Korea, South
Businessmen are expected to wear a suit and tie. English is widely spoken in commercial and official circles. Prior appointments are necessary. For Koreans, relationships are all important; "cold calls" don't work -- introductions are crucial! Koreans want to do business with people with whom they have formed a personal connection. Business cards are widely used, perferably printed both in English and Korean. The use of the right hand when giving and receiving particularly applies to business cards. Office hours are 0900-1800 Monday to Friday and 0900-1300 Saturday.
Although the crime rate in the Republic of Korea is low, in major metropolitan areas, such as Seoul and Pusan, there is greater risk of pickpocketing, purse-snatching, hotel room burglaries, and residential crime, and foreigners can be targeted. Women should exercise caution when traveling alone in taxis, especially at night, as there have been incidents reported involving unwanted attention by taxi drivers towards unaccompanied female passengers. In addition, there have been occasional reports of the molestation and rape of foreigners. Travelers may reduce the likelihood of encountering such incidents by exercising the same type of security precautions that they would take when visiting high crime areas any urban center.
While police statistics reflected a small increase in crime since 2003, there have been relatively few incidents involving the expatriate community. Most reported crimes involve pick pocketing in tourist areas and crowded markets, and are predominantly non-violent in nature. Korea is a country with strong gun control laws; consequently crimes involving firearms are statistically low.
The Korean National Police (KNP) operate a Central Interpretation Center (CIC) where foreigners can report incidents of crime. The CIC is available on a twenty-four hour, seven-day-a-week basis. In Seoul, call telephone number 313-0842; outside of Seoul, call (02)313-0842. English speakers are not always available at the CIC, so it may be helpful to ask a Korean speaker to place the call.
Radical student demonstrations continue as a part of Korean life in many cities, but a large number of these demonstrations are confined to university campuses by the Korean National Police (KNP). Students will use Molotov cocktails and carry steel pipes; the police will launch hundreds or even thousands of rounds of tear gas, depending on the size of the protest. Should a visitor realize that a demonstration is about to occur nearby, he/she should stay in his/her hotel or office until the demonstration ends, or if already outside, depart the area as soon as possible.
There are many modern tourist and business-class hotels in the major cities and tourist areas. Hotels are registered with the Government. Facilities in most better hotels include dining rooms, convention halls, bars, souvenir shops, cocktail lounges, barber and beauty shops and recreation areas.
Telephone IDD service is available to Seoul and other major cities. T he country code is 82 and the outgoing international code is 001 Fax services are available at major hotels and business centers. Post offices open 0900-1700 Monday to Friday; 0900-1300 Saturday.
SK Telecom is the main mobile telephone network provider (website: www.sktelecom.co.kr). A CDMA mobile network with 800MHz is in use. It is possible to rent a CDMA handset to use with GSM sim cards whilst in Korea (contact SK Telecom, as above). A new 3G network was introduced in 2002.
Electricity is a 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. The policy is to phase out the 110-volt supply.
110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. Government policy is to phase out the 110 volt supply and many hotels now have a 220 volt supply.
Social conventions
Shoes should be removed before entering a Korean home. Entertainment is usually lavish and Koreans may sometimes be offended if their hospitality is refused. Customs are similar to those in the West. Small gifts are customary and traditional etiquette requires the use of the right hand for giving and receiving. Dress should be casual and practical clothes are suitable. Traditional costume, or hanbok, is mainly worn on holidays and special occasions. For men it consists of a short jacket and loose trousers, called baji, that are tied at the ankles. Womens’ hanboks comprise a wrap-around skirt and a bolero-style jacket and is often called a chima-jeogori. Both ensembles may be topped by a long coat called a durumagi.
C,F
Korea has its own cuisine, quite different from Chinese or Japanese. Rice is the staple food and a typical Korean meal consists of rice, soup, rice water and eight to 20 side dishes of vegetables, fish, poultry, eggs, bean-curd and sea plants. Most Korean soups and side dishes are heavily laced with red pepper. National specialties:
• Bibimbap (boiled rice mixed with vegetables).
• Kimchi (Korean national dish, highly spiced pickle of Chinese cabbage or white radish with turnips, onions, salt, fish, chestnuts and red pepper).
• Bulgogi (marinated, charcoal-broiled
beef barbecue).
• Grilled galbi (seasoned ribs).
• Haemultang (seafood stew).National drinks:
• Yakju (refined pure liquor fermented from rice).
• Soju (like vodka and made from potatoes or grain).
• Korean beer: Cass, Hite and OB.
• Makgeolli and donggongju (milky liquor).
• Ginseng wine is strong and sweet, similar to brandy, but varies in taste according to the basic ingredient used.
• Tea: nokcha (green tea), insamcha (ginseng tea) and many other varieties.
Things to know: There is waiter as well as counter service. Most major hotels will offer a selection of restaurants, serving Korean, Japanese and Chinese cuisine or more Western-style food. Korean Food is a 44-page e-book available from Korea National Tourism Organization’s website (see Top Things To Do). The most common type of drinking establishment is the suljip (wine bar), but there are also beer houses serving well-known European brands. Koreans offer glasses of liquor to each other as a gesture of camaraderie. When someone offers you an empty glass you are expected to hold it out and receive a fill-up and then to drink it empty. Juniors pour for seniors. Tipping
: Although not a Korean custom, most hotels and other tourist facilities add a 10 per cent service charge to bills. Taxi drivers are not tipped unless they help with the luggage.Note
For visitors who purchase goods worth more than KRW50,000 at stores with ‘Tax Free Shopping’ signs or goods over KRW30,000 at outlets with ‘Tax Refund Shopping’ signs, 70 to 80 per cent of the paid VAT (Value Added Tax) and SET (Special Excise Tax) will be refunded in cash at the airport. Only visitors staying less than three months are eligable. Purchases and receipts may need to be shown to the customs officer.Nightlife
Korea’s nightlife successfully blends the traditional with increasing external influences. Yong-Dong and Itaewon are areas of Seoul with nightclubs catering largely to visitors, many with cabaret evenings. Some hotels also have nightclubs but these tend to be expensive. Larger hotels have their own private theater restaurants. Beer halls, many decorated along a European theme, are popular places to drink and meet friends. Visitors are expected to eat as well as drink. There are also many cinemas. Operas, concerts and recitals can be seen at the National Theater and performances of Korean classical music, dances and plays can be seen at Korea House. For daily listings of events, consult Korea’s English-language papers. Several licensed state-of-the-art casinos operate at various locations throughout the country.
