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Currency
The Korean unit of currency is "won." Coin denominations are KRW 10, 50, 100, 500. Bank notes come in KRW 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 50,000 increment and bank checks are circulated in denominations of 100,000 and over. Foreign currency and traveler's checks can be converted into Korean won at foreign exchange banks and other authorized money changers. The exchange rate is equivalent to about KRW 1,156 in December 2011.



Credit Cards
Following credit cards are accepted at major hotels, department stores, and large restaurants: VISA, American Express, Diner's Club, Master Card and JCB.




Electricity
In Korea, outlets for 220 volts / 60 hertz are dominant but a 110 volt outlet is sometimes available. Be careful and ask before plugging in a 110 volt appliance.




Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Korea. But a 10% service charge is added to the bill at all tourist hotels and some restaurants.




International Calls
To make a direct international call from Korea, first dial the international access code (001, 002, 008, or 00700), and then dial country code, local area code and the recipient's number. Please refer to Useful Phone Numbers below for the local area code numbers.



Public Telephones
KRW 70 is cost for a 3 minute local call and for a 38 second call to cell phone users. If you would like to make an international phone call using a public telephone on the street, in the building, or nearby subway station, buying an international calling card is recommended at a convenience store such as Seven-Eleven, Mini Stop, Family Mart, Buy the way and GS25.



Useful Phone Numbers
Police 112
Fire and Ambulance 119
Tourist Information Local Area Code + 1330
*Local Area Code: Seoul 02, Gyeonggi 031, Incheon 032, Gangwon 033, Chungnam 041, Daejeon 042, Chungbuk 043, Busan 051, Ulsan 052, Daegu 053, Gyeongbuk 054, Gyeongnam 055, Jeonnam 061, Gwangju 062, Jeonbuk 063, Jeju 064

Time Difference


* Please note the there is no daylight savings in Korea.
* Shaded boxes designate times that fall in the previous calendar day.

Climate
Korea's climate is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. In September, which is when the congress is to take place, summer will just be ending and the weather will be cool. The average daytime temperature of September is usually around 20.8℃.

Average Temperatures and Rainfall
Month Centigrade Fahrenheit Humidity (%) Rainfall (mm)
Jan. -1.7 28.94 49.8 17.7
Feb. -1.2 29.84 45.6 15.0
Mar. 7.3 45.14 56.2 53.9
Apr. 14.1 57.38 56.2 38.5
May. 17.7 63.86 58.1 97.7
Jun. 21.5 70.70 65.3 165.0
Jul. 25.1 77.18 78.3 530.8
Aug. 25.3 77.54 69.4 251.2
Sep. 20.8 C 69.44 F 71% 137.6mm
Oct. 14.4 57.92 66.2 49.3
Nov. 6.9 44.42 64.6 53
Dec. 0.2 32.36 63.8 24.9