Seoul, Korea

Seoul is the capital of Korea with over 600 years of history. It is the heart of Korea's culture and education as well as politics and economics. Among ever-expanding business districts packed with high-rise buildings, rich cultural heritages and historical establishments such as ancient palaces are scattered. Seoul is always bustling with exciting events and enriching cultural facilities. Colorful performances and reenactments of traditional activities are held continuously. The city offers fabulous places to visit, including numerous museums and galleries, along with beautiful natural sights, modern attractions, unique historical places, various traditional cuisines, world-class airports and hotels. Undoubtedly, Seoul is one of the world's most charming and attractive cities. For more information, please visit http://english.tour2korea.com and http://english.seoul.go.kr.

Climate

Korea's climate is regarded as a continental climate from a temperate standpoint and a monsoonal climate from a precipitation standpoint. The climate is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. The monsoon front approaches the Korean Peninsula from the south in late June, migrating gradually to the north. The rainy, or monsoon season, continues for a month from late June until late July. It is advisable to carry light clothes, umbrella, and raincoat. The temperature in May ranges 20℃ - 25℃ (68℉ - 75℉).

Currency & Currency Exchange

The unit of Korean currency is the won ( ). Korean monetary units are 10, 50, 100 , and 500 coins, and 1,000, 5,000 , and 10,000 notes. For higher denominations, negotiable cashier's checks are used. Major currencies and traveler's checks can be exchanged into Korean won at the airport, hotels, and at all Korean banks. Credit cards, e.g. VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners Club, are all widely accepted. The exchange rate is approximately KRW 1400 to the USD 1 as of October, 2008.

Business Hours

Government offices are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday. Most private businesses open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m. but some open until late evening. Bank hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Foreign diplomatic missions in Seoul are usually open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and are closed on Saturday, Sunday and their respective national holidays.

Electricity

Standard voltage in Korea is 220 volts.

Events in Seoul

Seoul explodes with energy in the middle of summer. Step out of your routine and find a rare joy that you have never experienced. For more information, please visit the related site.