About South Korea

South Korea

More info about South Korea
Korea is a 750-mile-long (1,200-kilometer-long) peninsula located in the easternmost part of the Asian continent. Today, the country is split into South and North Korea, but in the minds of most of its citizens, it remains a single nation that cannot be divided.

South Korea has many mountains, but they are small compared with others around the world. Over millions of years, their peaks have been worn down by rain and wind. Most summits are below 3,300 feet (1,000 meters).

On South Korea's Jeju Island and along a narrow strip in the south, high humidity and rainfall give rise to tropical evergreen jungles. The peninsula is also surrounded by about 3,000 volcanic islands

.Visa

US nationals do not need a visa to visit South Korea. However, they must either have an approved K-ETA or queue at the border to complete an arrival card to enter the country. 

The K-ETA visa waiver for American citizen is quick and easy to get online. It avoids having to go through the lengthier application process  for a Koran visa at a diplomatic mission or waste time waiting in line to get entry authorization on arrival.

American with a K-ETA can visit South Korea for a maximum of 90 consecutive days without a visa.

Climate
Summer (June-August): Hot, humid, and rainy due to the East Asian monsoon (Changma), with most precipitation concentrated in these months. Typhoons can bring heavy rain in late summer. The mean temperature for Seoul is 26.1 °C (79 °F) but Temperatures soaring as high as 35 °C (95 °F) on occasion.

Electricity
In South Korea, power plugs and sockets (outlets) of type C and type F are used. The standard voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 60 Hz. An adapter will be necessary for any other shaped plug.

Time zone
Seoul is in KST Zone, known as Korean Standard Time and Amarillo is in CST Zone, known as Central Standard Time.  Amarillo is 15 hours behind Seoul or Seoul is 15 hours ahead of Amarillo.  So, when it is 11:00 a.m. in Amarillo, In Seoul it will be 8:00 p.m. the following day.

Korean Currency
The South Korean currency is the won (KRW), sometimes known as the Republic of Korea won, is the official currency of South Korea. Won symbol: ₩. The rate changes but an estimate of $1.00 U.S dollar equal 1,475 KRW. 

Korea’s currency is the won. Paper money comes in denominations of 1,000; 5,000; 10,000; and 50,000 won bills. Coins come in 1, 5, 10, 100, and 500 won (1 and 5 won coins are not widely circulated).

Banks
Banks usually offer the best exchange rates to travelers. Banking hours can vary, but most have business hours from 09:00 to 16:00. ATMs typically operate until 23:00, but many are open 24 hours a day. ATMs can also be found at convenience stores, but often charge higher transaction fees. ATMs that accept international cards are common and are marked with a “Global” sign or the logo of the international banks they accept cards from. Most ATMs offer foreign language services, including English, Chinese, and Japanese.

Currency Exchange
Most banks offer currency exchange services. Government-certified currency exchange booths also offer exchange outside of regular banking hours, and are usually located in areas frequented by international visitors. Certified booths have a sign with the word “Certified” and currency symbols. Visitors should avoid exchanging money at uncertified booths.

If you want to find out about the current exchange rate, you can use a money calculator.

Tipping
Tipping is not a Korean custom and will not be expected by service personnel. However, many major hotels and upscale restaurants add a 10 percent service charge (in addition to the 10 percent VAT) to the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but do appreciate if you let them keep the change.

Travelers Checks & ATM's
South Korea accepts traveler's checks, but they are increasingly difficult to use and cash, with major banks and some hotels/exchange booths offering this service, though credit/debit cards and ATMs are the vastly preferred and more convenient payment methods. You'll likely need to exchange them for Korean Won at a bank or authorized money changer, especially in cities like Seoul, but expect fewer places to accept them directly. 

Cell Phones: 

South Korea is a highly connected nation with near-universal smartphone ownership, dominated by Samsung (Galaxy) and Apple (iPhone), Tourists can easily get connected with prepaid SIMs or eSIMs from carriers like SKT, KT, or LG U+ at airports or via apps like Airalo, with options for data/voice plans. 

Communication:

The best way to call home from South Korea to the USA is usually through free messaging apps (WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, Messenger, FaceTime) over Wi-Fi for family/friends, or using low-cost VoIP apps (Skype, Google Voice, Rebtel, Yolla) for calls to landlines/mobiles, as these beat expensive carrier charges. If needing a traditional call, dial South Korea's exit code (001 or +), then US country code (1), area code, and number. 

Tourist Attractions
South Korea offers significant Catholic tourist attractions, especially in Seoul with Myeongdong Cathedral, the Vatican-recognized Seoul Catholic Pilgrimage Routes (like Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine), and historic sites such as Jeondong Cathedral (Jeonju) and Solmoe Village (birthplace of St. Andrew Kim Taegon), highlighting the nation's unique faith history rooted in persecution and self-growth, with many spots blending Korean & Western architecture.

South Korea offers a mix of futuristic cities and ancient history, with top attractions including Seoul's Gyeongbokgung Palace, vibrant shopping in Myeongdong, and panoramic views from N Seoul Tower. Key cultural sites are Bukchon Hanok Village, ancient Gyeongju's temples (like Bulguksa Temple), and unique experiences like the DMZ. Nature lovers enjoy Seoraksan National Park, volcanic Jeju Island, and the scenic Nami Island, while Busan boasts beaches like Haeundae and the colorful Gamcheon Culture Village. https://youtu.be/tRKu8eRTjVs?si=VWsrTBgMLeXsAAqo 

Typical prices for Food
Food prices in South Korea vary, with budget meals starting around 7,000-10,000 KRW (~$5-7 USD) for casual eateries, while mid-range dining hits 35,000-50,000 KRW (~$25-35 USD) for two, and fine dining can exceed 100,000 KRW ($70+) per person; groceries are relatively expensive compared to dining out, with staples like milk costing 3,000 KRW ($2.20 USD) and beef 35,000 KRW ($25+ USD) per kg, but Korea ranks high globally for food costs despite often affordable restaurants.

Entertainment
South Korea entertainment costs vary, with budget-friendly options like museums (free/cheap), street food, and local pubs (around $30/night for domestic drinks). More expensive activities include theme parks (e.g., Everland, ~$100 for ticket/transport), DMZ tours ($50-$100), K-pop concerts ($189+), movie tickets (up to $15), and fancier dining or buffets ($30-$200+). 

Transport
Note: public transportation during WYD is probably going to already be part of the package. South Korea taxi costs are affordable, especially in Seoul (base fare ~₩4,800 for standard), with meters adding charges for distance/time, and higher night surcharges (10 PM-4 AM). While Uber works, the local Kakao T app is more popular for calling standard taxis, which are cheaper than Uber Black, though Uber offers upfront fixed pricing. Expect short local rides to be inexpensive (under $5 USD), but longer trips (like to/from ICN airport) can be €30-€50+, depending on time and type. 

Public Transportation

Internet
The number of internet users in Portugal keeps growing in leaps and bounds. It is now easy to find a place to log onto a blog or email account while on holiday.
In cities, apart from inside hotels, internet access is available in many places, the most popular being national restaurants chains. In smaller towns and cities there are considerably fewer internet options but there generally should not be a problem with finding at least one place to log on.

Wifi 
South Korea offers various Wi-Fi options, with costs ranging from free public Wi-Fi (slower) to paid services like pocket Wi-Fi ($4-$12/day), eSIMs ($5-$30), and SIM cards ($25-$60), providing fast 4G/LTE speeds for travelers; residential plans also exist but are more complex. Expect to pay around $4-$12 daily for portable Wi-Fi or roughly $25-$60 for a SIM/eSIM, while residential home internet, often bundled, can vary from ~$25 to over $50 monthly, depending on speed and contract length. 

Mobile Network
To find South Korea Wi-Fi networks, use apps like Wiman or WiFi Map, or the official Seoul Free Wi-Fi app