About Seoul

About Korea

Korea, the Land of Morning Calm, is a truly remarkable place. There are so many things to see and do in Korea that you are sure to find an attraction that is the perfect match for your requirements. Korea's rugged mountainous terrain and hundreds of miles of coastline provide unlimited scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year. But scenic wonders are not the only attraction of Korea. Evidence of Korea's unique 5,000-year-old history and culture can be found everywhere. Every city and village has their share of traditional festivals that preserve the old ways of life, but updated to cater to the comforts of foreign visitors. The unique Korean cuisine has flavors sure to please every palate.

About Seoul

Seoul is the capital city of Korea and the political, cultural, commercial and financial center. Seoul is also a historic city - an ancient capital of the Chosun-dynasty for 500 years (1392- 1910), with many tourist attractions, including old palaces and gardens. In Seoul the past and the present meet together and coexist in harmony. By participating in WiOpt 2009, you will be able to enjoy both the flavor of traditional Korean culture and the excitement of a sprawling metropolitan city.

Interesting Links

The Official Website of Korea Tourism Organization (Korea Sparkling): http://www.visitkorea.or.kr

Currency Exchange

The currency unit is the Korean Won (KRW) which comes in 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 won bills, and 10, 50, 100 and 500 won coins. Generally, banks are open between 09:30 - 16:30 Monday to Friday. Automated teller machines are in operation 24 hours a day. Most larger stores, hotels and restaurants in Korea will accept major international credit cards. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, since many smaller establishments and stores are unlikely to accept any credit cards.

Tax & Tipping

Tipping is usually not customized in Korea, but it is appropriate for the excellent service. In major tourist hotels, 10% VAT and 10% service charge is added to the bills for rooms, meals and other services.

Weather

Korea is located in middle latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere and the Temperate Zone with four distinct seasons. The average temperature of Seoul in late June is 23 degrees Celsius (73 degrees in Fahrenheit). Check the weather here.

Time Difference

In relation to Greenwich Mean Time, Korea is GMT+09:00 hours.

1330 Korea Travel Phone

For English assistance or travel information, just dial 1330, and a bilingual operator will offer you detailed tourism information.

Electricity

Korea uses 110 and 220 volts, 60 cycles system but the standard voltage is 220 volts. Regarding the shape of outlet, Korea use 'Round pin attachment plug' type. Please check up your plug and prepare the adapter, if necessary.

Korean Food

1. Bap (steamed rice) and Juk (porridge)
Boiled rice is the staple of Korean cuisine. Most people use sticky rice, which sometimes has beans, chestnuts, sorghum, red beans, barley or other cereals added for flavor and nutrition. Juk is thought of as highly nutritious and light. Many varieties of juk exist including: juk made of rice, red beans, pumpkin, abalone, ginseng, pine nuts, vegetables, chicken, mushrooms and bean sprouts.

2. Guk (soup)
A traditional soup served with rice. Varying ingredients include: vegetables, meat, fish, shellfish, seaweed, and beef bones.

3. Jjigae (stew)
Jjigae is similar to guk but is thicker and heartier. The most famous jjigae is made from fermented soy bean paste. Jjigae is usually spicy and served piping hot in a heated stone bowl.

4. Jjim and Jorim (simmered meat or fish)
Jjim and jorim are similar dishes which are prepared with vegetables and soaked in soy bean sauce, then slowly boiled together over low heat.

5. Namul (vegetables or wild greens)
Namul is made from slightly boiled or fried vegetables and wild greens mixed with salt, soy sauce, sesame salt, sesame oil, garlic, onions, and other spices.

6. Gui (broiled/barbecued dishes)
When cooking gui, marinated meats are barbecued over a charcoal fire. The most popular meats of this type are bulgogi and galbi. There are also many fish dishes which are cooked this way.

7. Jeon (pan-fried dishes)
Jeon is a kind of pancake made from mushrooms, pumpkin, slices of dried fish, oysters, unripened red peppers, meat or other ingredients which are mixed with salt and black pepper, dipped in flour and egg and then fried in oil.