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Korea has four distinct
seasons. In the middle of June, the temperatures range from 20 degrees
C to 28 degrees C. |
| Foreign Currency Exchange
& Credit Cards |
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The Korean currency
is “Won”. Coins come in denominations of ￦10, ￦50, ￦100 and ￦500,
and notes come in denominations of ￦1,000, ￦5,000 and ￦10,000. Foreign
currency and traveler's checks can be converted into Korean won at
foreign exchange banks and other authorized moneychangers. The exchange
rate is subject to market fluctuations and is trading at approximately
￦1,250 per US dollar as of November, 2002. Credit cards, including
VISA, American Express, Diner's Club, Master Card and JCB, are accepted
at major hotels, department stores, and larger restaurants. |
| Value Added Tax (VAT) is levied
on most goods at a standard rate of 10%. For meals and other services,
VAT is automatically added to the bill. In tourist hotels, a 10% VAT
plus a 10% service charge is added to the bills for services. Tipping
is not a traditional Korean custom. |
| Participants are advised to
take out adequate travel and health insurance before leaving their
respective countries. The Organizing Committee has no insurance coverage
for the participants and will not be responsible for any accident
that may occur during the Congress. |
| Most private businesses open
at 09:00 and close at 18:00 but some are opened until late evening.
Bank business hours are between 10:00 and 16:30 on weekdays. They
are closed on weekends and national holidays. |
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Eating out is one
of the great pleasures of visiting Korea, a country famous for its
many native dishes. Korean cuisine will provide unique taste for visitors.
There is also a wide variety of American, Continental, Chinese and
Japanese restaurants. Korean food is rich in nutrition, well balanced
and low in calories. Korean food involves a wide variety of vegetables.
Seasonings include garlic, red pepper, scallion, soy sauce, fermented
bean paste, ginger and sesame oil. |
| The standard electricity supply
is 110 or 220 volts AC/60 cycles. However, outlets for 110 and 220
volts are available at hotels. |
| In relation to Greenwich Mean
Time, Korea is + 9 hours. |
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