Planning a Trip????

 A Trip to Korea??

Hey Everyone!!!, so I was researching for info on How to plan a Trip to Korea and thought you might be interested in some of this information, so here are a few numbers, tips and some info that can be useful. :)


How to Get to Korea by Air

Don't you feel welcome already???

Korea is well-connected to the rest of the planet via air routes, with most international carriers running
flights to Seoul. Korea's own national carriers, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, have developed reputations for reliability, comfort, safety and excellence.

Korean Air can be reached at 1588-2001 and Asiana Airlines at 1588-8000.

Nice huh??

For flight routes on international flights, visit here.

Travelers will no doubt be delighted by the wide range of impeccable services offered by Incheon International Airport, the main gateway to Korea and one of the most technologically advanced airports in Asia. It has been named the world's best airport by some surveys including those by the U.S.-based monthly magazine Global Traveler and the Airports Council International.

The primary gateway to Korea is Incheon International Airport, located just over an hour (52 km) west of downtown Seoul. Opened in 2001, Incheon International Airport is one of the most technologically advanced airports in the world. It serves as a transportation hub in Northeast Asia, providing a convenient spot to connect to flights bound for other East Asian destinations. It is capable of handling all sorts of aircraft, including the massive Airbus A380.

Other than Incheon International Airport, there are several international airports throughout the country
including Gimpo Airport for Seoul; Gimhae Airport for Busan; Jeju; Cheongju; Daegu; Yangyang; Muan; and
Gwangju. Gimhae and Jeju operate direct flights to from Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagoya and Osaka in Japan.

VISA

Most tourists can visit Korea for 15 days without a visa, provided they have a return ticket upon entry.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as of today, people from about 100 countries do not
require a visa if they are coming to Korea on a temporary visit. (For the list of visa-exempt countries and for more info on visa regulations,

All visas, including long-term visas, are for a single visit. Anyone wishing to leave Korean and then re-enter
during their allowed period of stay must obtain a re-entry permit. Failure to do so will usually result in one's visa being cancelled upon re-entry to Korea.

Visa extensions for tourist visas are possible in special cases such as accidents, health problems, flight cancellations, etc. Applications for visa extensions can be made at a local immigration office at least one day before the day of expiration.

$$$$$$

Add caption

Korea's currency is won, which comes in 1,000 (about US$0.90), 5,000 and 10,000 won bills, and 10, 50, 100 and 500 won coins.

Automated teller machines are in operation 24 hours a day. Most large 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 may not have credit card processing equipment.
UPDATE 

5,000 KRW Bill

Thanks to the SS for the Update!!

In june 2009, the Bank of Korea began to issue 50,000-Won banknotes. For many decades, the 10,000-Won note was the highest banknote in Korea which has a value aroun $9. Due to the high prices in Korea, you either had to carry a bundle of 10,000-Won notes or  use checks printed from various banks, mostly with a denomination of 100,000-Won. The Woman on the note is Sinsaimdang (신 사임당), one of the most accomplished painter,writer, artist and calligrapher in the Chosun Dynasty and the mother of Yulgok, who became a very famous scholar.


Helpful Numbers and Websites

Need travel/tourist information in Seoul? Call 1330!
Need travel/tourist information outside Seoul? Call area code + 1330.
Passport ARS service 82-2-733-2114
Seoul Call Center
Dial 120 (02-120 cell phone/outside Seoul) and then press '9' for foreign languages. It offers all basic information concerning Seoul city
Korea Tourism Organization Tourist Information Center: 02-729-9498
Tourist Complaint Center: 02-735-0101

www.korea.net/
 www.lifeinkorea.com/

Hope this really help you if you are planing on taking a trip to Korea!!!

-Gisela V.