About the Republic of Korea and Seoul
Top right image: Gyeongbokgung Palace. ©Photo Korea - Live Studio.
Bottom left image: Hanyangdoseong Seoul City Wall Trails. ©Photo Korea - Korea Tourism Organisation, Lee bumsu.
Bottom right image: Seoul, the Republic of Korea. ©Photo Korea - Song Seung-woock.
The Republic of Korea and Seoul
Seoul is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Korea, situated on the Hangang River. With its modern skyline and mix of contemporary and traditional architecture, Seoul has a unique landscape.
To learn more about Seoul and the Republic of Korea, please visit:
https://english.visitkorea.or.kr and https://english.visitseoul.net
Languages
The official language in the Republic of Korea is Korean. English is widely used, especially in Seoul.
Population
The Republic of Korea has a population of around 52 million people, with nearly 9.4 million living in the Seoul metropolitan area, making it one of the largest cities in the world.
Food
Generally, food hygiene standards are high throughout the Republic of Korea. Many cafés offer free drinking water. There is a wide range of restaurants catering to different tastes. In recent years, Korean foods like tteokbokki, ramyeon, and gimbap have gained worldwide fame, which can be easily found in Seoul.
Faiths
The major faiths in the Republic of Korea are Christianity, Buddhism, and Korean folk religions like Muism (Korean Shamanism). However, many Koreans also identify as non-religious or follow a mix of traditions.
Climate and Weather
The Republic of Korea has a continental climate. Cold and clear winters contrast with hot, humid summers that bring some rain. In late May, the weather can become quite hot with temperatures ranging from mild to hot, with average daytime lows of 11℃ (52℉) and average highs of 27℃ (80℉). Kindly note that there has been a consistent upward trend in the average temperature annually.
Check www.kma.go.kr/neng/ for forecasts.
Currency
The currency used in the Republic of Korea is the Korean Won (KRW). Common bill denominations are 1,000, 5,000, 10,000. Credit/debit cards are widely accepted. You can pay for most things with cards if you don’t have cash. ATMs are also readily available.
Time
The Republic of Korea spans one time zone, Korean Standard Time (KST), which is 9 hours ahead of UTC/GMT.
Electricity
The standard voltage in Korea is 220V and the frequency is 60Hz. Plug types C and F are used, so plug adapters may be needed for foreign devices.
Telecommunications
Prepaid SIM cards for mobile data can be purchased at convenience stores. 4G/5G coverage is excellent in cities. Free public WiFi is available in many places, including subway stations and cafes.
Water
Tap water in Seoul and major cities is safe to drink. However, many Koreans also prefer to drink bottled or filtered water. In restaurants and cafes, you can freely enjoy tap water for free.
Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in most public indoor spaces in the Republic of Korea like restaurants and public transit, however designated outdoor smoking areas are common.
Tipping
Tipping is not generally expected in the Republic of Korea, as service charges are included in prices at restaurants, hotels, etc.
