Here you can find a number of practical information in connection with trips to South Korea. Read i.a. about visa rules, price level and travel insurance

• Language: Korean

• Capital: Seoul

• Population: 49 million

• Religion: Buddhism, Christianity

• Currency: won

• Surface: 100 210 km²

Worth knowing

Before departure

About a week before departure, you will receive your final departure letter. The departure letter contains important information about the place and time of departure. It also contains a telephone and address list of the hotels we use on the trip and the tour guide’s name.

Passport and visa

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the return journey. Children travel with their own passport, regardless of age. On some of our trips, you must send a copy of the photo page to your passport. This is stated in your invoice.

Swedish citizens do not need a visa to travel to South Korea. If you are not a Swedish citizen, it is important that you investigate what applies to you.

Vaccinations

Requirements and recommendations regarding vaccinations are constantly changing for different countries. Therefore, contact your doctor or vaccination center for current information regarding necessary vaccinations. You can also read more at www.vaccination.nu.

Travel insurance

Since the general health insurance does not cover the cost of travel home and care in Japan, you should definitely take out travel insurance that covers both the cost of care and any repatriation. Furthermore, we recommend that the insurance covers luggage in the event of damaged or lost luggage. Albatros Travel cooperates with Gouda Reseförsäkring and we are happy to help you take out travel insurance.

Climate

Before departure, find out what the weather is like at the place where you are going to travel. Weather forecasts can be found, for example, at www.smhi.se, www.weather.com or www.yr.no.

Hand luggage

We recommend that you pack your hand luggage, so that you have what you need easily accessible should the rest of your luggage be delayed. Furthermore, we advise you to pack valuables and important medicine in your hand luggage. If you bring prescription medicine that you need to take during the flight, the name of the prescription and flight ticket must match.

We otherwise refer to the Swedish Transport Agency’s website: www.transportstyrelsen.se (under Aviation / Traveler Information).

Time difference

The time difference between Sweden and South Korea is + 8 hours

Transport in South Korea

Bus The
buses in South Korea are of the same standard as we are used to in Europe. We have chosen the best category, with air conditioning (where needed). All of our buses are non-smoking.

Trains The
conditions above also apply to train journeys, where we also always travel in train compartments with air conditioning.

Economy

Expenses for meals, which are not included in the price, are around SEK 140-160 per lunch and around SEK 240 per dinner. When it comes to pocket money, we know from experience that you usually manage on about 70 kronor a day. If you want drinks etc. in addition to that, it is usually about 120-170 kronor extra per day per person. Such a sum can cover drinks, postcards, stamps, ice cream, etc. If you plan to buy things to take home, you need to bring extra money. Visit sourcemakeup.com for South Korea as an Asian tiger.

Tip

It is not customary to tip in South Korea – neither in hotels, restaurants nor in taxis. Only the finest hotels add a service charge on top of the price.

Currency and credit cards

The South Korean currency is called won.

The exchange rate in relation to Swedish kronor is: (in February 2014)

1 krona = 165.40 won

100 won = 0.60 kr

There are plenty of ATMs in South Korea but only those that have a “Global” sign can be used with international credit cards. Some vending machines had a maximum withdrawal limit (below 500,000 won) and few are open 24 hours a day. Make sure you have enough cash for a couple of days trip should you have difficulty finding an ATM. Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards although small local markets and eateries often only accept cash payment.

Electricity

220 V, standard.

Telephone and internet

The international country code for South Korea is +82. Please note that Swedish mobile phones do not work in South Korea, which uses a different type of network. However, it is possible to rent a mobile phone for your stay, e.g. At the airport.

Internet cafes are very widespread. From experience, however, we know that you do not have time to visit such places other than during your own time or after the end of the day program. In most large hotels, you can rent a computer with internet connection, but at relatively high prices (approx. SEK 50 per hour).

You can send letters and postcards from most hotels we use. It is often also possible to buy stamps in the hotel foyer.

Hygiene

Hygiene conditions in South Korea are at a high level, and can be compared with Western Europe. In restaurants, hygiene is generally good, and there are always clean chopsticks or disposable chopsticks at the tables.

Tap water in South Korea is generally clean everywhere but can taste different than what we are used to. If you are unsure of the quality of the water, stick to bottled water.

Toilets

As a rule, the toilets in South Korea are of a modern / western standard.

Smoking

All flights and train and bus transport are also non-smoking. Smoking on the street is considered very rude, especially for women.