The South Korea Business Travel Guide contains a range of valuable travel information and useful travel tools to assist business travellers. The guide contains facts on South Korea, visa information, business customs, useful tips and other resources. A good understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and traditions can be of great importance to business travellers and give a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.
South Korea Guide
Quick Facts on South Korea
South Korea Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
South Korea Map
South Korea Weather
Currency Converter & Travel Money Exchange
South Korea Flights
Travel Insurance
Quick Facts on South Korea
Country: South Korea (Republic of Korea)
Capital: Seoul
Currency: Korean Won
Population: 48 Million
Area total: 99,373 sq km
Languages: Korean
Time Zone: GMT +9
Electricity: 220V 60Hz
Dialling Code: 82
GDP: USD 1,007bn (2010)
Religion: Christianity, Confucianism, Buddhism, Shamanism.
Political System: Republic
Internet Domain: .kr
South Korea Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to South Korea. You can find further information on entry requirements for South Korea, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in South Korea. The information is updated on an on going basis making it a useful reference point for both business and leisure travellers looking for the latest travel advice and information on South Korea. For more information please see: South Korea Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
No visa requirement for nationals of UK, European states, Canada, USA and many others for tourist and short stays of up to 30 to 90 days. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: South Korea Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business dress is conservative and the usual greeting is either with a small bow and/or accompanied with a handshake, it is customary to maintain eye contact when shaking hands. Business cards are extremely important as is the case for much of SE Asia and you will need plentiful supply to pass round. It is polite to look at the business card with interest before putting it away, it is seen as potentially rude to just put the business card away immediately. Punctuality is important for meetings, trust and establishing personal business relationships are important here. It can take time for this to be established as can decisions, there is a tradition of consensual decision making that can take some time. .
Travel Advice and Tips
Most trips to South Korea for both business visitors and tourists go ahead without incident each year. South Korea has a relatively low level of crime, however there are incidents of bag snatching and pick pocketing and it is wise to remain vigilant and alert to your surroundings and environment. Valuables should not be displayed in public.
Travel Checklist: See our Holiday & Packing Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP on the latest advice regarding any travel vaccinations you may need up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: Is not widely practised in South Korea, hotels and restaurants may add a service charge to your bill. It is customary to take a small bow to say thank you for services provided. Taxi drivers do not normally expect a tip.
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
09.00 to 12.00 then 13.00 to 19.00 Monday to Friday
09.00 to 13.00 Saturdays
For Banks:
09.00 to 16.30 Monday to Friday
NOTE: Hours may vary for businesses in different industries.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2012):
January 1: New Year's Day
February 23: Sollal (New Year)
March 1: Independence Declaration Day
May 1: Labour Day
May 5: Children’s Day
May 10: Buddha's Birthday
June 6: Memorial Day
August 15: Liberation Day
September 30: Harvest Moon Festival
October 3: National Foundation Day
December 25: Christmas
South Korea Map
View Larger Map
Related Resources
South Korea Weather
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
