and Radio |
| There are three English-language dailies, The Korea
Times, The Korea Herald, and the Joongang Illbo which is published
as an insert in the International Herald Tribune. They are available
at most newsstands and hotel lobbies.
Korea has five TV networks, all broadcasting in Korean (KBS1, KBS2,
MBC, SBS and EBS). Along with the national broadcasting networks,
there are also many cable TV channels specializing in a wide field
of programming including news, movies, entertainment, sports, etc.
Of note is Ariragn TV, and English-language cable station featuring
a wide range of Korea-related programming including culture, news,
drama with English subtitles, etc.
Another English-language TV station is the AFN broadcast by the
US Army, available in some areas over the air, or on cable. There
are also many Korean radio stations, plus the AFN U.S. military
stations which broadcast in English on 1530 AM and 102.7 FM in Seoul.
For other cities, call (02)7914-8095.
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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 rooms, meals and other services
and is added into the bill.
However, under the Tourism Promotion Law, visitors to Korea will
be charged zero VAT rate on tourist hotel room charges from January
1, 2001, for two years until December 31, 2002. So during Visit
Korea Year 2001 and through the 2002 FIFA World Cup foreign guests
will receive about an 8% discount, figuring in the standard 10%
service charge.
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| In Korea, 220 volt outlets are dominant. Always check
the power supply before using your equipment. |
Overseas visitors to Korea who experience any inconvenience
or who simply want to offer some advice should call or write the Tourist
Complaint Center, operated by the Korea National Tourism Organization:
K.P.O. Box 1879, Seoul 100-180, Korea Tel: (02)735-0101
Fax: (02)777-0102
e-mail: [email protected]
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Translation / Interpretation Service
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Arirang TV Tel: (02)3475-5181
Cosmo Call Korea Tel: (02)2616-7100
Glory Translation Tel: (02)508-5699
Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Tel: (02)963-5356
Ewha Womans University Tel: (02)3277-3662
*KNTO Goodwill Guide Service provides translation help as part
of free tourguide service. Advance reservations are usually required,
but this can be very helpful if you have extensive need for help
of any kind in Korea. See www.goodwillguide.com or call at (02)729-9446
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Automated Teller Machines
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| Travellers who carry internationally recognized credit
cards can withdraw cash from their accounts or get a cash advance
at Automated Teller Machines(ATMs) installed at major hotels, department
stores, subway stations and tourist attractions.
In addition, travelers holding any ATM card with Cirrus or Plus
logo can withdraw cash from their checking and savings accounts
or get cash advance at any of 11 Citibank branches in Korean, English,
Japanese, Chinese, German, French, Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Arabic,
and Portuguese.
Tel:(02)1566-1000, or www.citibank.com
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| The unit of Korean currency is the won. Coin denominations
are 10, 50, 100, 500. Bank notes are 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000. Bank
checks are circulated in denominations of 100,000 and over.
Foreign currency and traveler's checks can be converted into Korean
won at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money exchangers.
The exchange rate is subject to fluctuation, but U.S. dollar was
equivalent to about 1,350 as of April, 2002.
Credit cards, including VISA, American Express, Diners Club, Master
Card and JCB, are accepted at major hotels, department stores, and
large restaurants.
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