Public phone

There are three types of public telephones in Korea: coin-operated telephones, card phones, and credit card phones. A local call costs 70 won (US$0.06) for three minutes. Intercity calls cost considerably more. Coin phones return coins that are not charged, but do not return change for partially used 100 won coins. Card telephones can be used to make international calls as well as local and intercity calls. Telephone cards come in 2,000, 3,000, 5,000, and 10,000 denominations and are on sale in shops close to telephone boxes and in banks. There are also credit card phones, which you can use with major credit cards.

Domestic Long- distance Calls (Area Codes)

[Metropolitan Cities] Seoul(02), Incheon(032), Gwangju(062), Busan(051), Daegu(053), Daejeon(042), Ulsan(052) [Provinces] Gyeonggi-do(031), Gangwon-do(033), Chungcheongbuk-do(043), Chungcheongnam-do(041), Jeollabuk-do(063), Jeollanam-do(061), Gyeongsangbuk-do(054), Gyeongsangnam-do(055), Jeju-do(064).

International Calls

[How to call Korea from overseas! ] When you make a phone call to Korea from abroad, first dial 82 (Country Code for Korea), then Area Code (except for the first number 0) , finally, dial the Phone Number you desire to call. For example: Calling Seoul (Area Code 02) with 777-7777 as the phone number, dial +82-2-777-7777. [How to call overseas from Korea!] * First dial any of the following international call company numbers and then the country code, area code and finally the number you are calling. *Regular International Phone Call Carriers: 001, 002, 008 *Mobile Phone Carriers: 00345, 00365, 00388, 00700, 00727, 00766, 00770 and so on. *Pre-paid Phone Cards: Generally, since it is almost impossible to find budget mobile phone rentals, pre-paid phone cards are available at any convenient stores or news stands. Regular International Phone Call Carriers Carrier`s Number 001 002 008 Charge per minute (USA/Jpn/Chn) 288/840/1278 won 714/828/1278 won 696/810/1248 won Mobile Phone International Carriers Carrier`s Number Charge per minute (USA/Jpn/Chn) 00345 252/336/714 won 00365 174/297/699 won 00388 188/288/588 won 00700 288/390/780 won 00727* 276/378/798 won 00766 246/324/702 won 00770* 186/318/390 won * Updated on January, 2004 * these numbers may be used on a regular phone as well.

Cell-phone Rental Service

Cell-phone Rental Services are available at Incheon International Airport. This service must be ordered in advance. Online-Reservation is possible on www.Tour2Korea.com. Click here for more information on cell-phone fees, rental locations and online reservations. * Cell-phone Rental Service

Internet

Internet service is offered in public places such as airports, train stations and bus terminals in Korea. PC bangs and internet cafes are also handy places to get internet service and easy to fine throughout the country. Many PC bangs are open 24-hours and some have snack bars with beverages, noodles, other snacks available. Related article: Let's take a look inside a PC bang

Postal Service * Domestic First Class Mail: Up to 5g: 160 won/ From 5g to 25g: 190 won * Domestic Express Mail: Up to 5g: 240 won/ From 5g to 25g: 280 won * Packages for the local area: Up to 2kg: 1,500 won * Post Cards: 160 won per card In Korea, the postal code is recommended but not mandatory. Click here for a quick postal code search

[Quotation from http://english.tour2korea.com ]

In Korea, 220 volt outlets are most common.

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Wholesale Clothing Markets (Clothing Shopping Mall)

		When it comes to buying clothes in Korea, the wholesale clothing markets concentrated in Dongdaemun are becoming Korea's leading shopping centers. Thousands of small shops set in modern facilities open until daybreak attracting many fashionable night shoppers. So when you shop at Dongdaemun, keep the following in mind: • First   Wear comfortable shoes! To browse the thousands of little shops in Dongdaemun, you will need to preserve your feet. High-heels and other uncomfortable shoes are not recommended. Want to find a better bargain for your clothes? A pair of comfy shoes is a must. • Second   Does a certain shop have clothes you fancy? Then jot down the store number (each one has its own permit number). There are tons of little clothing shops in what appears to be a labyrinth. Finding the same store can be a tough task. • Third   Bargaining was a traditional practice in Dongdaemun, but lately this has been practically eliminated because prices are more reasonable. Haggling with the shop owner may get you a discount of up to 5 %. This is even for Korean shoppers as well.

Traditional Markets

		Traditional markets are where you can experience customary Korean shopping culture. At these markets, you will only find one-story buildings and small handcarts full of interesting goods. When you shop at one of these traditional markets, it is a good idea to shop at a comfortable pace, eating snacks at a street cart, and absorbing the culture. It is advisable to carry Korean currency because it is likely that these shops will not accept foreign currency. Gyeongdong Market, Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market are most popular in Seoul.

Department Stores

		Korean department stores usually have sales in each of the four seasons. Generally, each department store has a two-week long sale period in January, April, July and October. It is a good idea to check out the advertisements and details of these sales on the Internet. You can also contact the KNTO Korea Travel Phone +82-2-1330 to learn the exact date for the sale periods. However, be prepared to battle the crowd in the department stores during these sale seasons.

Large Discount Marts

		These marts offer a similar variety of goods as department stores in Korea, but at discounted prices. One difference is that these marts typically don’t carry luxury brands of clothing. Some of the largest discount marts in Korea include E-mart, Homever (formly Carrefour), Lotte Mart, and Kim's Club. Most marts have lockers by the entrance to store your personal items, such as a large purse, while you shop. Carts and hand-carry baskets are also available near the entrance. A refundable 100 won coin must be deposited at some places when you use a locker or a cart. Large discount marts tend to get rather crowded on the weekdays between 5 and 9 p.m., as well as on the weekends. It is recommended to avoid these peak times.

Money Major foreign credit cards (VISA, MASTER, etc.) are accepted at department stores, large discount marts, sizable book stores, restaurants and other major establishments. Smaller establishments and local markets typically deal in cash or domestic cards.

Language English isn’t spoken at many local shops and restaurants. However, at popular tourist spots, such as Namdaemun Market, basic English and Japanese are spoken. For some common Korean phrases that can be used while shopping CLICK HERE!

Refunds Refunds and exchanges are usually possible at department stores and large marts. Of course the item purchased should be in its original condition and the receipt should be presented at the time of refund/exchange. Exchanges may be possible at smaller markets, but refunds will be difficult.

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