Random Things About Kimchiland

First off, if you want to know about South Korea's history, geography, etc, you are in the wrong place. I know nothing about that. Please consult Mr Google.

Here are some random things you might (or might not) want to know before flying off to the land of kimchi:

Weather

Korea has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Spring is from March to May, followed by summer from June to August. The country turns orange, brown, and red from September to November, and then white and freezing from December to February. 

Currency

South Korea's currency is called won. One won is about .04 Philippine pesos, or 1000 won is about 40 Philippine pesos. There are money changers in the airport and even on the streets.

Currency exchange on the street (Photo by: Bee Chavez)

Time

Korea, in the standard time zone, is at GMT +9 hours. The Philippines is at GMT +8 hours, thus Korea is an hour ahead. 

Staying connected

If you cannot live without your cellphone while away from your homeland, you can stay connected by setting your cellphone on roaming provided you have a 3G phone. Another option is to rent a mobile phone. I read in Korea Tourism Organization's website that there are mobile rentals at Incheon International Airport. If you must stay connected to the world wide web, not to worry, wifi is everywhere, even in the subway (I just have no idea how to connect to the subway wifi since I have no 3G phone nor laptop/notebook, yes, I am low tech hehehe). 

Public Phones

If you need to stay connected and can only do so the old fashioned way - by telephone - there are public telephone booths on streets where there are many pedestrians, near bus terminals, and subway stations. Some telephone booths can accept coins and credit cards.

 
Electricity

For sure you will be bringing along things that you would need to recharge at one time or another. Your camera and laptop perhaps? Then I must tell you Korea uses the type C plug (see right photo from electricaloutlet.org) and their outlets supply 220~240V electricity . 

South Korea Series:

Tourist Visa to Korea

Random Things About Kimchiland (you're here!)
From One Point to Another
Homes Away From Home
My First Meal is Not Korean
You Will Never Go Hungry Here
To the North We Go...Almost 
Strolling, Collecting Sights
A Dose of History: Gyeongbokgung 
Double Dose of History: Changdeokgung & Huwon
Photo Stop: Bukchon Hanok Village
Care For Some Coffee?
Step Back in Time at the Folk Village
Trick Eye Museum
N Seoul Tower
What's in a (Business) Name? Korea
This Little Mustache Went to (Namdaemun) Market
At the Outskirts: Petite France and Namisum
Hunting for Cherry Blossoms at Yeouido Park
Can't Pronounce It So I Stuffed It in My Mouth
The Most Important Question