Like most of South Korea, Jeju-do is a safe place to visit. Locals are friendly and helpful and theft, vandalism, and violence are virtually non-existent. Plan ahead when venturing out into the wilderness: bring warm clothing (in the fall and winter), plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug repellent (there are no lack of mosquitoes in the summer months). Be aware that parts of the island are rugged and undeveloped. Notifying your hotel of your itinerary is always a good idea. Also, weather conditions can vary on different parts of the island so plan accordingly.
119 : Emergencies for Fire, Rescue&Hospital Services
112 : Police
1330 : Korea Travel Phone
The Country’s currency is the won (KRW). The exchange rate in recent months is around 1,100 KRW for 1 USD. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at airports and government-designated banks. Most of the stores in Korea only accept Korean currency, or KRW, so it is advised that visitors exchange to Korean currency at the airport. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and traveler’s checks may be accepted by tourist-oriented shops and at most international tourist hotels and banks. Banks open from 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays (Mon-Fri) and are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Korea has four distinct seasons, though spring and autumn tend to be short. Spring comes in early April and lasts throughout May. The hot and humid summer begins in June and lasts about four months. The summer rainy season lasts from the end of June to mid July. Summer ends in late September, giving way to crisp, clear autumn days that last until the end of October. It becomes colder in November, and a very cold, bleak winter sets in during December and lasts until the end of February.
Major international credit cards are commonly accepted at most hotels, department stores, restaurants, and shops. Restaurants and shops generally display signs indicating what cards they accept.
Korea is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +9) and does not have daylight savings time.
You may rent a cell phone at the Incheon International Airport. Users can rent a handset and pay rental and call charges upon returning the phone. Applicants require identification, credit card, and a service contract (available at the booth). International dialing code in Jeju, Korea is +82-64 (Area code). Please omit (0) when dialing from overseas.
Banks are generally open between 09:00 and 16:00 on weekdays. All banks are closed on Saturday, Sundays, and public holidays. ATMs are widely available. Government office hours are usually from 09:00 to 18:00 on weekdays. Major department stores are open between 10:30 and 20:00, but smaller shops tend to open earlier and close later every day.
The standard electricity supply is 220 volts AC/60 cycles. The outlet has two round holes and is the same type used in France, Germany, Austria, Greece, Turkey, and many other countries. Most hotels may provide outlet converters for 110 and 220 volts. Participants are advised to check with the hotel beforehand.
Tip: Tipping is not a regular practice in Korea. Service charges are included in your bill for rooms, meals and other services at hotels and upscale restaurants. Koreans occasionally do tip when they are especially pleased with the service they receive.
Tax: Visitors can receive a refund on a receipt for a minimum purchase of 50,000 KRW (around US$43). To receive this refund, present refund receipts with the purchased goods at the customs desk at the Incheon International Airport when departing. These receipts can be cashed in at the Cash Refund Office in front of the Airport Duty Free Shop.
