Seoul is one of the largest cities in the world with more than 10 million residents.
Incheon International Airport:
Seoul’s
airport code is ICN, and it is located approximately 30 miles from downtown. Rental
cars are available at the airport, but the city’s size and population density make the public transportation
options much more efficient.
Shuttle buses and
taxis connect travelers to all areas in Seoul, while the
AREX light-rail line between Incheon and the Gimpo airport links up to Seoul’s subway system.
Getting Around Seoul:
Seoul is one of the largest cities in the world and has a population of more than 10 million people. The Seoul Subway lines are a quick and cheap way to get around town. Subway fare is calculated based on the distance traveled: basic fare is 900 won (approximately 80 cents) for 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) traveled. The rate increases by 100 won (approximately 9 cents) every additional five to 10 kilometers (3.1 to 6.2 miles). Buses are another common mode of transportation in Seoul, however bus routes can be difficult for newcomers to master. Schedules vary by route, but most routes run daily from 4:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Visitors looking for a more direct method of transportation can try the city’s International Taxi service, created to help make transportation easier for visitors who do not speak the Korean language.
Visiting Seoul:
Seoul Tourism Organization
Nara-Keyum Bldg. 8F, Jeo-dong 1-ga, Jung-gu
82-2-3788-0816
Hours: M-F 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Seoul Center for Culture & Tourism
Fifth floor, M-Plaza, Myeong-dong 2Ga, Jung-gu
82-02-3789-7961
Hours: Daily 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Useful numbers
24-hour Korea Tourism Organization Information Line: dial 1330 directly or 82-02-1330 from a cell phone
Seoul Call Center Dasan 120: dial 120 directly or 02-120 from a cell phone
Hours: M-F 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Geography and Climate: Seoul, the capital of South Korea, sits on the banks of the Han River. The city has an area of 233 square miles. Seoul has four distinct seasons, with hot, humid summers and frigid, snow-covered winters. Seoul is located in the Korea Standard time zone.
Currency: Seoul uses the South Korean won.
In Case of Emergency: The Republic of Korea is not a very dangerous place, however, tourists should be alert of their surroundings. Cases of thievery, robbery and fraud do take place, but they can be prevented. To call local police, dial 112 directly or 02-112 if calling from a cell phone. In the event of a medical emergency, there are several resources for tourists:
Medical Referral Service
010-4769-8212 or 010-8750-8212
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Emergency only 8 p.m.-8 a.m.
Emergency Medical Information Center
Dial 1339 directly or 02-1339 from a cell phone
Daily 24 hours
Seoul National University Hospital
28 Yeongeon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
82-2-2072-2890 or 011-9150-2890 (24 hours)
24-hour emergency care center: 82-2-2072-2473
Severance Hospital: International Health Care Center
134 Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul
82-02-2228-5800 or 010-9948-0983 (emergencies)
US Embassy
32 Sejong-no, Jongno-gu, Seoul
82-2-397-4040
After-hours emergency: 82-2-397-4114 Walk-in hours: M-Tu., Th.-F 1-3 p.m.; Telephone-inquiry hours: M-Tu., Th.-F 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-8:30 p.m., W 8:30-11:30 a.m.