The Korean peninsula extends southward from the eastern end of the Asian continent. The peninsula is roughly 1,030 km (612 miles) long and 175 km (105 miles) wide at its narrowest point.
Mountains cover 70% of Korea's land mass, making it one of the most mountainous regions in the world.
The lifting and folding of Korea's granite and limestone base has created breathtaking landscapes of scenic hills and valleys. The mountain range that stretches the length of the east coast plunges steeply into the East Sea, while along the southern and western coasts, the mountains descend gradually to the coastal plains that produce the bulk of Korea's agricultural crops, especially rice.

AThe Korean peninsula is divided just slightly north of the 38th parallel. The democratic Republic of Korea in the south and communist North Korea are separated by a demilitarized zone.
South Korea's 99,500sq.km is populated by 47.9 million people (2003).
Administratively, the Republic of Korea consists of nine provinces ; the capital Seoul; and the six metropolitan cities of Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon and Ulsan. In total, there are 77 cities and 88 counties.

Four Distinct Seasons

Korea's climate is regarded as a continental climate from a temperate standpoint and a monsoonal climate from a precipitation standpoint. The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Spring

Spring lasts from late March to May and is warm. Various flowers, including the picturesque cherry blossom, cover the nation's mountains and fields during this time.

Summer

Summer lasts from June to early September. It is a hot and humid time of the year.

Autumn

Autumn lasts from September to November, and produces mild weather. It is the best season for visiting Korea.

Winter

FWinter lasts from December to mid-March. It can be bitterly cold during this time due to the influx of cold Siberian air. Heavy snow in the northern and eastern parts of Korea makes favorable skiing conditions.

Voltage

In Korea, 220 volt outlets are most common.

Hotels are classified into five categories: super deluxe (five-star), deluxe (five-star), first class (four-star), second class (three-star), third class (two-star).

Generally, a double room in a super deluxe hotel cost approximately 200,000-400,000 won (use of extra services and facilities not included); in a deluxe hotel 150,000-250,000 won, a first class hotel 100,000-150,000, second class 50,000-100,000 won, third class 30,000-100,000 won. The prices of hotels vary depending on season and location.

Hotels above deluxe class usually have a fitness center, Tsauna, a business center, restaurants and cafes. Hotels add a 10% VAT and 10% service charge. The 10% VAT (hotel tax) that was lifted during special tourism periods, such as Visit Korea 2001 and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, is now back in effect as of January 1, 2005.

Hotels above deluxe class usually have a fitness center, Tsauna, a business center, restaurants and cafes. Hotels add a 10% VAT and 10% service charge. The 10% VAT (hotel tax) that was lifted during special tourism periods, such as Visit Korea 2001 and the 2002 FIFA World Cup, is now back in effect as of January 1, 2005.stablished so that you can expect to receive a high standard medical treatment, should you have a problem with your health during your stay.

Hospital

There are many hospitals where some English is spoken. International clinics at large general hospitals like Severance Hospital, Asan Medical Center or Samsung Medical Center are recommended.

Severance Hospital:
134, Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
Tel: (02)361-5114
Website: www.severance.or.kr/en/index.asp
International Clinic Tel: (02)361-6540,
Open 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m. and 2:00p.m.-4:30p.m. on weekdays, and 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m. on Saturdays.

Asan Medical Center
388-1, Pungnap-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Tel: (02)3010-3114
Website: www.amc.seoul.kr/english/
International Clinic Tel: (02)3010-5001,
Open 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m. on weekdays, and 9:00a.m. - noon on Saturdays

Samsung Medical Center:
50, Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul Tel: (02)3410-2114;
International Clinic Tel: (02)3410-0200,
Open 9:00a.m.-4:00p.m. on weekdays, and 09:00a.m.-11:00a.m. on Saturdays.

You will notice that there are police boxes very often located by main street crossings in Japan, to keep an eye on people on the street and assist them to find their way to their destination. Japan's crime rate is very low compared to that of many other countries.

Lost and Found

In the event of misplaced or lost property, contact the Lost and Found Center of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Bureau:
102, Hongik-dong, Seongdong-gu
Tel: +82-2-2299-1282(Korean speakers only), Fax: +82-2-2298-1282

Need travel information? Just Call 1330!

When you need English assistance or travel information, just dial 1330, and a bilingual operator will offer you detailed information on tourist sites, transportation, restaurants, etc.
If you want information about areas outside of Seoul, enter the area code of that region before pressing 1330.

Hours: 24-hour

How to dial 1330 from a telephone

In Korea
- Telephone: 1330
- Cellphone: Area code + 1330
(EX. Information for Seoul 02-1330)
- Service Charge: local telephone charge only

From Abroad
- +82-Area code-1330
(EX. For Seoul +82-2-1330)
- Be sure to drop 0 in front of area code