1. ClimateIn November, Seoul experiences a transitional climate as late autumn shifts rapidly into early winter.
● High: 10~11℃ ● Low: 2~4℃
2. Time Zone
The Korean local time is 9 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+9). No daylight savings time.
3. Electricity
The standard electricity supply in Korea is 220 volts. Due to the limited quantity of adaptors at the hotel, please make sure to bring your own.
4. Currency
The unit of Korean currency is the Won (₩).
▶ Coins: ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, and ₩500▶ Banknotes: ₩1,000, ₩5,000, ₩10,000, and ₩50,000
The exchange rate is approximately USD 1 to KRW 1,360 (As of 3 SEP, 2026).
5. Banking Hours & ATMs
▶ Banking Hours: Regular banking hours may vary slightly, but most banks are open from 09:00 to 16:00.▶ ATMs: ATMs typically operate until 23:00, but many are available 24 hours. ATMs can also be found at convenience stores, though they generally charge higher transaction fees.
▶ nternational Cards: ATMs accepting international cards are common, especially in areas frequented by foreigners. Please look for ATMs with a "Global" sign or the logo of your card network. Global ATMs support multiple languages.
6. Tax Refund
In Korea, a 10% Value Added Tax (VAT) is included in the price of most purchases. At stores displaying a “Tax Free” sign, international visitors are eligible for a tax refund on purchases greater than 15,000 KRW.
How to claim your refund:
▶ Purchase: Buy merchandise with a total value greater than 15,000 KRW at a store with the “Tax Free” sign.
▶ Request: Show your passport and ask for a refund check during checkout. (Note: Many certified stores now offer "Immediate Refund" at the counter, which automatically deducts the tax from your final payment upon scanning your passport).
▶ Customs: If you did not receive an immediate refund at the store, present your passport, refund check, receipt, and the unopened purchased merchandise to airport customs when leaving the country.
▶ Collect: Receive your cash, check, or credit card refund at the refund counter located near the airport departure gates.