Formal Name: Republic of Korea (ROK)

Capital: Seoul

Language: Korean

Area: 38,622 sq mi

Population: 48,379,392 people

Density: 1,274 people per sq mi

Currency: Korean Won (KRW)

Time Zone: Korean Standard Time (UTC + 9), no DST

Country Dialing Code: +82

Voltage: 220V, 60Hz

Outlets: Two Round Pins

Religion: None Declared, Christian, Buddhist

Autonomous Cities: Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju, Ulsan

Provinces: Gyeonggi, Gangwan, Chungcheongnam, Chungcheongbuk, Jeollanam, Jeollabuk, Gyeongsangnam, Gyeongsangbuk, Jeju

Visas: Visitors from most countries who are traveling for tourism do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Be sure your passport is valid for an additional 6 months from your departure date and that you possess a return or ongoing ticket.

International Airports: Incheon International Airport (ICN) is located on Yongjong Island, approximately 50 minutes from Seoul. It is the most widely used international airport. Gimpo International Airport (SEL) is located approximately 20 minutes from Seoul. Gimhae International Airport (PUS) is located approximately 40 minutes from Busan.

Departure Tax: When leaving the country you must pay a KRW9000 departure tax.

Transportation: There are several train systems that connect all of South Korea. The KTX is the high-speed train and has fewer stops with more expensive tickets. The Saemaeul and Mugunghwa trains are slower and run between more cities and towns, with the Saemaeul being more comfortable, having fewer stops and being more expensive. Still, tickets between cities are very affordable. In larger cities the metro system is a convenient, clean and safe way to to travel. There are buses that are both inter-city and intra-city, and they offer more options and travel to smaller towns as well. Finally, taxis are readily available and are decently priced.

Banking: Banking is a simple and convenient process in South Korea. Many bank employees in larger cities speak English, and a few in smaller towns will speak a bit of English as well. ATMs are prominent, and accept Visa, MasterCard and Cirrus, among others. You can change traveler's cheques and cash in most any bank. Most larger establishments will also accept credit cards.

Tipping: It is not customary to leave a tip for any service in South Korea, however many hotels and restaurants will add a 10 percent service charge to your bill.

Police Emergency: Dial 112.

Fire/Ambulance Emergency: Dial 119 or 129.

Free Translation Service: Dial 1588 5644.

Tourist Information: Dial 1330.

Embassies: Most Foreign Embassies are located in Seoul, with a few also being located in Busan.

Food: At some point in your trip, be sure to try the national dish, kimchi. Kimchi is a spiced pickled cabbage that is served with every meal. Other local specialties include bibimbop (rice mixed with vegetables and chili peppers), bulgogi (marinated beef barbecue) and bundaegi (silkworm larvae).