LOCAL ESSENTIALS

LOCAL CULTURE

Tipping

Tipping is not a traditional Korean custom; however, a 10 percent service charge is added to bills at all tourist hotels and tipping is not expected. It's never necessary to tip a taxi driver unless he assists you with your luggage or takes you to or from the airport.

Dress

From mid-March through late May and mid-September through mid-November, you can wear long-sleeved shirts and slacks with a light jacket. During summer, June through August, short-sleeved shirts and shorts are acceptable, but on formal occasions, long trousers and a tie are recommended. In late November through early March, you must be prepared for the cold. A scarf and gloves are recommended for January and February, and remember that it snows heavily at higher elevations in Korea.

Korean Manners

Greeting and saying “Thank you” are very important to Koreans. Words of greeting and thanks are usually said with a bow of the head. The depth of the bow depends on the relative seniority between the two speakers. Koreans do not appreciate an overly outgoing style and they generally limit direct physical contact to a courteous handshake. However, as one gets to know Koreans better, a greater familiarity becomes possible. In fact, foreigners are often quite surprised to see women walking hand in hand. Physical contact among friends while talking to them is perfectly acceptable in Korea. Public displays of affection between the sexes such as kissing and hugging are not as uncommon as in the past but are generally regarded as unseemly. There are many clean public restrooms throughout Korea. It is also acceptable to use restrooms in office buildings, hotels, shops, and restaurants. Koreans traditionally sit, eat, and sleep on the floor, so shoes are always removed when entering a Korean home. Bare feet are considered to be impolite, so it is best to wear socks or stockings when visiting a home. Young Koreans are accustomed to ‘going Dutch’ but it is more common to be either a host or a guest. It was traditionally regarded as impolite to talk during a meal, but nowadays Koreans are encouraged to talk and laugh while eating. Real appreciation of the food and service is gratefully received. It is impolite to blow your nose at the table

Taxis

Taxi stands are ubiquitous around the cities, and taxis may also be hailed almost anywhere on the streets except at a bus stop or a dangerous place to stop.

Public Transportation

Intercity Buses Korea has an extensive intercity bus system connecting almost every city and town. These buses do not provide special facilities for foreign travelers, there is no English timetable, and the seats are more cramped than express buses, but for adventurous visitors they are an interesting way to get closer to the spirit and lifestyle of the Korean people. Intercity bus terminals are usually located within express bus terminals in major cities and near the downtown area in small cities. City Buses The bus system differs slightly from city to city in Korea. There are two types, regular local and seated coach buses, and both are numbered according to routes. The bus system is so extensive that buses go virtually everywhere in every city. Since bus signs are written only in Hangeul (the Korean alphabet), finding the right bus can be confusing for first-time visitors. Hotel staff can assist in choosing the correct bus and bus stoop for your destination. Fares can be paid as you board with cash (coins or |\1,000 notes) or a transportation card. To stop the bus at your destination, push one of the stop buttons located along the interior of the bus as you approach your stop. It may be better to let the driver know your destination. Ask someone to write it down for you to hand it as you board. City express coaches, called jwaseok buses, stop less frequently and travel more rapidly through congested areas. The fare for the city express coach is about \1,300. Subways There are excellent subway train systems in Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi-do Province, Busan, Daegu and Gwangju and Daejeon. The subway is the most efficient and convenient way for travelers to get around the city. Station names, ticket windows and transfer signs are all clearly marked in English.

DID YOU KNOW ?

The division of Korea into north and south

The Korean Demilitarized Zone that separates the two Koreas remains heavily guarded.The North Korean population is far more culturally distinct and isolated than the East German population was in the late 1980s. Unlike in East Germany, North Koreans generally cannot receive foreign broadcasting or read foreign publications. In addition, the time period in which the two countries have been divided is longer; Germany was divided for 44 years, whereas the Koreas have been divided for over 60, and have been technically at war for most of that period.

Jeju Island

Jeju Island, also known as the "Island of the Gods," is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and many foreign tourists. It remains one of the top honeymoon destinations for Korean newlyweds. The island's mixture of volcanic rock, frequent rains, and temperate climate, make it very similar to the Hawaiian Islands in the U.S. The island offers visitors a wide range of activities: hiking on Halla-san (South Korea's highest peak), catching sunrises and sunsets over the ocean, viewing majestic waterfalls, riding horses, or just lying around on the sandy beaches.