Essential info for South Korea
Time: The local time zone is GMT +9.
Electricity: South Korea uses 110 or 220 volts, 60Hz electrical current. Most hotels and offices use 220 volts. Adapters are widely available at the airport and city convenience stores.
Language: The official language is Korean. English is not widely spoken.
Health: There are no essential vaccinations for expats entering South Korea. Medical care standards are exceptionally high. Some expat advisories suggest getting Hepatitis A and typhoid inoculations, and note that there is a small risk of malaria in some areas. Expats are expected to pay for medical treatment in advance, and medical insurance with provision for repatriation is highly recommended. In recent years there have been outbreaks of bird flu, although no human infections have been reported. As a general practice expats should ensure that poultry and egg dishes are well cooked, and should avoid contact with live birds. Tap water is drinkable, although initially may cause the odd upset stomach as one gets used to it.
Tipping: It is not usual to tip in South Korea. Top restaurants and luxury hotels can add a service charge of 10 percent to the bill. Tip taxi drivers if they assist with baggage.
Safety: South Korea is a safe and trouble-free destination. Expats are very rarely the victim of crime, but it is still advisable to take basic precautions in safeguarding passports, money and credit cards in crowded areas. South Korea is a stable democracy and the only danger is presented by the unlikely threat of North Korean military action. Expats are advised to carry some form of identification at all times.
Local customs: Expats should not expect English to be spoken or understood. For this reason it is worth having directions or instructions written down in Korean, and of course, to make some effort to learn the rudiments of the language. Social harmony is highly valued in South Korea, and hence any action that causes an individual to 'lose face' or their dignity is a serious breach of etiquette. In business and social contexts alike Koreans will endeavour to maintain a peaceful situation, often at the expense of being candid.
Business: Korea has a nuanced culture that is difficult for Westerners to grasp at first. Koreans tend to dress conservatively and formally and expat business people are to do the same. Trust is important, hence Koreans favour business with people whom they know. For this reason it can essential to be introduced via a third known party.
When greeting offer a bow, followed by a handshake. The style of introductions is important as it establishes the hierarchy, often according to age, which should always be respected. Expect the most important person to be introduced first. When greeting in Korean, try saying 'an-yang-ha-say-yo' (hello), and 'gam-sa-ham-ni-da' (thank you) – such efforts are likely to earn you respect and a favourable early impression.
This is Asia after all, so business card etiquette is vital: give and receive them with both hands. Read it carefully and acknowledge the name before putting the card safely in your pocket. Don’t use it to pick one’s teeth, or wave it about in conversation. An expat’s business card should be translated from English into Korean on the alternate side. Koreans are referred to by their surnames and it is best to ask in advance how to address the person.
Another way to win friends and influence people in the early business encounter is give a gift; this will typically be reciprocated. Business hours are generally 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international dialling code for South Korea is +82, with the outgoing code 001 or 002 + the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the UK). When using mobile phones the outgoing code is 00700. City or area codes are used, for example (0)2 for Seoul. South Korea has a very well developed telecommunications infrastructure, including the fastest internet in the world. Internet cafés are widely available. Note that although mobile telephones are widely used by locals, there is no GSM network so expat’s handsets brought from home will not usually work in the country.
Electricity: South Korea uses 110 or 220 volts, 60Hz electrical current. Most hotels and offices use 220 volts. Adapters are widely available at the airport and city convenience stores.
Language: The official language is Korean. English is not widely spoken.
Health: There are no essential vaccinations for expats entering South Korea. Medical care standards are exceptionally high. Some expat advisories suggest getting Hepatitis A and typhoid inoculations, and note that there is a small risk of malaria in some areas. Expats are expected to pay for medical treatment in advance, and medical insurance with provision for repatriation is highly recommended. In recent years there have been outbreaks of bird flu, although no human infections have been reported. As a general practice expats should ensure that poultry and egg dishes are well cooked, and should avoid contact with live birds. Tap water is drinkable, although initially may cause the odd upset stomach as one gets used to it.
Tipping: It is not usual to tip in South Korea. Top restaurants and luxury hotels can add a service charge of 10 percent to the bill. Tip taxi drivers if they assist with baggage.
Safety: South Korea is a safe and trouble-free destination. Expats are very rarely the victim of crime, but it is still advisable to take basic precautions in safeguarding passports, money and credit cards in crowded areas. South Korea is a stable democracy and the only danger is presented by the unlikely threat of North Korean military action. Expats are advised to carry some form of identification at all times.
Local customs: Expats should not expect English to be spoken or understood. For this reason it is worth having directions or instructions written down in Korean, and of course, to make some effort to learn the rudiments of the language. Social harmony is highly valued in South Korea, and hence any action that causes an individual to 'lose face' or their dignity is a serious breach of etiquette. In business and social contexts alike Koreans will endeavour to maintain a peaceful situation, often at the expense of being candid.
Business: Korea has a nuanced culture that is difficult for Westerners to grasp at first. Koreans tend to dress conservatively and formally and expat business people are to do the same. Trust is important, hence Koreans favour business with people whom they know. For this reason it can essential to be introduced via a third known party.
When greeting offer a bow, followed by a handshake. The style of introductions is important as it establishes the hierarchy, often according to age, which should always be respected. Expect the most important person to be introduced first. When greeting in Korean, try saying 'an-yang-ha-say-yo' (hello), and 'gam-sa-ham-ni-da' (thank you) – such efforts are likely to earn you respect and a favourable early impression.
This is Asia after all, so business card etiquette is vital: give and receive them with both hands. Read it carefully and acknowledge the name before putting the card safely in your pocket. Don’t use it to pick one’s teeth, or wave it about in conversation. An expat’s business card should be translated from English into Korean on the alternate side. Koreans are referred to by their surnames and it is best to ask in advance how to address the person.
Another way to win friends and influence people in the early business encounter is give a gift; this will typically be reciprocated. Business hours are generally 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international dialling code for South Korea is +82, with the outgoing code 001 or 002 + the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the UK). When using mobile phones the outgoing code is 00700. City or area codes are used, for example (0)2 for Seoul. South Korea has a very well developed telecommunications infrastructure, including the fastest internet in the world. Internet cafés are widely available. Note that although mobile telephones are widely used by locals, there is no GSM network so expat’s handsets brought from home will not usually work in the country.
