Guidetolivinginkorea 2011 by KOCIS

KOTRA자료 10-068

Quick Reference

Korean Key Phrases

Exchange Rates (Basic) Nation

Currency Name

Oct. 2010

Korean Won(￦)

United States

USD

1127.00

Japan

JPY 100

1382.20

China

CNY

169.85

European Union

EUR

1569.57

Business Hours Banks

9:00~16:00 Mon~Fri

Post offices 9:00~18:00 Postal service 9:00~16:30 Financial service 9:00~13:00 Saturday

Useful Phone Numbers Ambulance

119

Fire brigade

119

Police

112

Telephone Codes Seoul Gyeonggi Incheon Gangwon Chungnam Daejeon Chungbuk Busan Ulsan Daegu Gyeongbuk Gyeongnam Jeonnam Gwangju Jeonbuk Jeju

02 031 032 033 041 042 043 051 052 053 054 055 061 062 063 064

The international access codes to call abroad from South Korea are 001(through KT), 002(through Dacom), 00700(through SKTelink), 00365(through Onse) or 00321(through Naray)

Tourist advice & Help 1330 Emergen (Medical services)

1339

Dasan call center (Seoul)

120

Telephone directory assistance

1588-5644

Invest Korea

1600-7119

Metric Conversions Temperature Distance

Tip Box ※If you call from overseas, please press +82, and then the telephone number. Ex) 02-3497-1013 (in Korea) 82-2-3497-1013 (from overseas)

Weight

Volume

Area

˚C=(˚F-32)÷1.8 ˚F=(˚C1.8)+32 1inch=2.54cm 1cm=0.3937inch 1m=3.2808ft=1.0936yd 1ft=0.3048m 1km=0.6213miles 1mile=1.6093km 1kg=2.2046lb 1lb=0.4535kg 1g=0.0353oz 1oz=28.3495g 1L=0.2642 US gallons 1 US gallon = 3.7854L 1L=0.22 imperial gallons 1imperial gallons=4.55L 1m2=10.764ft2=1.1958yd2 1py=3.3058m2=35.5836ft2 1a=100m2=1076.4ft2 1ft2=0.0929m2=0.1111yd2 1acre=43560ft2 = 4840yd2

Disease/Injury •Hello

[ annyeong haseyo ]

•Excuse me

[ sillye hamnida ]

•Is there a doctor who speaks english? [ youngeoreul hal jul aneun uisaga isseumnigga? ]

•Please

[ butak hamnida ]

•Thank you

[ gamsa hamnida ]

•Is there a pharmacy nearby? [ geuncheoe yakgugi isseumnigga? ]

•How much?

[ eolmayeyo? ]

Shopping

•Sorry

[ miahn hamnida ]

•Yes/No

[ ye/aniyo ]

•What is this? [ igeoseun mueotimnigga? ] •How much is it? [ eolmaeyo? ]

When you need help

•I’ll take this one [ igeoseuro hagesseumnida ]

•Help! [ dowa juseyo ]

Food

•Please lend me your phone [ jeonhwa-reul billyeo jusipsio ]

•Please give me some water [ Muljom juseyo ]

Expressing yourself

•That was delicious [ aju masisseosseumnida ]

•I don’t know [ jeoneun jal moreugesseumnida ]

•Please make it mild [ maepjianke haejuseyo ]

•Really? [ jeongmarimnika? ]

•What do you call this in Korean? [ igeoseul han-gungmallo mworago hamnigga? ]

•Do you speak English? [ yeongeo hal jul asimnigga? ]

Transportation

Greetings

•How long does it take to get to ( ) ? [ ( ) ggaji eolmana geollimnigga? ]

•I’m pleased to meet you [ cheom boepgesseumnida ]

•Where is the bus stop? [ bus jeongnyujangi eodi imnigga? ]

•My name is ( ) [ Je ireumun ( ) imnida ]

•Please take me to ( ) (to taxi driver) [ ( ) ggaji butak hamnida ]

•You are welcome [ cheonmaneyo ]

•How long does it take to get to ( ) ? [ ( ) ggaji sigani eolmana geollimnigga? ]

•Goodbye (to person going) [ annyeonghi gaseyo ]

Time

•Goodbye (to person staying) [ annyeonghi gyeseyo ]

•Excuse me, but what time is it? [ mian hajiman, jigeum myeossi imnigga? ]

Apologies, asking again

Leisure/Touring

•My apologies [ joesong hamnida ]

•Where is a/the ? [ neun eodie isseumnigga? ]

•Could you explain that again? [ dasi hanbeon seolmyeonghae jusipsiyo ]

•Would you take my/our picture? [ sajinjom jjigeo jusigesseumnigga? ]

Telecommunication and Postal Services

CONTENTS

Guide to Living in Korea 2011

KOTRA

Medical Services

・KOTRA ・Invest KOREA

Business

・Medical Service System in Korea ・Medical Insurance ・Emergency Services

Financial Services

・How to Pay for Transportation Services in Korea ・Public Transportation Services ・Automobile ・Traffic Accidents ・Emergency Car Services

Consumer Protection

149

・Introduction ・Consumer Protection in Korea ・Korea Consumer Agency ・Resolution of Consumer Damage 83

・International (Foreign) Schools in Korea ・Alternative Options-Korean Schools and Homeschooling ・Korean Language Programs ・Libraries and Bookstores

Transportation

137

・Banks ・Card Services ・Foreign Currency Deposits ・Other Services

・Housing or Residential Premises ・Utility ・Moving House ・Foreign Villages in Seoul

Education

129 ・Pharmacy (or Drugstore) ・Useful Information ・Main Clinics for Expats

・Investment Environment ・Starting FDI in Korea ・Business Support ・Policies of the Favorable Treatment for Foreign Investors ・Visa ・Business Manners in Korea

Accommodation

115

・Cable TV and Satellite TV ・Internet Services ・Wired Telephone Services ・Long Distance (Local Area in Korea) and International Phone Calls ・Public Telephones ・Mobile Phone Services ・Postal Services

Directory

155

Appendix

221

・Republic of Korea 대한민국 Daehanmin(-)guk ・Provinces in Korea ・Time Differences ・Subway Maps ・Calendar, Holidays ・Investment Service Team ・Map of Korea ・Korea Business Centers (KBCs) of KOTRA

Guide to Living in Korea 2011

KOTRA

・KOTRA ・Invest KOREA

and advancement into overseas markets

You can find further information in the directory section (page 156).

- Supporting Korean companies’ overseas investments and projects.

KOTRA

- Collecting and disseminate information about overseas markets.

Invest KOREA

•Attracting foreign investment - Attracting, promoting, and assisting

1. Invest KOREA Overview

foreign investment.

KOTRA

1. KOTRA Overview

KOTRA is currently helping Korean com-

- Assisting the settlement of foreign

Invest KOREA is Korea’s national invest-

panies to do business abroad in such

investment and resolve any related dif-

ment promotion agency, established

diverse areas as the knowledge service,

ficulties.

with the sole purpose of facilitating the entry and successful establishment of

IT fusion and green industries and the

KOTRA, Korea Trade-Investment Pro-

kets. KOTRA also assists small and

motion Agency, was established in 1962

medium-sized Korean companies as well

•Performing government-assigned projects and fostering trade investment experts

as a national trade promotion organiza-

as backbone companies in forming part-

- Supporting participation of Korean

establishment service designed to pro-

tion with the remit of assisting Korea’s

nerships with the world’s major compa-

companies in EXPOs and establish-

mote the rapid settlement of foreign cor-

transformation into an export-driven

nies and in resolving pending economic

ment of investment inducement policies.

porations in Korea and ensure they

nation. Since then, it has played an

issues such as recruiting the foreign

- Constructing and operate infrastruc-

maximize the benefits of the Korean

indispensable role in facilitating Korea’s

human resources needed by Korean

tures for the Korean Government’s

investment environment to the fullest

rapid economic development by con-

companies and introducing Korean job-

trade and investment.

extent.

ducting various export promotion activi-

seekers to overseas companies.

procurement, franchise and plant mar-

foreign business into Korea. Nor does our involvement halt there, since our agency delivers an extensive post-

ties around the world. Compared with the early 1960s, Korea’s exports have grown 4,000 times, making it the world’s ninth largest exporter at present.

2. Main Functions and Roles of KOTRA

Within KOTRA, there is Invest KOREA, agency dedicated to attracting foreign

•Developing overseas markets for Korean companies

investment, and Global Korea, which is

- Supporting overseas strategic market-

the national agency for assisting Korean

ing and customized export activities.

which is the government’s principal

3. Organization

2. Services

•Headquarters : 5 main offices, 3 divi-

■

First of all, Invest KOREA provides infor-

Korea (as of August 2010)

mation and consulting services free of charge, including the provision of data

•Overseas : 11 areas, 72 countries, 99 Korea Business Centers (KBC)

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

for feasibility studies and professional advice in the areas of investment procedures, legal issues, tax, and accounting.

companies in conducting international trade and business.

Information service

sions, 26 units, 52 teams, 3 offices in

•Assisting overseas market surveys

•Domestic : One airport office

The agency also helps foreign corporate KOTRA•

personnel in matters of day-to-day life

bringing the full weight of the govern-

•Investment Consulting Center

such as healthcare, schooling and

ment to bear in assisting disputing par-

- www.investkorea.org

accommodation. Furthermore, Invest

ties to arrive at a satisfactory conclusion.

- Tel : 82-1600-7119 (in Korea, 1600-7119) - Fax : 82-2-3497-1611

KOREA online, www.investkorea.org, provides a wealth of detailed information

•Investment Aftercare Team

on investment in Korea on top of its

In all cases where the Ombudsman is

extensive online consulting service for

asked to intervene, a specialist “Home

interested investors. We hope you take

Doctor” is designated to provide one-

advantage of information on IK’s con-

on-one service to the client until the diffi-

stantly updated website.

culty in question is resolved. Home Doc-

(in Korea, 02-3497-1611) - Hours : Mon. thru Fri. : 9:00~18:00 (Lunch Break : 12:00~13:00) - Languages Spoken : English, Japanese, Korean - Address :

tors are experts in different fields of foreign investment, who act as liaisons,

supporting potential investors and

submitting proposals to the govern-

The center is staffed by 20 consultants,

investment projects

ment's highest foreign-investment relat-

comprising private-sector experts

■ Invest Korea Plaza

Invest KOREA provides support through-

ed organ, the Foreign Investment Com-

recruited from key investment-related

•About IKP (Invest Korea Plaza)

out each stage of the investment project,

mittee. They report to the Committee on

fields, and civil servants seconded from

Invest Korea Plaza (IKP) is the first busi-

from international promotion of Korea’s

grievances that require changes to for-

other major government agencies and

ness incubation complex in Korea for

image and identification of target compa-

eign investment policy, requesting inter-

ministries, in order to provide systematic

foreign investors.

nies to delivery of customized assistance

vention on the part of relevant govern-

and professional consultation services.

As part of efforts to improve the environ-

ranging from research and planning to

ment bodies and ministries, and inform-

At the ICC, investors can receive one-

ment for foreign investment in Korea, the

implementation. The agency also provides

ing them of notable aspects of individual

on-one consultations on taxation,

Ministry of Knowledge Economy devised

substantive feedback from investors to

cases for their review. More can be

accounting, and law in the beginning of

the initial plan for the IKP project and

policymakers in order to constantly

learned about the Ombudsman and the

an investment, and receive administra-

placed KOTRA in charge of execution.

improve the investment environment.

Aftercare Team by browsing at www.i-

tive assistance directly from government

Designed to meet 21st century business

ombudsman.or.kr

officials for visa application, certification

needs, IKP offers furnished office space,

Aftercare service

gok-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul

(www.ikp.or.kr)

of the completion of investment in kind,

cutting edge conference facilities, in

•Investment ombudsman

■

Investment Consulting Center (ICC)

and business registration. The center

addition to on-site comprehensive ser-

The Investment ombudsman helps thou-

Investment Consulting Center (ICC) pro-

also provides personalized life settle-

vices ranging from investment consulta-

sands of foreign-invested companies

vides one-stop consulting services free

ment consultations and a one-day, on-

tion provided by representatives of

overcome a myriad of obstacles they

of charge to foreigners who wish to

site assistance to help investors settle

Invest KOREA, numerous government

have encountered in the course of doing

invest in Korea. The services include

successfully in Korea.

agencies and ministries, to programs to

business. Ombudsman solves problems

pre-investment market research, admin-

Free consultations are available both for

orient clients on Korea’s business cul-

such as obtaining planning permission,

istrative support, and settlement assis-

foreign investors and their family mem-

ture and information on daily living in

removing embargoes and helping

tance, for the successful establishment

bers via phone, fax, online, video confer-

Korea.

investors qualify for benefits in order to

of business in Korea.

ence, or walk-in during our office hours.

With the aim of helping foreign compa-

■

IKP Building, 2nd Fl., 300-6, Yeom-

Attracting foreign investment :

■

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

KOTRA•

able in English and Japanese, and each

Head office of KOTRA and Invest Korea Plaza

■

secretary is in charge of providing effective and professional secretarial services to 5~6 companies at IKP.

2. Is IKP available for all companies? The original goal for the IKP project was to provide services to foreign investors in order to improve investment environnies locate to Korea, attain success and

ment in Korea. Therefore, IKP will be

expand their business, Invest Korea

open to any foreign companies that are

Plaza’s staff combined their expertise

interested in investing in Korea or to

and knowledge of Korea’s investment

companies currently invested in Korea.

environment to assist international companies with all aspects of doing busi-

Foreign companies who have received a

ness in Korea. By utilizing resources at

written recommendation from one of

IKP, Korea’s one-stop business incubat-

KOTRA's overseas trade centers are eli-

ing center, foreign companies may rent

gible to rent office space at IKP. You

office space at reasonable rates and

can find further information on eligibility

improve efficiency, saving time and

requirements on-line, www.ikp.or.kr →

avoiding costly mistakes.

On-line application.

Tip Box

3. Publications

■

Address

Invest Korea Plaza : 7, Heolleungno, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Former Address : 300-6, Yeomgok-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea) KOTRA : 13, Heolleungno, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Former Address : 300-9, Yeomgok-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea)

Tel

Invest Korea Plaza : 82-2-3497-1000 / KOTRA : 82-2-3460-7114

Fax

Invest Korea Plaza : 82-2-3497-1616 / KOTRA : 82-2-3460-7777

Directions to KOTRA (Invest Korea Plaza)

1. What kinds of secretarial services does IKP provide?

IK publishes an “INVEST KOREA JOUR-

•Public transportation

•By car

Our basic services cover Living service,

NAL” and a newsletter on a monthly

①Subway line No. 3 : Yangjae station (exit7)

Take the right-hand lane (do not take

Administrative service, Private Secretary

basis. Moreover, Invest KOREA publish-

②Transfer to the buses bound for Bun-

the lanes to the underground passage)

Service, etc. For the more professional

es presentations, books and video

dang or Sungnam

from Gangnam station or Yangjae sta-

service areas, we provide translation &

materials about investment environment

Green buse : 4432

tion towards Bundang or Seognam.

interpretation service, document cre-

in Korea, Korea’s industries, living

Blue buses : 140, 440, 462, 470, 471,

Turn left at Yeomgok Junction and enter

ation & filing service, and conference &

guides etc. on a regular basis. All these

407, 408

the Invest Korea Plaza (through its rear

seminar support service. Marketing, PR,

publications can be found on Invest

③Get off at Nonghyup Hanaro Mart or KOTRA

gate) right after the first pedestrian walk.

accounting and legal consulting services

KOREA’s website, www.investkorea.org

(IKP is located just across Hyundai-Kia

are also available. The services are avail-

→ library.

Motors)

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

KOTRA•

Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Business

・Investment Environment ・Starting FDI in Korea ・Business Support ・Policies of the Favorable Treatment for Foreign Investors ・Visa ・Business Manners in Korea

Business

accountability system where every min-

grants. Beneficiaries of rent reduction

istry takes responsibility, and elevated

were expanded to include foreign invest-

the status of the Chairman of the For-

ment zones exclusively reserved for

eign Investment Committee to the Prime

parts and materials companies. Foreign

Ministry level. In addition, the govern-

investors may receive financial support

ment organized a high-level team to

by provincial governments for expansion

improve foreign investment environment

or establishment of International schools

to resolve investment-related grievances

under local government ordinances.

on the ground, and took various mea-

Investment Environment

1. About Korea

2. Advantages in Investing in Korea

sures to develop free economic zones,

•Tax relief

from deregulation on development pro-

Foreign companies in industry support

cedures, building infrastructure to land

services or high-degree technology

development. The government is also

businesses specified by the Ministry of

Policy direction for inbound FDI

committed to improving living conditions

Strategy and Finance, or foreign invest-

Since the onset of the financial crisis in

for foreign nationals, for instance by

ment in manufacturing, logistics, R&D,

Over the past four decades, Korea’s

1997, the Korean government has been

accepting more expat students to

leisure & hotel businesses based in for-

impressive economic growth was part of

active in its efforts to attract foreign

international educational institutes.

eign investment zones or free economic

what has been described as the “East

direct investment to Korea, which was

Asian miracle.” Intensive growth trans-

facilitated by the enactment of the For-

■

Incentives for foreign investment

rate, income, local, and dividend income

formed Korea into the 15th largest econ-

eign Investment Promotion Act in 1998.

FDI incentives serve as a means to com-

taxes for five to seven years. Customs

omy. In 2008 Korea had reached 20,000

As a result, FDI has jumped over the

pensate foreign investors in Korea for

duty reduction or exemption is also

dollar of GDP per capita and in 2009,

past decade, constituting a major pillar

their economic contributions, while

according to the World Bank, Korea’s

of the Korean economy. The incumbent

reducing the cost of their establishing

nominal GDP recorded 832.5billion US

government presented the vision of low

new business operations. The govern-

dollar (July 7 2010). It was driven by high

carbon green growth in a bid to prepare

ment currently offers tax relief to foreign

savings and investment rates and a

itself for a paradigm shift in globalized

companies with the potential to make

strong emphasis on education, which

industries and challenges of post-finan-

major contributions to the Korean econ-

boosted the number of young people

cial crisis era. In this regard, the Korean

omy, provides them with industrial sites

enrolled in a college or university to one

government selected green growth sec-

or assists them with site location and

of the highest levels in the world (82.1%

tors and 17 growth engine industries

acquisition, and provides cash grants

in 2005).

across the economy to focus its support

and other types of financial support.

on, and expand their competitiveness to

Starting from 2009, foreign investment

further promote foreign investment. To

which has great potential to create jobs,

concentrate government-wide efforts for

along with high-degree technology busi-

FDI promotion, it has also adopted

nesses, has become eligible for cash

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

■

zones are eligible for tax relief on corpo-

Business•

available on capital goods whose import

for the grant program.

ments. Land within these zones is pro-

declaration is completed within three

FDI regarding the establishment of the

vided either free of charge or at low

years from the date of investment notifi-

regional headquarters of a multinational

cost. Stand-alone type foreign invest-

cation. Prospective investors may figure

corporation or a business pertaining to a

ment zones, complex-type foreign

out in advance whether their line of busi-

regionally strategic industry with the

investment zones, free trade zones, and

ness is eligible for the current tax relief

potential to make a significant contribu-

free economic zones make up the four

program (in other words, whether they

tion to the local economy may receive

main categories of such zones.

qualify as an industry support service or

such grants after deliberation by the For-

high-tech business) and the extent of

eign Investment Committee, even if the

the tax benefits they will receive so that

total investment falls below the minimum

they may make an informed decision.

set under the program.

Companies in FIZs are eligible for a sev-

Besides tax breaks on FDI, investors

In an effort to step up foreign investment

en-year tax abatement (exemption for

may benefit from various incentive pro-

promotion, the Korean government aims

five years and 50% reduction for two

grams such as investment tax credit and

to expand the scope of beneficiaries eli-

years), exemption from rent and tariff on

SME tax support.

gible for cash grant, previously limited to

capital goods, as well as various subsi-

ment Zones (33 FIZs as of 2010)

industry support services and high

dies, if they make minimum investment

•Cash grants

degree technology businesses, to

required by industrial sectors, e.g., USD

Under the cash grant program aimed at

include businesses in green growth

30 million in manufacturing, USD 20 mil-

attracting FDI with potentially high eco-

industries and new growth engine indus-

lion in tourism, USD 10 million in logis-

plex-type FIZ are also eligible for a three-

nomic effects, the government provides

tries to be incorporate into major areas

tics, USD 2 million in R&D.

year tariff exemption on capital goods

eligible companies with grant corre-

of FDI promotion. It will provide cash

sponding to 5 percent or more of their

grant through evaluation on the spillover

total investment in Korea. The amount of

effect of technology transfer regardless

the cash grant is determined through

of the size of investment and expand the

Complex Type FIZs are public properties

negotiations between the investor and

scope of support in a flexible manner (in

reserved for foreign-invested companies

- Free Trade Zones (14 FTZs as of 2010)

the government.

accordance with the decision made on

within existing industrial complexes. The

FTZs enable free business activities in

To be eligible for cash grants, a foreign

May 27, 2009 by the 13th meeting of

land is used only on a lease basis for

manufacturing, logistics, distribution and

investor must own at least 30% of the

the Presidential Council on National

companies with at least 30% foreign

trade through a special customs regime.

equity and invest at least US$10 million

Competitiveness).

ownership. Companies may receive tax

They are generally located in the hinter-

in an industry support service or high-

- Stand-alone type : Foreign Invest-

and affordable rent, usually in the range - Complex type : Foreign Investment Zones (13 FIZs as of 2010)

of less than 1% of the land price for 50 years.

incentives for five years, tax exemption

land of a port or backyard of an air port,

tech business, or in a green field invest-

•Supply of industrial sites

for three years and 50% reduction for

or areas near a warehouse/distribution

ment project in parts and materials man-

The Korean government makes available

two years, by industrial sector, if they

center or cargo terminal. All FTZs may

ufacturing. R&D labs or construction/

industrial sites within specially-designat-

make minimum investment, e.g., USD

benefit from a five-year tax abatement

expansion projects with significant

ed zones to all foreign-invested firms if

10 million in manufacturing and USD 5

and low rent in addition to exemption

prospect of job creation are also eligible

they meet a minimum set of require-

million in logistics. Occupants in a com-

from customs duty.

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Business•

- Free Economic Zones (6 FEZs)

tive power mandated by a provincial

•Financial support

government. In addition to incentives for

Financial support refers to financial aid

business activities with regard to tax,

toward the cost of staff education and

tariff, and rent, a FEZ offers a full suite of

training, the cost of hiring staff, and pro-

support in education, healthcare, hous-

jects to build infrastructure within a for-

ing, and administrative affairs.

eign investment zone or to enhance the

A total of 6 FEZs have been designated

living environment within it. Aid under

and are under operation :

this program is currently extended to

①1st phase - 3 zones (2003 : Incheon,

companies in which the foreign equity

Busan/Jinhae, Gwangyang Bay Area)

stake is at least 30 percent or in which a

②2nd phase - 3 zones (2008 : Yellow

foreign company or individual investor is

A typical FEZ has a greater size than the

Sea, Daegu/Gyeongbuk Knowledge

basic unit of any local government and

Creation, Saemangeum/Gunsan)

•Other incentives

may exercise autonomous administra-

Name Incheon

Location Incheon

Completion Date

2020

Busan/ Jinhae

Busan, Gyeongsangnamdo

2020

Gwangyang Bay Area

Jeollanamdo, Gyeongsangnamdo

2020

Yellow Sea

Gyeonggido, chungeongnamdo

2025

Daegu, Gyeongsangnamdo

2020

Daegu/ Gyeongbuk

the largest shareholder.

To support R&D activities by foreign

my (average annual GDP growth of 4.72

invested companies in Korea, the gov-

percent in the years 2001-2009), the

ernment commissioned Invest KOREA

broad base of sophisticated consumers

to operate the R&D Human Resources

with a strong purchasing power is

Development Program. Through this

another factor that makes companies

Maritime Logistics, Automobiles, Machinery, Shipbuilding

program, the government contributes

turn to Korea for an overseas business

toward the wages and compensation of

base. Over half of the Global Fortune

Maritime Logistics, Materials

R&D staff employed by eligible compa-

500 firms have already established their

nies. Meanwhile, a special human

business presence in Korea. Firms

Automobile Components, IT, BT, Value-added Logistics

resource support center has been set

which made initial or additional invest-

up to help foreign-invested companies

ments in Korea during 2006 include

Education, Medical Service, Fashion, IT, Components, Aterials

to meet their recruitment needs. The

BNP Paribas, Standard Chartered Bank,

39㎢

center also provides financial assistance

Allianz, 3M, Google, Boeing and Alcatel.

66㎢

Automobiles, Shipbuilding Components & Materials, Green Industries

Area 209㎢ 104㎢ 90㎢ 55㎢

Focus Industries Business, IT, BT, International Finance. Tourism & Leisure

toward the cost of recruitment. Saemangeu/ Gunsan

Jeollabukdo

2030

(You can find further information at www.fez.go.kr)

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

•A big trading nation ■

Dynamic markets

Values of Korean imports and exports in

The world’s 15th largest economy in

2009 totaled around US$363.7 billion

terms of GDP and home to 48.7 million

and US$322.7 billion respectively,

people (2009), Korea offers an attractive

equivalent to 36.4 percent and 39 per-

marketplace for businesses worldwide.

cent vis-a-vis GDP. According to the

Along with its large, fast-growing econo-

Ministry of Knowledge Economy in Oct. Business•

tiators have reached final agreement on

consumer electronics. Fourteen Korean

of the Korean population aged 25-34

the Republic of Korea-US Free Trade

firms made the 2007 Fortune Magazine's

that has attained at least tertiary educa-

Agreement, known as the KORUS FTA

Global 500 : Samsung Electronics, LG,

tion is as high as 59 percent. This is

in December 5, 2010. This will lead to

Hyundai-KIA Motors, SK, Samsung Life

above the corresponding figures for

the stage for further improvements inac-

Insurance, POSCO, Korea Electric Power

most OECD nations, excluding Japan,

cess by Korean businesses to the

Corporation, Kookmin Bank, Hanwha,

which tend to hover in the 30-percent

world's largest consumer market.

KT, Samsung, Hyundai Heavy Industries,

range, effectively testifying to the never-

2009, Korea is the world's 9th largest

Korea signed a comprehensive FTA with

SK Networks, and S-Oil.

ending desire for higher education

trader with exports. Korea ranked 10th

ASEAN in June 2009 and an interim

The presence of globally competitive

among Koreans.

in the world in terms of global export

agreement with EU in October 2009,

firms certainly has a powerful influence

market share based on cumulative

while CEPA with India came into effect

on the prospect of businesses investing

•Passion for work

export from January to April 2009. Cur-

in February 2010. In addition, FTA talks

in Korea.

Industriousness is a feature as distinc-

rently, Korea sells to and buys from over

are currently under way with other major

Industrial Complexes - home to major

tively Korean as educational fervor.

220 countries around the globe with

markets like Canada, Mexico, GCC,

Korean corporations - are tremendous

Korea is among the world’s top coun-

China, Japan, and the U.S. as its major

Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Turkey,

sources of competition and cooperation.

tries in terms of the number of annual

trading partners. Korea's trade with its

and are due to begin with China, Japan,

Joint ventures between Samsung and

hours worked per worker. In 2007,

Asian neighbors is particularly active,

MERCOSUR, and Russia shortly. Once

SONY and LG and Philips are two

according to the OECD Factbook 2009,

representing over half of the country's

these FTA negotiations are brought to a

excellent examples of productive indus-

Korean workers put an average 2,316

total trade volume. Korea’s major export

successful outcome, any remaining reg-

trial partnerships in the LCD sector,

hours into work, far more than the

items include ships (US$ 42.2 billion),

ulatory obstacles to business activities

while the takeover of Daewoo Motors by

OECD average of 1,737 hours. Further-

semiconductors (US$ 28.2 billion), Flat

will be dismantled, thereby further

GM and that of Samsung Motors by

more, Korea is among the top OECD

panel display (US$ 25.1 billion), automo-

enhancing the openness and competitive-

Renault represent success in the auto-

economies not just in working hours, but

biles (US$ 22.4 billion), wireless commu-

ness of the Korean market and making it

motive sector.

also in labor productivity. According to

nications equipment (US$ 18.1 billion),

even more attractive to global business.

while crude oil, semiconductors, iron ore,

Well-Educated human resources

productivity in Korea over the period

•Dynamic and competitive market players

•High educational zeal and achievement

2002~2004 ranked second only to Slo-

•Gateway to northeast asia

Korea-based firms have competitiveness

Koreans have earned a global reputation

ics, Environment and Social Statistics).

Strategically poised between China and

on the global stage with growing populari-

for their educational fervor. The strong

Japan - two of the world's largest mar-

ty in international business. Korean com-

commitment to learning has often been

Korea has many fine universities that

kets - Korea is located within an average

panies have achieved top global market

cited as the secret behind Korea’s sur-

produce excellent researchers. It is pas-

air travel time of three hours from over

shares in shipbuilding, DRAM semicon-

prising overnight transformation into the

sion that is the most important in R&D,

61 cities with a population of 1 million or

ductors and TFT-LCD displays, and count

world’s 10th largest trading nation.

and I believe Korea has the most pas-

more.

themselves among the top five in automo-

According to the IMD World Competi-

sionate talents in the world. - Josef Win-

Meanwhile, US and Korean trade nego-

biles, steel, petrochemicals, textiles and

tiveness Yearbook 2009, the percentage

ter, Former President of Siemens Korea.

petroleum gas make up major imports.

an OECD survey, the growth in labor ■

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

vakia (OECD Factbook 2006 : Econom-

Business•

■

IT wonderland

ed at 56 trillion won, as powerful new

Korea was ranked at the top among the

engines of growth for the country’s ICT

181 economies considered in the Digital

sectors.

Opportunity Index (DOI) published by the ■

in 2007. The index is based on compre-

Korea’s state-of-the-art IT infrastructure,

hensive indicators including Internet

competitive IT firms and technology, and

penetration rate, telecom spending-to-

innovation-friendly consumers constitute

income ratio, and rate of Internet use.

a winning combination that has attract-

To further upgrade its ICT infrastructure,

ed global IT giants to its soil. Microsoft

Korea is currently constructing BcN

has opened its R&D lab for mobile tech-

(Broadband Convergence Networks),

nology in Korea; IBM, an R&D lab for

the completion of which is expected to

ubiquitous computing; and Google, an

be a major stride toward achieving ubiq-

engineering lab.

uitous networking in Korea, as the new

Meanwhile, Motorola, Microsoft and Intel

networks will enable QoS (Quality of

choose Korea as the test market in

Service) guaranteed broadband multi-

which to first release their new products

•Technological competitiveness

shipbuilding industry in recent years have

media services that are nearly ubiqui-

in light of the nation's tech-savvy and

Korea has demonstrated impressive

been the result of bold facility investment

tously accessible from anywhere in the

trend-conscious consumers whose

track records in patent related indices,

coupled with a highly-skilled labor force

country.

feedback is highly prized. Motorola and

as reported in the IND world competitive

and an extended period free of labor dis-

Korea is also highly competitive on the

eBay have chosen Korea as their Asia-

yearbook 2008. Korea ranked third

putes.

technology front. WiBro, or “Wireless

Pacific headquarters from which to over-

globally, after Japan and the U.S. in the

To maximize the contribution of skilled

Broadband” which is a high-speed

see their business interests in countries

number of patents granted to residents,

technicians, Korean companies have

portable Internet system; terrestrial wave

like China and India. Kimberly-Clark

and second in patent productivity, cor-

recently introduced a peak wage sys-

DMB; intelligent integrated information

opened its first R&D center outside the

responding to the ratio of the number of

tem. Under this system, the wages of

broadcasting; standard embedded soft-

United States in Korea while Siemens

patents to R&D spending, following Tai-

workers who passed a certain age are

ware integration technology; low-power

and Dupont also operate a medical R&D

wan. In information technology skills,

progressively reduced annually, in

SoC (System on Chip) for interactive

center and a nano R&D lab, respective-

Korea came in third after Iceland and

exchange for the guarantee of lifetime

DMB; and telematics wireless telecom-

ly, within Korea.

Israel.

employment or an extension of the

munication integration technology are

L’Institut Pasteur, an eminent French

Moreover, Korea’s shipbuilding and elec-

retirement age. Its implementation by LG

just some of the impressive technologies

biotechnology institute, has also had

tronics industries and fast-growing auto-

Electronics in February 2007 had posi-

in the country’s arsenal. These innova-

research presence in Korea since 2004.

motive industry are all technology-inten-

tive impact on the industry, encouraging

tive technologies are expected to suc-

sive manufacturing sectors. Notably, the

other companies to follow suit.

ceed Korea’s CDMA technology, whose

stunning strides made in the Korean 28

World-class R&D centers

International Telecommunication Union

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

total economic effect has been estimatBusiness•

3. Industrial Complexes in Korea

cation and the knowledge industry. - Namdong Complex is becoming an

■

KOREA INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX CORP

(source : www.kicox.or.kr)

•Southwest region

Gyeongsangbuk-do, Chungcheong-

Gwangju, Jeollanamdo and Jeolla

buk-do, Daegu and Daejeon

buk-do

international complex specializing in

- Gumi Complex is nurturing semicon-

- Yeosu Complex, the largest integrated

small and medium-sized businesses,

ductor, information & telecommunica-

petrochemical industrial complex in

while Bupyeong and Juan Complexes

tion, electronics and textile industries.

Korea, and Gwangyang Complex,

are also currently in operation.

Neighboring Daegu is expected to

with POSCO Gwangyang Works relat-

43 national industrial complexes have

become a world-class center for fash-

ed industries, play a key role in build-

been designated as national basic

- Paju Complex for Publishing, Paju-

ion and advanced textile industries.

ing advanced industrial societies.

industries and high-tech industries for

Tanhyeon Complex for small & medi-

With the construction of the fourth

development. 277 local industrial com-

um enterprises are currently under

complex in the Gumi Complex, which

- Gwangju High-tech Complex, a center

plexes have been designated to support

construction.

will host computer and semiconductor

for the photonics & High-tech indus-

industries, the region is taking steps to

tries, and Daebul complex are await-

realize the dream of becoming “The

ing investment.

the local economy as well as enhance the decentralization of the industry. Agri-

- Bupyeong Complex is newly emerging

cultural and industrial complexes have

outpost for trading with northern

been built to increase farmers’ income,

countries in the 21st century.

Silicon Valley of Korea.” - Gunsan Complex with the automobile

•Southeast region

and 372 complexes are located in the

•Western region :

and related parts industries was

Gyeongsangnam-do, Pusan and Ulsan

established as a part of Gunjang Met-

43 national industrial complexes span-

Gyeonggi-do and Chungcheongnam-do

- Changwon Complex, the base of

ropolitan National Industrial Complex-

ning 278,000,000 sq. meters under the

- Banwol Complex is Korea’s largest

Korea’s machinery industry, Ulsan

es. The Gunjang Complex is currently

Korean Industrial Complex Corp. have

complex for small and medium-sized

Complex, the core site for automobile,

in the process of being developed.

35,057 companies and 764,000 work-

companies.

shipbuilding and petrochemical indus-

rural areas.

tries, and Onsan Complex come

ers and constitute 35.2% of total production as well as 43.3% of total exports each year. ■

- Sihwa Complex was established as

together to form a horizontally inte-

the second largest complex for small

grated industrial system, leading

and medium-sized companies.

Korea’s business development.

Industrial complexes by region

•Gyeong-in region :

- Banwol and Sihwa Complexes form

- Noksan Complex for small and medi-

Seoul, Incheon, North of Gyeonggi-do

the west coast industrial belt along

um-sized businesses will focus on

and Gangwon-do

with Asan and Seokmun Complexes,

shipbuilding and automobile indus-

- Seoul Digital Industrial Complex, previ-

which are being constructed as a

tries.

ously the “Guro Industrial Complex”, is

result of the demand for new industrial

currently being reborn as a high-tech

sites and the lack of harbors in the

“Techno-Park”, focused on venture

Seoul metropolitan area.

companies, information & communi30

•Central region

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

- Anjeong Complex will be developed mainly to host energy and shipbuilding industries. Business•

■

Industrial complexes for foreigninvested firms

With the aim to promote foreign invest-

4. Special Economic Zones in Seoul

Along with World Cup Stadium and

part of Millennium Town built on an area

World Cup Park built, in 2001, a 9 hole

of 6,612,000㎡. Its goal is to become

(source : www.seoul.go.kr)

public golf course built in 2004, and a vil-

one of the world’s best media content

lage for foreigners, Sangam DMC is a

R&D, production and distribution centers.

ment and advanced technologies, these have been developed in the Cheonan,

The Hangang, a river flowing through

Gwangju-Pyeongdong and Daebul

Seoul, will be recreated as an ecologi-

Complexes. These complexes provide

cal, cultural and leisure place for the citi-

outstanding infrastructure.

zens. The Seoul City Government

Companies can move there using a

recently released its plan to improve the

one-stop service, while also enjoying

grounds and facilities along the river.

exceptional support policies such as

According to the plan, the Hangang will

leasing aid, funding and tax deductions.

be turned into a nature friendly area for

KICOX began management of the Gumi,

wildlife and plants. The concrete river-

Ochang and Jinsa Industrial Complex for

banks will be replaced by trees and

foreign-invested firms from Oct. 2002.

plants, with several green spaces for the habitation of wildlife. ■

Location

Sangam New Millennium City, Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Land Size

569,925㎡

Cost

US＄ 6.5 billion

Project Period

2002~2014

Target Businesses

①Research and development of media & entertainment technologies such as TV, films, animation, games, music, digital education or production and distribution of digital content ②Digital content distributing and consuming industries ③Software and IT service industries ④Research and manufacturing of IT, BT and NT

Sangam Digital Media City

Korea has grown into an advanced ICT powerhouse, but the country still needs

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

development of a state of the art busi-

•Center of international business

have the opportunity to experience the

ness complex to house these facilities;

The International Business Center will be

integrated applications of digital display,

such as a research and education facili-

home to the Asia-Pacific headquarters

mobile Internet, GPS and artificial intelli-

ty, a venture incubation facility, an oper-

of various multinational companies.

gence.

ation support facility and a space dedi-

Along with the Seoul Business Center,

A cluster of world renowned R&D cen-

cated to the exhibition and commerce of

also in the DMC, and the Seoul Interna-

ters, specialized ICT equipment and

cultural content.

tional Finance Center in Yeouido, this

exhibition halls will occupy the state-of -

To this end, Seoul City is building a digi-

will enable Seoul to become a hub for

the-art Information Technology Com-

tal media city equipped with the latest

international business.

plex.

broadband convenience and communi-

The world’s first Digital Media Street

The International Business Center,

cations infrastructure so as to attract the

(DMS) in the DMC will stage state of the

which will host the supporting law,

world’s most advanced information

art ICT technology contests that will

investment, patent, export and educa-

media companies. In doing so, new

showcase digital Korea to the world.

tion organizations, amongst others, will

local venture companies will receive aid

Equipped with an optimized ubiquitous

be the key element making the center a

that wasn’t available before.

environment, people on the street will

“Northeast Asian ICT Hub.” Business•

lished in cooperation with internationally

the investors can conveniently use all

renowned universities to make it a top

investment related administrative ser-

class R&D Center.

vices. As part of the various tax and

The culture and content complex will

financial incentives, land will be offered

support the areas of games, music, ani-

at the public, not market, price, and

mation and character design and will be

business will be conducted through

attached to the Media Research Center.

negotiations rather than open bidding.

Among 70,000 BSc graduates and 20,000 Seoul each year, those who can speak

•Incentives for foreigners and foreign companies

English and study ICT-related majors will

- Support through long term lease (50

be trained at the “ICT Training Center” in

years) of land and buildings. Tax

the DMC. Public support facilities such

reduction through FIZ designation.

MSc/PhD graduates are generated in

■

Magok R&D city

as venture office buildings, industrial

- Low annual interest rate of 4% to be

•One-Stop service and collaboration for the ICT industry

centers and apartments for foreigners

applied to long-term installment pay-

•An environment friendly, knowledgebased research complex

ments (20 years) for the land.

“Year One” (2007), the Seoul City gov-

The “Collaborative Production Center”,

DMC and the successful business oper-

- Total exemption from national tax

ernment lays the firm foundations on

equipped with a special effects studio

ations of foreign investors. An integrated

(corporate tax and income tax) for the

which it will construct the basic infra-

and cutting edge facilities for digital con-

administrative service will be offered so

first 5 years and 50% reduction for the

structure for high-tech industries as a

following 2 years.

new growth engine. In the southwestern

tent, will be built along with a “Digital

will be built to help with the launch of the

Pavilion” that will promote new technolo-

- Total exemption local tax (purchase

tip of Seoul, the “Magok Research and

gies through digital movie theaters and

tax, registration fee, property tax and

Development City” (MRC) will be com-

entertainment centers. Through these

combined land tax) for the first 10

pleted by 2013.

facilities, the center will provide a one-

years and 50% reduction for the next

The city government designated 3.4㎢,

stop support solution for all ICT industry

five years.

for the development of a R&D town ulti-

chains, including R&D, product development, testing, marketing and exports.

- Foreigner-only rental housing (175 units) and an international school.

mately intended to become an Asian research and development hub city.

The world’s most advanced broadband network will be provided. The tera class or higher optical communication grid will be connected to Seoul’s dedicated infor-

Location

Magok-dong and Gayang-dong, Seoul

Land Size

569,925㎡

Project Period

Period 2007~2031

Target Businesses

R&D (IT, NT, BT), Green energy industry, HR, Marketing

mation highway, as well as wireless and satellite networks, to offer the world’s best communications network. The Media Research Center will be estab34

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Business•

•Master plan of Magok R&D city (MRC)

gies in the biotech area. The municipal

•Conveniences

In addition to the current line No.5, which

authorities will gradually develop the

MRC is to serve as a gateway in south-

traverses the city from west to east, the

Magok R&D City will be a comprehen-

town in four stages consisting of R&D

western Seoul connecting the nation’s

construction of the first section of sub-

sive R&D complex that encompasses

and high-tech industrial complexes

two largest airports, Incheon Int’l Airport

way line No.9, between Gimpo Int’l Air-

industries and operations in the fields of

(76,000㎡), international business com-

and Gimpo Int’l Airport. Thanks to its

port and Nonhyeon-dong in southeast-

IT, BT (Bio Technology) and NT (Nano

plexes (33,000㎡), residential complexes

positioning adjacent to two airports, the

ern Seoul (passing through the Express

Technology), the new engines of Korea’s

(64,000㎡) and medical complexes.

Magok district offers great international

Bus Terminal Station), opened service in

economic growth. The city government

In the first stage (2008), offices, hotels,

travel convenience to the 43 densely

July 2009. As well as the convenience it

expects the R&D City to attract interna-

convention and international business

populated nearby cities. Moreover, two

boasts, MRC is also known as a “well-

tional research institutes, including the

centers and luxurious residential districts

subway lines through this town ensure

ness city”. The city plans to build a mas-

Battelle Memorial Institute. The world’s

will be set up. In the southern part of the

fast and comfortable transportation to

sive underground parking lot and large-

largest nonprofit research and develop-

Magok district, luxury apartment com-

any place in Seoul.

scale waterfront parks (57,600㎡) to cre-

ment center based in the USA is to

plexes will be built to provide more com-

undertake research in conjunction with

fortable residential atmosphere for for-

Korea University, one of Korea’s leading

eign investors.

ate a more nature-friendly environment.

•Business opportunities Sites designated within Magok R&D City

universities, to develop new technolo-

for IT-, NT-, and BT-related facilities, along with eco-friendly R&D centers, will be available for purchase. Areas set aside for a residential complex and international commerce and business represent tremendous potential for business opportunities, and the contracts for the development will be put out to public tender.

Land Provision plan

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

1st stage 2009~2015

2nd stage 2016~2023

3rd stage 2024~2031

The completion of site preparation for a park and infrastructure Research centers, International business facilities and a High-end residential complex (80% of the total land)

Advanced industry research complex, High-end residential complex (12% of the total land)

Additional high tech industry support facilities (8% of the total land)

Business•

■ Guro-Gasan

Digital Complex

companies create.

※KOSDAQ : a Korean stock exchange

•Converting into high-tech area

According to the Korea Industrial Com-

Gurogongdan (Korea Export Complex),

plex Corp. (KICOX), a government-

the first industrial complex in Korea and

entrusted public corporation specializing

•Incentives

At the center of the new design capital is

a major driving force behind the coun-

in the management of industrial com-

The complex attracts diverse IT compa-

Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Park

try’s export-driven economic growth of

plexes, the Seoul Digital Industrial Com-

nies each of which are eligible for 100

(DDP). DDP is expected to enhance the

the ‘70s and ‘80s, changed its name to

plex hired some 101,564 personnel

percent exemption from acquisition and

city’s competitiveness in design.

the Seoul Digital Industrial Complex in

(May 2008), surpassing the 93,561 of

registration taxes and a five year reduc-

Improved competitiveness in this area

2000. Doing so, it converted its old

the Banwol Industrial Complex, to

tion of property tax. The Seoul Metro-

will also help the city develop various

manufacturing district into a modern and

become the largest of its kind in the

politan Government borrows up to 70

related creative industrial fields, such as

high-tech area. Instead of traditional

country. The Seoul complex also leads

percent of the rent from public funds for

cultural, media, construction, perfor-

manufacturing industries such as textiles

the way in terms of the number of resi-

residing companies, at comparatively

mance arts and the software industries.

and apparel, which had long been the

dent companies (7,867). Among them,

low interest rates. Located adjacent to

Once the design plaza is opened as part

mainstays of Gurogongdan, the new

79 percent are electric/electronic and

two subway stations (Guro Digital Com-

of Dongdaemun Fashion Town, which is

complex lined itself with high-rise apart-

non-manufacturing IT companies.

plex Station on line No. 2 and Gasan

visited by an average 2.1 million foreign

ment-style factories to become a home

Although the factories are occupied pre-

Digital Complex Station on line No. 7),

tourists a year, it will turn the entire area

for many leading IT (including mobile

dominantly by small and medium size IT

the complex is a mere 25 minute sub-

into the country’s fashion and design

communication, semiconductor and dig-

companies, there are quite a few major

way ride from southern Seoul (Gang-

Mecca. Scheduled to be completed by

ital content) companies.

industry leaders with their own buildings

nam), a 20 minute ride from Yeouido,

December 2011, DDP will consist of

comparable to the NASDAQ in the U.S.

improvement in their quality of life.

here as well, such as LG Electronics,

and a 50 minute ride from downtown

seven stories (three underground level

•Emerging as the largest IT complex

Shinsegae I&C, Phicom and Lotte Data

Seoul.

and four levels above ground).

Recently, this complex has become the

Communication Company. 67 KOSDAQ

largest IT complex in the country, as the

companies are also based here, includ-

■

total number of employees hired by its

ing Digital Cube, Sonokong, MDS Tech-

Seoul has been designated as the

resident companies exceeded 100,000.

nology and Seoul Semiconductor.

“World Design Capital (WDC) 2010”,

tect from Iraq, the new building will fea-

During the late 90s, young entrepre-

which, once again, places the capital

ture multipurpose exhibition and con-

neurs rushed to Teheran Valley, south-

city in the spotlight, as it was during the

vention facilities, as well as the most up

ern Seoul, to establish their internet-

2002 FIFA World Cup held in Korea and

to date one-stop information center –

related startups, and now history is

Japan.

adequate qualifications for it to play a

Dongdaemun Design Plaza & Park

Industrial Complex. With its high-rise

This designation is expected to bring

modern factories attracting a stream of

into relief the city’s cultural assets and

IT companies, the complex is beyond

create further demand among tourists

comparison in terms of company densi-

for high-end designs. It will also strength-

ty and the level of synergy its residing

en the pride of Seoulites, spread aware-

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

•Multipurpose cultural facilities

crucial role in supporting the country’s

being repeated in the Seoul Digital

ness of good design and lead to an

design industry.

Business•

International financial center (IFC)

hub in Northeast Asia. To fund the

•Major facilities

Korea from “Advanced Emerging” to

project, the Seoul Metropolitan Govern-

IFC Seoul will serve as a multi-purpose

“Developed” status. The trade volume of

•A new and innovative center for business in northeast asia

ment attracted investment from the

facility and will offer a direct link to

Korea’s course stands at US $1.9 tril-

American International Group (AIG), a

Yeouio Station through an underground

lion, making it the world’s 10th largest.

The Seoul International Financial Center

multinational, leading financial and

passage. When completed, IFC Seoul

Recent acquisitions of Korean commer-

(SIFC) is being constructed in Yeouido

insurance company that has business

will be home to grade A offices, retail

cial banks by foreign companies further

and is one of the major projects designed

interests in more than 130 countries

shops, hotels and multiplex theaters,

attest to the attractiveness of Seoul’s

to transform Seoul into a major financial

worldwide.

thus distinguishing itself as a new center

financial sector.

■

for global finance in the heart of NorthLocation

23, 23-1 Yeouido-dong, Yeongdeungpogu, Seoul

east Asia.

Land Size

33,058㎡

•Business opportunities

Project Period

2003~2013

Cost

US $1.4 billion

Target Businesses

Financial institutions, Consulting, Law and accounting firms, Local headquarters of Global Multinational Corporations

Financial sector companies, multination-

Starting FDI in Korea

al companies wishing to use the complex for their regional headquarters, con-

Guide to FDI notification & registration

sulting firms, laws firms and other commercial facilities can move into the IFC

☞What is FDI?

Seoul after the construction is finished in 2013.

•Basic requirements - FDI amount : at least 100 million won

tional Financial Center (SIFC) has not

•The potential of korea’s capital market

only laid the foundation for Seoul to

To utilize the financial sector as a next

become an international financial city by

generation growth engine, Korea is pur-

establishing the basic infrastructure to

suing various efforts to further strength-

attract financial institutions, agencies,

en its financial industry and develop its

and multinational financial companies. It

market. One of the main initiatives, set

has also proved to be a successful exam-

to go into effect as of January 2009, will

ple of local administration where profits

be the Capital Markets Consolidation

were accrued through shrewd manage-

Act. Korea’s capital market has grown

ment activities based on thorough nego-

rapidly, and the country’s stock market

tiation strategies.

capitalization reached US $1.12 trillion

The construction of the Seoul Interna-

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

- FDI ratio : 10% or more of the total voting shares or of total equity investment * KRW = won (unit of Korean currency)

•Exceptions - In case of concluding any of contracts listed below with KRW 100 million or more of FDI amount and less than 10% of investment ratio : - A contract capable of dispatching or electing officers.

as of the end of 2007, placing Korea at

- A contract to deliver or purchase the

the rank of 12th worldwide. In septem-

raw materials or products for not less

ber 2009, FTSE group has promoted

than 1 year. Business•

- A contract for providing or introducing the technology for the joint R&D.

Foreign Direct Investment

right pertaining to the use of such right or technologies.

An existing foreign investor[or new foreign investor]participates in a capital increase or acquires existing stock additionally

- Residual property generated from the

•Object of investment : Object in which a foreign investor invests to acquire stock, etc. pursuant to the FIPA and which falls under any of categories listed below :

liquidation of foreign company’s branch or office, or corporation located in Korea. from foreign countries. - Stock of foreign corporation listed or

scribed by the Foreign Exchange

registered on a foreign stock exchange

Transactions Act or domestic means

market.

of payment by the exchange of the foreign means of payment. - Capital goods. acquired through FDI [cash dividend/ stock dividend].

- Stock owned by foreign nationals pur-

nationals. - Sales proceeds from the disposition of company owned by foreign nationals.

nologies corresponding thereto, and

Foreign Direct Investment

A foreign national acquires stock through inheritance, bequest, or gift from foreign investor

suant to the FIPA or the FETA.

real estate and stock of a Korean

- Industrial property right, other tech-

Initial FDI

A foreign investor acquires stock through merger, stock exchange, stock swap or split

- Real estate in Korea owned by foreign

- Proceeds generated from stock, etc

Notification

A foreign investor makes an initial investment in domestic company or makes a capital contribution to domestic non-profit research corporation [establishment of corporation or capital increase with consideration]

Notification of acquisition of newly issued stock [Article 5 and 8-2 of the FIPA, Form no.1]

A foreign investor acquires existing shares of domestic company owned by a domestic shareholder

Notification of acquisition of stock or shares [Article 6 of the FIPA, Form no.3]

A foreign national converts or exchanges convertible bonds or exchangeable bonds to stock

Notification of acquisition of stock or shares [Article 7 of the FIPA, Form no.5]

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Notification of acquisition of newly issued stock [Article 5 and 8-2 of the FIPA, Form no. 1] or Notification of acquisition of existing stocks [Article 6 of the FIPA, Form no.3]

A foreign investor participates in a capital increase without consideration

- Repayment of loans or other loans

- Foreing means of payment as pre-

Notification

FDI after registered as foreign invested company

Notification of acquisition of stock or share [Article 7 of the FIPA, Form no.5]

Investment of dividend [cash] or acquisition of dividend stock Existing foreign investor acquires additional stock by converting, exchanging, or underwriting convertible bond, exchangeable bond, depository receipt, etc to stock A foreign investor provides longterm loan

Notification of foreign investment in the form of a long-term loan [Article 8 of the FIPA, Form no.6]

A foreign investor transfers shares or decrease his/her invested capital

Notification of transfer/decrease of stock, etc. [Article 23 of the FIPA, Form no.22]

Closedown, liquidation, or dissolution of foreign invested company

Application of cancellation of foreign invested company registration [Article 28 of the FIPA, Form no.18-2]

Modification of contents of FDI registration certificate [change in name, FDI ratio due to capital increase, etc.]

Application for modification of Foreign Invested company registration [Article 21 of the FIPA, Form no.17]

Business•

1. FDI Notification of Acquisition of Newly-issued Stock or Capital Contribution

Contribution in cash

Contribution of capital goods

Contribution of technology ▶

Prior technology assessment

▼

FDI notification of acquisition of newly-issued stock capital contribution

▼

Remittance of investment capital

Application for confirmation of list of introduced capital goods

Note : The remittance shall be made under the name of the foreign investor

▶

▼

▶

▼

Application for confirmation of completion of FDI in-kind ▼

▼

Registration of corporation establisment (capital increase) and business registration

▼

Foreign Ivested company registration (New/modification of registration)

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

•Subject of notification : Foreign investor •Notification venue : KOTRA or foreign exchange banks •Required documents : - Application form for FDI notification of acquisition of newly7 issued stock ( 2 copies). - Certificate of nationality of the foreign investor. - Other required documents following types of contribution (in case of contribution of technology, technology assessment report, etc.). - Document verifying the capital contribution to a non-profit organization. - A letter of attorney (in case of FDI notification made by an agent). •Notification venue : Agency where the FDI notification was made •Required documents : - Application form for confirmation of list of introduced goods (capital goods, etc) (3 copies). - Documents verifying the price (invoice, purchase order, etc.) (3 copies).

Import clearance of capital goods Custody of personal business capital

•Technology Assessment Agencies : The Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT), Korea Technology Finance Corporation (KIBO), Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT), Korea Environment Corporation, Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI), The National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA).

▶

•Notification venue : The officials dispatched from Customs Service in KOTRA •Required documents : - Application form for confirmation of completion of FDI in-kind (2 copies). - Copy of certificate of important declaration.

•Subject of application : Foreign investor or Foreign invested company •Notification venue : Agency where the FDI notification was made •Required documents : -Application form for foreign invested company registration (1copy). - Copy of certificate of purchase of foreign currency or confirmation of completion of FDI in-kind. - Certified copy of corporate register, register of stockholders, document verifying transfer/receipt of stock. - Certificate of business registration or identification number certificate. - Current status of researchers, detailed statement about research facilities (in case of a non-profit organization in science and technology fields). - A letter of attorney (in case of application made by an agent).

Business•

2. FDI Notification of Acquisition of Existing Stock •Subject of notification : Foreign investor •Place for notification : KOTRA or foreign exchange banks •Required documents : - FDI notification form of acquisition of existing stock (2 copies) - A letter of attorney (in case of notification made by an agent) - Document verifying transferees are specially related persons (in case there are 2 or more transferees) → When acquiring stock issued by listed companies, the notification shall be made within 30 days of acquisition

4. FDI Notification of Foreign Investment in the from of a Long-term Loan

FDI notification of aquisition of existing stock

▼

Foreign invested company registration (New/modification of registration)

3. Notification of Aquisition of Stock or Shares Resolution on capital increase without consideration of foreign invested company

Acquisition of convertible bond

Merger, stock exchange, stock swap, and split of foreign invested company

▼

Completion of capital increase

Exercise of convertible bond acquisition of stock

Completion of stock acquisition through merger, split, etc.

▼

•Subject of notification : Foreign investor •Place for notification : Agency where the FDI notification was made •Required documents : - FDI notification form of foreign investment in form of long term loan (2 copies) - Copy of loan contract - Document verifying the capital affiliation and certificate of nationality of the loan provider - A letter of attorney (in case of notification made by an agent)

▼

FDI notification of foreign investment in form of longterm loan ▼

Provision of loan

▼ After the introduction of loan, report the arrival of the certificate of foreign currency purchage to the relevant agency.

Report of loan arrival

5. Notification of Transfer / Decrease of Stock

Resolution on dividend and contract of dividend investment

▼ Completion of investment of dividend

▼

Notification of acquisition of stock or shares

▼

Application for modification of foreign invested company registration

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Long-term loan contract

▼

Remittance of investment capital

Payment

→ Foreign invested company may introduce long-term loans → For more information, visit the website, www.investkorea.org

Transfer of stork

contract of transfer/ receive of stock or contract of parternship resission

Capital decrease

Resolution on capital ▶ decrease

▶

Notification of transfer/ decrease of stock

▶

Settlement of payment

▶

Capital decrease/ registration

Application for ▶ modification of foreign invested company registration or application for can▶ cellation of registration

•Subject of notification : Foreign investor •Notification venue : Agency where the FDI notification was made •Required documents : Application form for stock transfer or decrease (2 copies). A letter of attorney (in case of notification made by an agent), Contract of stock transfer or document verifying the decrease of stock (certified copy of register of corporation, written record of general meeting of stockholders, register of stockholders), Certificate of nationality of the transferee (in case of foreign national), Contract of partnership recession (in case of individual company) •Subject of notification : Foreign investor or foreign invested company •Notification venue : Agency where the FDI notification was made •Required documents : Application form for foreign invested company registration (1copy), Certified copy of register of corporation, register of stockholders, or document verifying the transfer/receive of stock, A letter of attorney (in case of application made by an agent)

Business•

•For further information

Business Support

Information on Foreign direct investment

Policies of the Favorable Treatment for Foreign Investors

(when he/she re-enters within a year). - Loose application of the regulation

system in Korea, procedures, Corpora-

There are supporting programs for for-

tion Establishment, incentives and relat-

eign investors in terms of free legal

ed laws can be found on the website of

assistance, business counseling, hiring

Invest KOREA : www.investkorea.org.

employees, buyers and company lists,

If you want to know even more, you can

law firms and accounting firms, rental

•Background

call the Investment Consulting Center

service of exhibition center, etc. If you

In association with the efforts to invigo-

•Background

(ICC) : 1600-7119 (international call : 82-

want to be supported with problems

rate foreign investment, attract multina-

Enhancement of convenience of sojourn

1600-7119). They will channel you to

concerning the programs, please look at

tionals and enhance national competi-

in Korea for those investing more than

the FDI experts you want to speak with,

the directory section (page170).

tiveness.

$500,000 in Korea by allowing them to

(Effective from September 25, 2005)

hire English-speaking maids.

finance, accounting or various indus-

•Those eligible

•For whom?

tries.

- One who has invested not less than

no matter whether your questions deals

concerning forced exit.

1. F-5 (Permanent Stay) Granted 2. Hiring Foreign Maids

with taxes, jurisdiction, customs,

$500,000 and employed at least three Koreans. - One who has invested not less than $300,000, stayed in Korea for more

$500,000. - A director working for an FDI company that has invested not less than $500,000.

than five years on a D-8 visa, employed KICE-administered Korean Proficiency

•Documents to be submitted at the time of application

Test, Grade-3, and whose earned

- Passport, Application, Employment

income has exceeded a certain level

contract, Employer’s letter of recom-

over the past three years.

mendation/letter of guarantee to the

at least three Koreans, passed the

effect that the maid will remain within

•Benefits for F-5 status holders - Exemption from the obligation to apply for an extension of the period of stay as long as he/she maintains the F-5 status. - Unrestricted business activities. - Exemption from the obligation to apply for a re-entry permit from over-

her workplace while in Korea, , Educational background of the maid. - Photocopy of Certificate of FDI Company Registration, if applicable. - Employment certificate, if applicable. - Photocopy of alien registration of the inviter (D-8 visa holder willing to hire a foreign maid).

seas travel. 48

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Business•

•Other relating regulations - One maid allowed for a foreign investor (or a director of an FDI company).

4. Exclusive Stay Permit Counters for Foreign Investors

5. Exemption of Handling Charges Concerning The Issuance of Stay Permits for Foreign Investors. (Effective from August 18, 2006) - Those eligible : D-8 visa holders

- It is possible for one who has entered Korea on a C-3 visa to change her sta-

•At Invest KOREA of KOTRA

- Relevant handling charges

tus to that of an F-1 (visit/family) visa.

Immigration officers dispatched from the

- The maid will be asked to leave the

Ministry of Justice to Investment Con-

country when her employment con-

sulting Center (IK) handle services like

Permit for a change in the status of sojourn

KRW 50,000

tract is terminated or cancelled or in

Permission of Change in Visa Status,

Permit for extension of period of stay

KRW 30,000

the event that her employer loses

Extension of period of stay, Re-entry

his/her D-8 status.

Permit, Activities other than Status of

Re-entry permit

KRW 50,000 for a multiple case KRW 30,000 for a single case

Permit for change/addition of workplace

KRW 60,000

(Re-)issuance of alien registration card

KRW 10,000

Sojourn, Obligation to report a change in place of stay, Obligation to report a

3. Exclusive Immigration Procedure Queue for Foreign Investors

change in matters related to alien regisWork Place, etc for D-8 visa holders,

D-8 visa holders and their accompany-

helpers (F-1 visa holders) of investors

ing persons may enjoy the benefit of

who invest more than $500,000, regard-

using the exclusive immigration proce-

less of their place of stay.

dure queue when arriving at or departing

•High amount investors’ privilege : taking advantage of automatic immigration queue One who has invested not less than

Amount of charges exempted

tration and Change and Addition of their accompanying persons, and the

from Inchon International Airport.

Type of permit

•Extension of the maximum period of stay granted on one occasion (Effective from August 18, 2006) - Those eligible : One who has invested not less than $500,000, or a director working for an FDI company that has invested not less than $500,000 - Period granted : Up to five years for a change in the status of sojourn or an

•At the Seoul Immigration Office or the immigration office at Seoul City Hall.

extension of the period of stay

- D-8 visa holders and their accompanying persons may have their period of stay extended here.

US$ 2million, holds a D-8 visa and has been living in Korea more than a year is allowed to use the automatic immigration procedure queue after registering his or her passport information, handprints and facial information at the Immigration Office of the Inchoen Airport.

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Business•

Visa

■

Visa issuance procedure

•General visa issuance flow

(source : www.hikorea.go.kr)

1. Overview ■

Foreigner’s entry into Korea

•In principle, a foreigner must obtain a visa from a Korean embassy in a foreign

Authorities Embassy Consulate

Applicant’ s Document Submission

Approved Authorities Minister of Justice

country in order to enter Korea. A national of a country with which Korea has concluded a bilateral visa exemption ▶

agreement or for which Korea has made a special designation may enter Korea

Application

without any problem.

▼

Examination

For the list of countries whose nationals may enter Korea without a visa, please

Permission Request

The most common types of visa are as following : Visa Status

▶

Review

▼

Purpose

Permission

C-4

Short Term Employment

D-2

Students

D-4

General Trainees

D-7

Intra Company Transferees (Who works by being dispatched as a professional worker at a branch office in Korea)

D-8

Corporate Investment (Business Investors, see below)

D-9

Trade Management

receiving certificate of visa issuance

E-1

University Professors

approval from the Immigration Office)

E-2

Foreign language Teachers

E-5

Professional Employment (Pilots, Doctors, lawyers etc.)

Passport, Visa Issuance Application,

E-7

Special Occupation (Under a contract with the public, IT experts etc.)

visa status

F-3

Dependent Families

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

1 ▼

refer to the Immigration Office’s Homepage, www.immigration.go.kr

Issuance

3 ◀

◀

▼

Visa Attached / Issued

•Visa issuance location R.O.K Embassy or Consulate (in special cases, you may apply for the visa after

•Required documents Other documents required by the applied

Business•

■

Status of sojourn

•All foreigners entering Korea shall have a status of sojourn granted under the relevant Presidential decree.

•“Specialists” refers to those stated in the following

tive services or engineers available in Korea or the providers of a direct service are not regarded as “essential specialists.”

- Executives : Those primarily responsi-

Visa issuance procedure (for D-8 visa in general)

ble for the organizational management

■

within a business organization, exer-

•How to issue D-8 Visa and stay in Korea

•The status of sojourn shall be marked

cising a wide range of rights in the

on the visa. A foreigner arriving in

decision making process, and only

Korea without a visa shall have his/her

generally supervised and directed by

status of sojourn and period of stay

the Board of Directors and sharehold-

granted at the time of entry clearance

ers as the highest ranking members of

at either an airport or a port.

the organization (not those directly

Local immigration office of the Korean sponsor

Apply for visa or confirmation letter certificate

Forward to the foreign national

engaged in the provision of the service). •Foreigner’s status of sojourn is classi-

- Senior managers : Those responsible

fied into 36 categories, depending on

for the establishment and execution of

the types of activity they are to carry

the objectives and policies of a com-

out in Korea. Investors and special-

pany or its organizational units, with

ists are granted the D-8 status. For

the rights for planning, control, super-

concrete information, please refer to

vision and recommending, hiring and

the Immigration Office’s Homepage,

firing employees, and deciding, super-

Alien registration

www.immigration.go.kr, for the scope

vising and controlling the work of oth-

Change visa

of activities granted to each status of

er supervisory, professional and man-

sojourn.

agerial employees or exercising discretionary rights over their everyday business (not including those control-

2. Visa for the Business Investor (D-8) ■

Issued for whom?

Overseas Korean embassy or legation

Apply for visa issuance

Enter country Within 90day

Issue alien registration certifiacte

Visa extension Child birth report

Local immigration office in the district of residence

Grant visa Re-entry permit

ling front-line supervisors who are not

Notify any changes to alien

professional service providers or those

registration status

directly engaged in the provision of

Change / add workplace

service).

•Specialists engaged in the business

- Specialists : Those with highly profes-

management, production or techno-

sional and proprietary experience and

logical sector of an FDI company sup-

the knowledge essential for the

ported by the Foreigner Investment

research, design, technology and

Promotion Act (not including those

management of the service provided

recruited in Korea).

by a specified business.

Investor Support Center at Invest Korea Plaza

Permit for non-status activities

city / county district office Airport / Part immigration

Moving-in notification within 14 days

Return alien registration certifiacte

Change place of stay

Exit country

Those engaged in ordinary administra54

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Business•

should have been given to Chinese

the electronic visa issuance system

currency banks)

was in operation in which the relevant immigration office issues a Korean

- Photocopy of a foreign currency banks

inviting a foreigner the Confirmation

(documentary evidence from the Chi-

letter on visa issuance number via e-

nese Currency Control Authority)

mail or cell phone.

※Essential specialist from a subsidiary company of a financial holding com-

■

Documents to be submitted at the time of application

- Submitted documents can be added or excluded, if needed - Application for a visa (or Confirmation

pany

•A permit from the financial holding company - A cooperation requirement toward visa issuance

letter of visa issuance) •An applicant entering Korea without a

- Passport (or a photocopy of a pass-

- An evidence document providing the

visa or with only a short-term visa may

port in the case of applications for a

financial holding company is a sub-

Confirmation letter of visa issuance)

sidiary company having invested total

apply for a change in the status of sojourn at Invest KOREA (IK) of KOTRA or at a local immigration office.

amount (a stockholders’ list and incor-

- Photocopy of a certificate of FDI company registration - Photocopy of a business registration

•An applicant may apply for a business investment (D-8) visa at a Korean

certificate incorporation registration - Letter explaining the reason for the

embassy in a foreign country. Each

applicant’s invitation to Korea

embassy is authorized to issue a D-8

- Written order to work in Korea

visa for one year or less as entrusted

- Residence ID card (if Chinese)

by the Justice Minister.

- Certificate of Employment - Certificate of declaration of a foreign

•An applicant may apply for a business investment (D-8) visa at a Korean embassy in a foreign country with the

currency (issued by the Customs Office) - Photocopy of a foreign currency pur-

porate register of the subsidiary com-

a foreign country. Each embassy is

pany)

authorized to issue an F-3 visa for one

- One color portrait photo (3.5x4.5cm)

year or less as entrusted by the Jus-

- Commission (a revenue stamp : single >

tice Minister.

US$ 50, multi > US$ 80 ※No commission during applying for a confirmation letter of visa issuance

with a short-term visa may apply for a change in the status of sojourn at Invest KOREA (IK) of KOTRA or at a

■

F-3 visa for accompanying persons

local immigration office. - An accompanying person may apply

•Issued for :

for an F-3 visa at a Korean embassy in

A child (less than 20 years old and

a foreign country with the Confirma-

doesn’t have a spouse) or a spouse of a

tion letter of visa issuance (or number)

- Photocopy of an office lease contract

D-8 Visa holder.

issued by a local immigration office to

Korean embassy in a foreign country

•Investment from China

•Procedure

(if the Korean embassy in a foreign

doesn’t have the right to issue a visa)

- Document showing inclination for

- An accompanying person may apply

country doesn’t have the right to issue

investing in Korea and its plan (It

for an F-3 visa at a Korean embassy in

confirmation letter of visa issuance (or number) issued by a local immigration

chase certificate

office to an inviting Korean. (if the

*Effective from September 25, 2005, 56

- One entering Korea without a visa or

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

an inviting Korean.

a visa) Business•

•Documents to be submitted

personal reference of the person who

If you are lucky enough to become a

- Eligible for D-8 visa : Application,

hires the helper.

parent in Korea – congratulations! How-

Passport, Document showing earned

ever, beware the following :

income withholding, Photocopy of

For a new-born baby, the visa applica-

certificate of FDI company registration

tion must be submitted within 30 days

according to ‘Foreign Investment Pro-

after birth.

motion Act’, Photocopy of a business

One who has violated this regulation is

registration and incorporate register (if

Application for a visa, Passport, Photo-

subject to a fine.

applicable) according to ‘Value Added

copy of a certificate of FDI company

Tax Regulation’, Written order to work

registration, Photocopy of a business

in Korea or Photocopy of a certificate

license, Photocopy of incorporation reg-

of holding office (if applicable, except

istration, Letter explaining the reason for

investors), Photocopy of an office

the applicant’s invitation to Korea, Pho-

lease contract, Photos of your work

tocopy of an office lease contract, An

place, Photocopy of business perfor-

order of dispatch from the parent com-

■

Visa application for a new born child

3. Procedure for Investors’ Stay (Only for D-8, F-3, F-1 Holders) ■

•Documents to be submitted - Submitted documents can be added or excluded, if needed - Application for a visa (or Confirmation letter of visa issuance) - One color photo shots taken recently in case of confirmation letter of visa issuance - Documentary proof that he/she is a family member of the D-8 visa appli-

Permission of change in visa status

mance (Export/import) certificate,

pany, Diplomas, career certificates,

•Applicable to :

Photocopy of a bankbook, Certificate

qualification certificates and other cer-

- Applicants eligible for a D-8 visa, but

of declaration of a foreign currency

tificates attesting to the applicant’s sta-

entering Korea without a visa or with a

(issued by the Customs Office), Certifi-

tus as a specialist, Application for a tax

short-term visa, his/her family mem-

cate of remittance issued by the rele-

payment certificate, A statement of

bers, and helpers of the investor who

vant bank, in the event that the invest-

profit and loss, Photocopy of an office

holds C-3 visa and invests US$ 0.5

ment amount was remitted to Korea,

lease contract, One color profit photo

million or more.

Tax invoice, Documentary evidence

(3.5x4.5cm), Commission (a revenue

- Applicants who intend to establish an

showing a standard of assessment of

stamp) : KRW 50,000.

FDI company while staying in Korea

VAT, A statement of profit and loss,

* For D-8 visa holders : No commission

on another status of sojourn including

Commission (a revenue stamp) : KRW

his/her family members.

50,000.

Payment for the inviting Korean - Handling fee for a single visa : the

Alien registration

•Application for registration

- Eligible for F-3 visa : Documentary

- Applicants who have entered Korea

At a local immigration office or Invest

proof that he/she is a family member

on a long-term (not less than 91 days)

KOREA within the period of sojourn

of the D-8 visa applicant (marriage

visa shall apply for registration within

certificate or birth certificate).

90 days of his/her arrival in Korea at a

•Place of application

amount equivalent to US$50, for a

granted.

multi visa : US$80

* C-3, D-2, D-3, E-8, E-9, G-1, H-1 Visa

- Eligible for F-1 (helper) : FDI compa-

holders are not relevant to the permis-

ny registration, a certification of hold-

- Applicants who have obtained permis-

sion

ing office, employment contract and

sion for a change in the status of

※No commission during applying for a confirmation letter of visa issuance 58

■

* For D-8 visa holders : No commission

cant - Certificates of Employment and Tax

•For an applicant dispatched to Korea as an essential specialist by a parent business in a foreign country :

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

local immigration office.

Business•

■

Extension of period of stay

of Employment (applicable to employ-

•Applicable to :

ees, excluding investors)

Applicants (D-8, F-3 and F-1 visa hold-

- Certificate of Earned Income (Certifi-

ers) who intend to stay in Korea beyond

cate of Corporate Tax Payment) or

KOREA

the granted period of sojourn stated in

proof of VAT payment certificate

his/her alien registration card.

- Documentary evidence of business performance (Import and export busi-

sojourn to D-8, F-3 and F-1 after

- An immigration office at a port or airport.

ness, Tax invoice, Photocopy of a

- Apply to a local immigration office or

bankbook, A statement of profit and

•Relevant period

loss, Commission (a revenue stamp) :

Within the expiration date of a passport,

KRW 30,000

the granted period of stay and the

Invest KOREA. - Applications shall be made, desirably

shall immediately apply for registration

two months before the expiration of

at a local immigration office or at

the granted period of sojourn, or earli-

Invest KOREA.

er if he/she has an inevitable reason,

Checking by public servant in charge

such as an overseas trip.

required (Submission by petitioner not

•Documents to be submitted

* For D-8 visa holders : No commission

granted period for re-entry (one year for a single permit/two years for a multiple

required) : Business registration certifi-

•Number of extensions

cate.

permit, but one year for China).

Tip Box

tion, one color portrait shots (3.5x4.5cm)

A foreign investor may apply for an exten-

* In the case of housemaids with F-1

Registered expatriates with a long-term

- Photocopy of certificate of FDI com-

sion of the period of stay on an unlimited

status : Employment Agreement, Affi-

visa are also exempted from the re-entry

pany registration according to

number of occasions as long as he/she has

davit of Guarantee

permit requirement. In order to enhance

‘Foreign Investment Promotion Act’,

not been engaged in any illegal activities.

the convenience of their sojourn in ■

Photocopy of a business registration

Re-entry permit

Korea, registered aliens who re-enter

or incorporate register (if applicable)

•Length of extension

•Applicable to :

within a year during their period of stay

according to ‘Value Added Tax Regu-

An applicant will be granted an exten-

A registered alien who intends to re-

will be exempted from the re-entry per-

lation’, Commission (a revenue stamp)

sion of the period of stay for up to five

enter Korea within the granted period of

mit requirement from December 1, 2010.

: KRW 10,000.

(5) years, depending on the size of the

stay after a temporary departure.

For the convenience of foreigners resid-

* For D-8 visa holders: No commission * Same documents for visa reissuance

•Return of alien registration card

business, amount of investment, and business performance.

ing in Korea, certificates of the facts

•Nationals of the following thirteen countries are exempted from the re-entry permit requirement

concerning the entry and exit visas issued by the Korea Immigration Office

Upon leaving Korea permanently, for-

•Documents to be submitted (As of January 2010)

eign nationals shall return his/her alien

- Consolidated Application Form

Surinam, the Netherlands, Norway, Den-

(town), myeon (district) or dong (neigh-

registration card to an immigration offi-

- Passport, Alien Registration Card

mark, Germany, Luxemburg, Belgium,

borhood) from December 1.

Sweden, Switzerland, Liechtenstein,

(As of July 1, 2010)

cer handling exit procedure at the port or airport of departure. 60

- At a local immigration office or Invest

•Place and term of application

entering Korea on a short-term visa

- Passport, application for alien registra-

•Place of application for single/ multiple re-entry permit :

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

(required when visiting) - Order for Business Trip, or Certificate

(as of September 2010)

can be obtained from the nearby offices of si (city), gun (county), gu (ward), eup

France, Finland and Chile. Business•

■

Change and addition of workplace

•Applicable to :

Business Manners in Korea

very important to know about the position of the business partner as well. The

A registered alien who intends to

exchange of business card serves this

change or add the work place within the

The business etiquettes in Korea might

purpose. Usually, Korean businessmen

status of sojourn

be different from your country. East

want to do business with people of simi-

* D-8 visa holder's change and addition

Asians might adapt faster to the Korean

lar rank, but not with people with a

of work place within the same affiliates

business environment than Westerners

much lower rank. Therefore, on the

because of similar cultural roots. Any-

business card, you should give yourself

•Place and term of application

way, pay attention to the recommenda-

the highest position as possible.

Apply to a local immigration office or

tions below, and you will do reasonably

You use the right hand, or both hands,

Invest KOREA, and then have approval

well. Remember : tolerance for cultural

when giving your business card to

prior to change and add the work place

difference is the key. An attitude like “In

another person, but never the left hand.

our country, everything is bette” will not

It is polite to study the business card

•Documents to be submitted :

bring long term success for your busi-

appropriate status symbols are also

carefully for a while before putting it

- Photocopy of certificate of FDI com-

ness relationship.

essential to create respect. This includes

away. Try to remember his title and his

pany registration according to ‘Foreign

a fine car, club memberships or a house

surname while doing it, because this is

Investment Promotion Act’

in an affluent neighborhood.

the way to call a Korean (Calling Director

You will see that most Koreans bow to

John Kim “Director” or “Director Kim” is

each other instead when meet or part

ok, “John” is usually impolite, especially if John Kim is not close to you).

- Photocopy of a business registration

1. Before the Meeting

or incorporate register (if applicable) according to ‘Value Added Tax Regu-

It is recommendable that a person who

their ways. This act shows politeness

lation’

has a sufficient rank in the Korean hier-

and respect to the other person. If the

- Written order to work in Korea, or

archy introduces you to your potential

rank of the person is higher, deeper

Photocopy of a certificate of holding

business partners. This makes you more

bows are made. Shaking hands is not

office (if applicable, except investors)

trustworthy in their eyes. Making direct

unusual in Korea, especially in a meeting

- Documentary proof of original work

contact to a still unknown businessman

with foreign business partners. Some-

without such a middleman is unusual

times, they will shake your hand with

and raises suspicion.

both hands. You use both hands in the

The first impression is very important,

Korean culture, in many situations, to

like anywhere in the world. Especially,

show respect to the other person. For

wearing the right attire is essential. Kore-

example, Koreans usually pour other

ans usually wear suit & tie during a busi-

people’s glasses with two hands, espe-

place’s cessation of business - A certificate of business(import or export) accomplishment - Commission (a revenue stamp) : KRW 60,000 * For D-8 visa holders : No commission

ness meeting and you should do the

cially if the other person is older or high-

☞For further detailed information, please

same, although you might think it overly

er in the hierarchy.

visit the website, www.hikorea.go.kr

conservative. Otherwise, you might be

Every Korean businessman has a certain

regarded as unprofessional. Having the

position in the business society, and it is

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Business•

2. During the Meeting

who are not that close to each other.

essential part of business life to create a

Therefore, just change the topic if you

There are businessmen who speak

bond of trust between the participants.

don’t feel like answering. Don’t smoke if

excellent English. However, the older

During these after work gatherings,

the highest person on the table does not

generation has often problems to

beware the following things :

smoke.

express their thoughts in English, even if

You are expected to consume a lot of

The bills are paid by the person who for-

they claim to speak English. Although

alcohol throughout the evening. The

mulated the invitation. You are either

they do not understand you, they will

drinks usually contain Soju (traditional

host or guest. Separate bills (called

not ask you to repeat your ideas

Korean drink), Beer and Whisky or a

Dutch-pay in Korean) are very unusual in

because such behavior equals revealing

more direct and understand the Western

combination of those drinks. It is consid-

Korea; only in informal meetings among

weakness and showing ignorance. It is

culture better than the older generation.

ered impolite not to drink with your

friends is this kind of payment accepted.

possible that they bow their head and

Business negotiations in Korea can be

Korean business partners. If you really

If it is unclear who invited whom, people

say “Yes, I understand” but have no idea

cumbersome and take a long time to

can’t or want to drink, say you take

will “fight” to determine who will pay the

what you want to say. Therefore, it is

complete. One of the reasons is that

Korean traditional medicine (Hanyak in

bill as “the right to pay” is regarded as

recommended to have a translator who

your partner may not be allowed to

Korean) - this is one of the few excuses

an honor in Korea. Giving the impression

also has some knowledge about the

make decisions and has to talk with his

accepted for omitting a drink.

of being greedy or ungenerous is

Korean business manners and behav-

boss first. Being patient and friendly

The first drink is usually given by the

regarded as very bad behavior in Korea.

iors.

might be the best way to deal with such

highest member of the dinner group.

Therefore, your business partner will

The Korean “Yes” and “No” is different

a situation because good human rela-

When he indicates to fill your glass, you

usually insist to pay. You can usually

from the western equivalents. “Yes” in

tionship can be the key to the business

should take the glass with both hands

accept it in the first meeting, but prepare

the western world might mean “I agree”

success in Korea.

while receiving the drink. After he filled

to pay the next time you meet him.

or “I will do it”, in Korea it can mean “I

all glasses, he will offer a toast. Never

understand what you want to say” or “I

should you pour your own drink. If your

will do my best”. Therefore, it is very

3. After the (Business) Meeting

important to summarize your negotia-

ed as “the extension of work” and an

glass is empty, someone will notice it and will pour your glass. On the other

tions and prepare a common end result

Usually, Korean businessmen want to

hand, if you notice your neighbor’s glass

to which you agree both.

spend time with you outside of the office

is empty, you should offer to fill it at

In Korea, you will only rarely hear a

when the meeting is over. This includes

once (with both hands, of course).

direct “no.” Refusals are made rather in

a Korean dinner + a drink or two and/or

During the dinner, your Korean business

an indirect or hidden way. They often

a visit in the Karaoke (called Noraebang

partners might ask personal questions

say something like: “We will do our best”

- 노래방 - in Korean). You should not

like : “Why weren’t you married?” “How

or “Let’s talk about that later.” The dif-

underestimate the importance of such

old are you?”, etc. Don’t feel offended

ference of “yes” and “no” is very blurred,

after-work meetings. Although they

by these questions because in Korea,

so pay attention. However, business-

might look like entertainment, these

these questions are not only usual

men of the younger generation are far

after- work dinners are generally regard-

among friends, but also among people

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Business•

Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Accommodation

・Housing or Residential Premises ・Utility ・Moving House ・Foreign Villages in Seoul

Accommodation Housing or Residential Premises

One-room or studio

A housing unit consisting of one large room designed for use as a bedroom, living space, kitchen and dining room, etc., with the bath and toilet located in a separate space.

Landed private houses

Private houses that are built on land owned by an individual.

Service residence or apart- Hotel-style service combined with apartment units; a deluxe lodging facility for long-term business ment residents.

2. Rental or Lease Types

amount from the deposit. The deposit is returned upon expiry of the lease. The

•Deposit-only lease

lessee may negotiate with the lessor to

Deposit-only lease is a real property

reduce the monthly rent by increasing

lease system unique to Korea. A sub-

the deposit amount. For example, if 5

Residential premises of which five or more stories are used for housing.

stantial amount of money (generally 30

million won is added to the deposit, the

to 60% of the property value) is deposit-

monthly rent may be reduced by 50,000

Premises of which the 2nd to 4th stories are used as a commercial space while the 5th or higher stories are used as a residence.

ed with the owner without interest

won or so (roughly US $50). A lease

instead of paying monthly or yearly rent.

contract offer which proposes a deposit

In general, the typical lease term is two

of 5 million won and monthly rent of

Premises whose total unit floor area for housing exceeds 660㎡ and whose number of stories is four or less.

years. Upon expiry or termination of the

500,000 won may be renegotiated into

lease, the deposit is returned in full.

a contract that requires a deposit of 10

1. Types of Housing or Residential Premises Apartment house

Residential and commercial premises

Linked or row houses

Multi-household premises

Villa

Officetel

Premises whose total unit floor area used for housing is 660㎡ or less and whose number of stories is four or less. Residential premises similar to western condominiums of which the number of stories is four or so, yet spacious, although the entire compound size is smaller than that of most apartment houses. A multi-purpose space which can be used for both office and residential purposes, and which is equipped with essential furniture and utility facilities though room sizes are small.

million won and monthly rent of 450,000

•Monthly rental

won.

The tenant pays rent each month on a pre-determined day after depositing a

•Monthly rent paid out of deposit

sum equivalent to the total amount of

Under this lease, the lessee pays one

monthly rent for one or two years with

year’s (12 months) rent in advance,

the owner. The advance deposit is

whereas the lessee pays monthly rent

much greater compared with Western

each month under the monthly rental

standards : however, the greater the

lease. No additional deposit is required.

amount deposited in advance, the

The lease period ranges from one to

smaller the amount of monthly rent.

three years as agreed upon by the two

If a tenant or lessee fails to pay the

parties.

monthly rent, the lessor may deduct the 68

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Accommodation•

3. Lease Contract Procedures

maximum amount allowed for an ATM

before paying the deposit balance.

withdrawal or an Internet banking trans-

- Declare your relocation to the dong

•You should remember the following procedures when leasing residential premises :

civic service office upon moving into

- Check that the premises satisfy your

from the real estate registration office.

fer is limited.

the premises and obtain a fixed date stamp affixed on your contract copy

4. Real Estate Brokerage Commission Rates

requirements by visiting a real estate agency in your desired area.

It is advisable to include all of the specific Real Estate Brokerage Commission

- Check the real estate register dupli-

terms and conditions in the contract after

cate of the premises you have cho-

checking with the owner before making

payment or wire transfer to a bank

Rates by City or Province as published

sen. (Do not neglect to check whether

up your mind to move. In particular, clari-

account. If the deposit balance is to be

by the Korea Association of Realtors :

any legal restrictions are registered for

fy the deposit amount, rent payment

paid on a weekend or a public holiday,

find at www.kar.or.kr/pinfo/brokerfeeall.

the premises, including mortgage for

terms, broker commission rate, move-in

you’d better be prepared as the daily

asp

collateral security, provisional registra-

date, lease term and conditions, and

tion for security or auction sale).

receipt preparation method. Prepare

■ Seoul

- If there are no problems with the real

three sets of the contract, one set of

•Residential premises

estate register duplicate, sign the con-

which should be kept by the lessee, one

tract and obtain a receipt for the con-

by the lessor, and one by the broker.

tract deposit.

You need to obtain a fixed date stamp

(As the contract will bind you legally

on the lease contract from the real estate

upon your signing it, you need to check

registration office in order to protect the

its provisions thoroughly)

rights of the lessee in the event that an

- Check the number of keys you receive

unexpected situation arises. You need to

from the owner and check for any dam-

show your alien registration card to the

ages to the premises before moving in.

registration official. You should duly store

- On the day you move in, check the real estate register duplicate again

Transaction types

Sale or exchange

Transaction amount

Maximum rate chargeable

Maximum Formula for Transaction amount won amount computing brokerage computing chargeable commission

Less than 50 million won

6/1,000

250,000

50 to 200 million won

5/1,000

800,000

200 to 600 million won

4/1,000

None

all the documents. You should declare your new abode or

600 million won or reater

(N)/1000 of transaction amount

domicile at the dong civic service office or immigration office. *Usually 10% of the lease deposit is paid as a contract deposit when you sign a lease contract. You pay the balance to the owner on the day you move in. Check with the owner as regards the method of paying the balance - cash 70

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Less than 50 5/1,000 million won

200,000

4/1,000

300,000

Lease (transactions other than sale and 50 to 100 exchange) million won

Maximum brokerage fee = transaction amount x maximum rate chargeable (The amount thus computed shall not exceed the maximum amount chargeable.) Agreed upon between the broker and the customer through negotiation at a maximum of 9/1,000 or less Maximum brokerage fee = transaction amount x maximum rate chargeable (The amount thus computed shall not exceed the maximum amount chargeable.)

Sale : Sale price Exchange : The real estate with the greater value between those being exchanged

Deposit only lease : Deposit amount Monthly rental : Deposit + (monthly rent x 100)

Accommodation•

Maximum Formula for comTransaction Transaction Maximum Transaction rate won amount puting brokerage amount types amount chargeable computing chargeable commission 100 to 300 Lease (transactions million won other than 300 million sale and won or exchange) greater

3/1,000

None

(N)/1,000 of transaction amount

Agreed upon between the broker and the customer through negotiation at a maximum of 8/1,000 or less

When the computed amount is less than 50 million won : Deposit + (monthly rent x 70)

■

Gyeonggi-do

•Residential premises Transaction type

Sale or exchange

•Premises other than residential (land, commercial, officetel, etc.) Transaction types Sale, exchange, lease, etc.

Maximum rate chargeable (N)/1,000 of transaction amount or less

Formula for computing brokerage commission Agreed upon between the broker and the customer at a maximum of 9/1,000 or less

Calculation of transaction amount

Maximum amount chargeable

Less than 50 million won

6/1,000

250,000

50 to 200 million won

5/1,000

800,000

200 to 600 million won

4/1,000

Less than 20 million won

5/1,000

70,000

20 to 50 million won

5/1,000

200,000

50 to 100 million won

4/1,000

300,000

100 to 300 million won

3/1,000

Lease, etc.

Same as those for residential premises

dential premises whose value is 300 mil-

Maximum rate chargeable

Transaction amount

Utility

lion won or greater” and “the sale, exchange or lease of premises other than residential premises.”

1. Water

*The above real estate brokerage com-

Korea’ s tap water has been tested and

mission rates are provided under the

proven to be safe for drinking. A drinking

Business Affairs of Licensed Real Estate

water examination facility and an autho-

*Maximum brokerage fee = transaction

Agents and Report of Real Estate Trans-

rized virus examination instruction main-

automated bank machine or at a bank

amount × maximum rate chargeable

actions Act” and “Residential Premises

tain and supply safe purified water.

teller. For further information please look

(The amount thus computed shall not

Brokerage Fees in Seoul.”

Water fees can differ depending on the

at the Directory Section page186.

exceed the maximum amount charge-

amount and purpose of use. For exam-

able).

ple, households and offices have different rates.

2. Gas

*The broker should specify the maxi-

There are various ways to pay your bills.

mum rates he/she intends to charge in

The most convenient method is through

Most Korean homes use gas for energy.

the above table, without fail, within the

automated deposit. An amount specified

Almost all homes in Korea have ondol

limit for “the sale or exchange of resi-

on the bill will be taken from the desig-

heating system (floor-heating) using gas.

dential premises whose value is 600 mil-

nated bank account. You can also

Furthermore, most homes require gas

lion won or greater,” “the lease of resi-

deposit the specified sum through an

stoves for cooking.

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Accommodation•

The use of natural gas is deemed safe

issued plastic bags and placed at col-

■ Where

to purchase trash bags

since it’s lighter than air and diffuses

lection sites on scheduled dates to be

Supermarkets and grocery stores carry

easily into air when leakage occurs. It is

picked up by garbage collectors.

all trash bags such as trash bags for food or other waste.

also convenient since it is supplied through pipelines and hence does not

■ Food

waste

require extra storage space. It is also

Food waste should be drained of all flu-

on size and function. Each district uses

economical since it’s abundant and is

ids. Plastic bags, shells, toothpicks,

different bags.

not costly to produce.

wooden chopsticks, animal bones, plas-

You must buy trash bags in your district,

All homes and building units in Korea

tics, metal goods, bottles, papers,

as bags from other districts cannot be

have a gas meter where you can check

eggshells, etc. should not be mixed in

used.

the amount of gas being used on a reg-

with food waste.

The price of trash bags vary depending

•White bags for domestic use in private

ular basis. For further information please look at the Directory Section (page190).

3. Wired Phone/Cable or Satellite TV/Internet

■ Detached

houses

•Paper : tied newspapers, calendars,

Food waste should be placed in con-

magazines, or notebooks in 30 cm

tainers (usually a plastic bag or contain-

bundles (Ensure cartons are cleaned

er) designated by each area and then

before disposing).

left outside for collection.

households in 5, 10, 20 and 50 liter sizes. •Light blue bags for public use in 50, 70 and 100 liter sizes.

•Glass : wine, soft drinks and medicine ■ Apartments,

other multi-unit

residences

bottles must be cleaned before disposing.

•Orange bags for business use in 20, 50 and 100 liter sizes.

Food waste must be taken and dumped into large food waste receptacles generally found in the parking lot.

•Scrap metal : metal chairs, stainless steel should be collected separately.

■ Disposing

of large-sized items

•What is a large-sized item? Refrigerators, televisions, washing

■ How

*Go to the Telecommunication Section at the page 116.

to deal with recycle bins

Collecting recyclables is an effective means

milk cans should be compressed

of reducing environmental pollution.

before throwing away.

machines, air conditioners, wardrobes,

Recyclable goods are divided into five different groups : paper, glass, scrap

4. Garbage Disposal

•Cans : beer, soft drink and powdered

•Plastics : detergent and shampoo

iron, cans and plastic.

containers should be disposed only

Apartment residents put these into the

after rinsing with water.

assigned collection boxes (according to ■ Daily

garbage disposal

items).

•Broken bottles, glass, etc. : special

General waste coming from houses and

Individual residents gather recyclable items

bags or municipality-issued plastic

offices should be put into municipality-

at designated places twice every week.

bags.

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Accommodation•

sofas, tables, pianos, furniture, and oth-

Moving House

er items which are not suitable for regulation-sized bags.

service rate varies depending on the volume of things to move. You should

1. Types of House Moving Service

•Procedures for disposal

make a reservation with the house movers at least 15 to 30 days in advance. The total moving service is more expen-

Notify Dong-office, sanitation facilities or

•Ordinary moving service

sive than the ordinary moving service as

Gu-office and pay fee in advance.

The ordinary moving service is an inex-

the house movers provide a helping

If recycling, call the Center for Recycling

pensive service for customers who have

hand for packing, unpacking, and furni-

or other collection source.

fewer things to move and who will pack,

ture arrangement. Certain house movers

unpack and arrange their possessions

provide a cleaning service as well.

•Fees (KRW)

themselves. Usually, a truck or van is

- Refrigerator : 4,000 ~ 8,000

hired. The rate varies slightly depending

•Storage moving service

- Television : 3,000 ~ 5,000

on the day, distance, load size and the

This service is employed for storing your

- Washing machine : 3,000

house movers. It is quite inexpensive if

belongings in a warehouse for a given

- Closet : 10,000 ~ 15,000

you hire a small delivery truck only when

period due to such unavoidable causes

- Desk : 4,000 ~ 7,000

you don’t need an extra helping hand.

as extended business travel, repairs (interior decoration work), or delayed

moving fee by measuring the volume of

•Total moving service

availability of your leased premises. For

things to be moved. This process is

The total moving service includes pack-

the storage moving service, you need to

designed to ensure a trouble-free mov-

ing, trucking, unpacking and arrange-

pay double the fee paid for other types

ing by preparing packing materials in

ment services. You should obtain a

of moving service as the movers have to

advance after measuring the volume of

quote in advance as the total moving

move your belongings out and in. The

things to be moved.

- Piano : 15,000

storage service rate is computed by day or by month. The daily rate is advanta-

② Quotation and acceptance

geous if short periods of time are

You notify the house movers of your

involved.

acceptance of their quotation, if satisfactory.

2. International House Moving Procedure

③ Packing and document preparation The articles need to be classified into categories and packed individually (inner

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

① Quotation by a visiting estimator by appointment

packing). A running number and item

You need to obtain a quotation from a

outer boxes. A packing list is prepared

visiting estimator who calculates the

to indicate such packing details. If

description should be indicated on all

Accommodation•

required, wooden crates or boxes are used instead of cardboard boxes.

④ Cargo insurance purchase Cargo insurance should be purchased against all possible risks such as unexpected breakage, loss or theft when at

nance, gas, power, water and Internet

the place of shipment, in transit by sea

services. On the day or one day earlier,

or air, or at the destination.

you should call various service companies to inform them of the meter gauge

⑤ Transportation & shipping

to enable calculation of the service

The packages are transported to a port

charge owing.

or airport for customs clearance and

Usually, such utility service bills for the

shipment unless storage or holding is

month are issued and paid in course of

requested. The packages are shipped

the following month. You could ask the

by air or sea to their destination after an

next tenant or landlord to pay your

export permit has been issued by the

pending service charges on your behalf.

customs office. All shipping documents

You may request the telephone or Inter-

are sent to the customs broker or for-

net service provider to relocate your ser-

warder at the destination.

vice to your new place of abode or

in Seoul is not as concentrated in certain areas as in the past, popular neighborhoods are those which offer a high-qual-

address. Your mails will be forwarded to

According to the Korea National Statisti-

ity educational environment, comfortable

⑥ Delivery at destination

your new address for three months

cal Office, there are around 1,200,000

living and easy access to business dis-

Packages are after customs clearance,

upon your request. You can find where

foreigners in Korea (2.5% of the whole

tricts and workplaces.

delivered to the customer at the destina-

to call for your gas, power, water,

population). The number of foreigners

tion on a date agreed in the preceding

telecommunication, etc. in the directory

has increased 5.6 times since 2000.

year. Pieces of furniture are delivered to

section (page 190).

The foreign population in Seoul has

1. Korean-Chinese Village

the desired locations by the delivery

been growing steadily over the years

(Yenbian Street : Garibong-dong, Guro-gu)

men.

and visible change is expected to continue with Seoul City’s plans for attract-

Many Korean-Chinese people have set-

ing more foreign investment. In the past,

tled in Garibong-dong, Guro-Gu, Seoul,

expatriate housing areas were limited to

constituting a Chinese community. A

a few neighborhoods around foreign

business community has developed

embassies. Now, residential areas for

along a 500m-long alley where both

When you move out of your premises,

foreigners are becoming ever more

Korean and Chinese are spoken.

you should settle all bills for mainte-

diverse. Although the foreign population

3. Bills Handling at Time of Moving

Foreign Villages in Seoul

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Accommodation•

2. Islamic Village

Seoul as Chinese villages such as Yen-

6. Japan Village

(Seoul Central Masjid : Itaewon-dong,

ben Street or Korean-Chinese villages

(Little Tokyo : Ichon 1(il)-dong, Yongsan-gu)

Yongsan-gu)

have developed in various parts of Seoul.

An Islamic business community comes

One of the oldest foreign villages in Seoul, Little Tokyo is equipped with a

together‘temporarily’on weekends as

kindergarten and a range of educational,

many Muslims go to the mosque to

5. French Village

faith and business facilities. Japanese is

attend their weekly service on Friday

(Seorae Village : Bangbae-dong and

spoken at nearly all of the facilities and

afternoons.

Banpo 4(sa)-dong, Seocho-gu)

services have been developed for Japanese residents.

A French residential-commercial com-

3. Chinese Village No. 1

munity has developed around a French

(Little Chinatown : Yeonhui-dong of

school. Various cultural events are

7. Mongolia Village

Seodaemun-gu and Yeonnam-dong of

staged backed up by dedicated admin-

(Mongol Tower : Beorumul-gil, Gwanghui-

Mapo-gu)

istrative support from the local gu or dis-

dong, Dongdaemun-gu)

trict office in the French language. A Chinese community has developed

This tower is also known as a‘Mongolian

around the Chinese Junior and Senior

island floating in Seoul’as many Mongols

High Schools at Yeonhui-dong, Seodae-

from various parts of Seoul or its suburbs

mun-gu, Seoul. It is a residential-com-

gather here to exchange information.

9. Philippine Village

mercial Chinese village where many Chi-

Korean is virtually non-existent here.

(Sunday Market : in front of Hyehwa

nese restaurants have formed into a

Catholic Church at Hyehwa-dong, Jong-

Chinese business town.

no-gu)

8. Italian Village (Club Italia : Francisco Catholic Church ‘Little Manila’comes together in front of

4. Chinese Village No. 2

at Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu)

(Chinese Street : in front of the Chinese Embassy at Myeong-dong, Jung-gu)

Hyehwa Catholic Church every Sunday. Many truck-mounted stalls sell Philip-

A cultural community based on religious

pine-related products based on a strong

bonds has developed here even though

religious belief.

A cultural village has developed in the

few Italians reside in Seoul. Diverse cul-

Chinese business town that has sprung

tural events are held by the Italian cultur-

up around Hanseong Chinese Elemen-

al center around a Catholic church that

Focus’by the Seoul Development Insti-

tary School in front of the Chinese

holds mass every Sunday for Italians

tute)

Embassy. Local Koreans can experi-

and also runs a kindergarten.

(Reference literature ‘Seoul : Policy

ence‘Chinese culture’in downtown 80

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Accommodation•

Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Education

・International (Foreign) Schools in Korea ・Alternative Options-Korean Schools and Homeschooling ・Korean Language Programs ・Libraries and Bookstores

The ESL support program is provided to students whose English language proficiency is limited. Students who are in the 5th grade or higher can hardly par-

Education

ticipate in the ESL support program.

•Admission Procedures Personal visit for counseling Preparation of admission application

International (Foreign) Schools in Korea

documents

Most of the foreign schools use English as the language of instruction and follow

:Supporting documents

US school curricula. This is not entirely

Admission application, color photo (3

the case, however, there are two French

copies), copy of passport (parents and

There were a total of 46 foreign schools

schools in Seoul, for instance, as well as

student), document certifying overseas

in Korea (2010.8). The highest concen-

a German school, a Japanese school

abode for a minimum of 1,095 days (or

tration of foreign schools could be found

and even a Mongolian school. The

three years), school report card (English

in the capital, Seoul, with 17 schools,

schools also vary greatly in size Seoul

translation), standard test scores (IOWA,

while seven were founded in Gyeonggi-

Foreign School in Seodaemun-gu, for

CAT, SSAT, Stanford, STAR, PSAT,

do and five are located in the southeast-

instance, has nearly 1,500 students,

ern part of Busan. In each province (Do)

while many others have less than 100.

option, too, is homeschooling, which is

written by student with teacher’s proof-

or there are one to three foreigners’

Please be aware that sending your child

actually more practical than you might

ing, medical records or physical exami-

schools in Korea. Among 47 schools,

to a foreign school can be an expensive

think.

nation certificate, and letter of recom-

there are 20 American or British schools,

proposition. Tuitions differ, of course,

In the directory, you can find a list of foreign

mendation (kindergarten - current or

18 Chinese schools and others.

depending on the school, but you're

schools and their homepages (page193).

past teachers; elementary school - cur-

ACER, Terra Nova, etc.), sample essay

usually looking at somewhere between

rent teacher; junior or senior high school

12 million and 20 million won a year, or

- math or English teachers)

about US$14,040 - 23,400 (depending on the exchange rate). Sending your child to a Korean school, of course, is a

1. Eligibility for Admission and Admission Procedures to foreign schools in Korea

Application fee (500,000 won) paid: Half is refunded if child is not admitted

much cheaper option (Your kids are eli-

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

gible for attending at Korean public

■

schools), but this is not recommended

Children of those who have valid foreign

Subjects : English skills (listening, speak-

unless your child has a reasonable com-

passports or who have lived overseas

ing, vocabulary, reading, composition,

mand of the Korean language. Another

for more than three years.

etc.), mathematics

Eligibility for Admission

Examination

Education•

Korean school, Korean language profiScreening

ciency is important. Consider the Korean language ability of your child before

Admission approved

dropping him or her off at a Korean

*Eligibility or procedures may vary

school.

depending on the school

Homeschooling is another option. If you're dedicated and have the patience, homeschooling your children is not a bad option, even if you don't fancy yourself a

2. IDEA Language Proficiency Tests (IPT) and Placement Tests

teacher. Nowadays, in the age of the Internet, there are plenty of accredited test. Placement tests differ from school

distance learning options available which

to school. In the case of Korea Interna-

give parents a flexible-yet-structured

If your child is planning to attend a for-

tional School, for instance, reading and

approach to their children’s education.

eign school where the language of

writing tests are mandatory for all

The cost of homeschooling is, for exam-

instruction is English, he or she may

grades beyond first. Math tests are giv-

ple, from US $ 1,350 to US $ 2,400 for a

have to take the IDEA Language Profi-

en according to grade level, and addi-

regular one-year course of an American

ciency Tests, or IPT.

tional tests may be given at the discre-

dle school and three years of high

high school curriculum (Keystoneschool

The test is divided into five testing levels.

tion of the Office of Admissions.

school. The academic year is divided

program). You can find further informa-

Level 1 is appropriate for pre-kinder-

into two semesters : the first semester

tion at www.homeschool.com and the

garten and kindergarten students. Level

begins in early March and ends in late

US Distance Learning Association,

June, while the second semester begins

www.usdla.org

2 is for students grades 1-2 according to the US system. Level 3 is for grades 3-5. Level 4 is for grades 6-8 and Level

Alternative Options-Korean Schools and Homeschooling

ber. In between, there’s a one-month summer vacation and a long winter

5 for grades 9-12. For most of those

in September and ends in mid-Decem-

levels, there are four kind test sections

One of the most common complaints

vacation.

available : reading, writing, listening and

raised by foreigners, in fact, is the lack

Korean schools are divided into public

speaking. Each section of the examina-

of affordable educational options. Fortu-

and private schools. The price disparity

tion tests the student's ability to function

nately, however, there are alternative

between the two is significant for ele-

in an English-speaking classroom envi-

options for the expats.

mentary school, although for middle and

ronment.

A much cheaper alternative, of course,

high school, the difference in tuition is

For more information on the examina-

is to send your child to a local Korean

fairly minor. Admission to private schools

tion, see the homepage of Ballard &

school. The Korean school system is

is determined by random selection.

Tighe, www.ballard-tighe.com

divided into six years of elementary

It goes without saying, however, that if

Most schools also have a placement

school, followed by three years of mid-

you're going to enroll your children in a

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Education•

Korean Language Programs

guage in a small-town setting, it’s some-

Libraries and Bookstores

thing you might look into. If you're feel-

1. Libraries

Opportunities to learn the Korean lan-

ing really confident in your Korean skills,

guage are increasingly many as Korean

you can even try the Korean Proficiency

grows as a language of economic, politi-

Exam.

Korea has traditionally been a nation

cal and cultural importance. In Seoul,

Korean is not a particularly easy lan-

that enjoys reading. However, English-

many Universities offer Korean language

guage to learn, but if you put in the time

language material is not particularly easy

classes for foreigners. Some programs,

and effort, learning it can be a fun and

to come by at public libraries. On the

such as Kyunghee Univ.'s Korean Lan-

rewarding experience and greatly

other hand, a number of countries oper-

guage Institute, have long histories and

improve the quality of your experience in

ate cultural centers with libraries with

are quite prestigious. Others are newer

Korea. If you would like to learn Korean,

foreign language books. There are a

and you should inquire into program

there are a number of programs avail-

number of foreign-language bookstores

specifics before applying. Even in the

able to you in Seoul.

as well, where you can buy textbooks

countryside, many regional Universities

A List of Korean language schools : you

and other necessary items for your edu-

and colleges now offer Korean language

can find in the directory (page195).

cational needs, in addition to the latest

classes. If you’d like to learn the lan-

novels. The National Library in Korea, in Sogongdong, is the proverbial mother-of-all-

A List of Libraries : you can find it in the

libraries in Korea. Other major libraries

directory (page 192).

include the National Assembly Library, the Supreme Court Library and Korea’s many UNIV. libraries. The Namsan

2. Bookstores

Library, located next to Namsan Park, has a small foreign language section, but

The main bookstores have a section for

is better known as a nice place to stroll

foreign books; therefore you can find

around with great views of the city.

foreign literature relatively easily. However, most bookstores have not built a foreign website yet. Moreover, “Seoul Selectio” provides foreign books on Korea, and a bookstore called “What the book” sells used foreign books. A List of bookstores : you can find it in the directory (page 197).

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Education•

Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Transportation

・How to Pay for Transportation Services in Korea ・Public Transportation Services ・Automobile ・Traffic Accidents ・Emergency Car Services

Transportation

credit card settlement date if the post-

- Busan : Ordinary tickets and term passes

paid transportation card function is

You can purchase both ordinary tickets

added to your credit card services. The

and term passes from an automatic

post-paid transportation card function

ticketing machine. Ordinary tickets may

can be used only with your credit card.

be one-way or return tickets. As the

The regular T-Money card is handy for

fare varies depending on the distance

transportation service users who cannot

to your destination, you should select

obtain credit cards.

the route or line number shown on the top side of the ticketing machine’s screen and the service section on the

How to Pay for Transportation Services in Korea

internet shopping mall, etc. This card can be easily purchased or refilled and may be used for all modes of public

1. Cash

right-hand side of the screen. Press the

Public Transportation Services

‘daily tickets’ button to purchase a daily service ticket. Term passes include

transportation or related facilities.

one-day, seven-day and one-month

This card is available in diverse forms,

passes.

such as handset holder, wrist watch and

1. Subway Services

You pay the transportation fee directly

character goods. T-Money is recharge-

right after getting on a bus or entering

able or refillable. You should top up the

The subway service is available in the

the subway station. In case of taking a

balance before it is totally exhausted. It

Metropolitan Seoul region, Busan,

taxi you pay the fee after reaching your

is advisable to maintain a certain bal-

Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon. The ser-

- Daegu or Daejeon : You should pur-

destination.

ance as you cannot obtain transfer dis-

vice is similar in all of these cities, but

chase a token-type ordinary ticket.

counts if your T-Money card does not

the price of a one-trip ticket varies

have a sufficient balance.

slightly depending on the city.

※Diverse prepaid transportation cards,

•Ticketing

- Gwangju : A one-time ticket can be used within two hours of ticketing.

2. Transportation Card •T-Money (Prepaid transportation card)

including Hanaro Transportation and

- Seoul : One-time transportation card

MyB card, are used in various regions.

A one-time transportation card is issued

The T-Money card is a non-contact

the service fare to the destination of your

(a credit card with a embedded transportation service function chip)

choice into the ticket machine, called

ded so that self-

While the T-Money card is basically a

Card Charger. After you disembark from

calculation is possible, unlike the exist-

pre-charged or prepaid card, you may

the train, you should insert your ticket in

ing memory card. The card is used for

pay your monthly accumulated public

the Deposit Return Machine to retrieve

bus, subway, taxi, vending machine,

transportation service charges on your

your deposit.

smart card in which a chip is embed-

when you insert a 500-won deposit and

•Post-paid transportation cards :

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

One-time ticket sales or Transportation

Transportation•

Tip Box

- When you need transfer to another

•Subway route map (Seoul, Busan, Daegu) : You see the map in the appendix section

■

Seoul bus numbering system Classification

line, check the transfer station in advance to ensure that you disembark at the right station. You can change

Blue (trunk route) buses

3-digit numbers Departing zone number + Destination zone number + Route Serial Number

Green (branch route) buses

4-digit numbers Departing zone number + Destination zone number + 2-Digit Route Serial Numbers

Red (wide area) buses

4-digit numbers 9 + Gyeonggi-do Departing Zone Number + 2-Digit Route Serial Numbers

Yellow (circular route) buses

2-digit numbers Service Zone Number + Route Serial Number

2. City Local Bus

trains by following the ‘Transfer Point’ signs. - If you get off the train at the wrong sta-

•Types or classes of bus services (Seoul)

tion, you will have to pay an additional

In July 2004, Seoul introduced new bus-

fare to a station worker or pay the

es with different designs. You can easily

additional fare using a [Transportation

distinguish bus stops by unique colors

Card Reconciliation/Charging Machine].

that represent the different types or

- You cannot get the transfer discount

Numbering system

classes of bus services.

with one-time tickets. - No deposit (500 won) is required for a

■

Bus fare

one-time subway ticket in cities other than Seoul.

Blue (trunk route) buses

Types or Classes

Green (branch route) buses

Wide area buses (non-stop) Metropolitan express buses (M7106)

Trunk, branch or ‘41’ route buses

Blue buses serve trunk routes within the Seoul metropolitan area.

Green buses are branch route buses for connection or transfer to trunk route buses or subway stations.

Yellow (circular route) buses

Red (wide area) buses

Yellow buses are circular route buses designed to satisfy diverse public transportation needs.

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Red buses form a wide-area express bus service between the greater Seoul metropolitan areas.

Seoul Metropolitan City Differentiated branch and circular route buses (except route 41)

Neighborhood buses

Passenger Age Group

Paid by Paid In Cash Transportation (won) Card (won)

Adults (19 years or older)

1,700

1,800

High school students (13 to 18 years old)

1,360

1,800

Elementary school pupils (7 to 12 years old)

1,200

Adults

900

1,000

High school students

720

1,000

Elementary school pupils

450

Adults

700

800

High school students

560

800

Elementary school pupils

350

Adults

600

700

High school students

480

550

Elementary school pupils

300

Transportation•

■

Bus fare Types or Classes Express intra-city seated buses Metropolitan express buses (M2104, M4101, M4102, M4403)

Gyeonggi-do

Regular intra-city buses

Neighborhood buses

Passenger Age Group

Paid by Paid in Cash Transportation (won) Card (won)

Adults (19 years or older)

1,700

1,800

High school students (13 to 18 years old)

1,360

1,800

Elementary school pupils (7 to 12 years old)

1,200

•United public transportation fare system in the seoul metropolitan region

you pay the fare using a transportation

This refers to the public transportation Region (Seoul Special City, Gyeonggi-do

•Services including transfer (s) (United fare system proportionate to service distance)

and Incheon Metropolitan City). You pay

The basic fare is based on the mode of

your fare based on the total service dis-

transportation that charges the highest

tance which you here travelled regard-

basic fare. 100 won per 5km is charged

fare system in the Seoul Metropolitan

card.

Adults

900

1,000

less of the means of transportation and

when the total service distance exceeds

High school students

720

800

the transfer lead times. It is different

the distances listed below :

Elementary school pupils

450

from the previous fare system, under

Adults

600 ~ 800

700 ~ 850

which you had to pay the basic fare,

High school students

480 ~ 640

Elementary school pupils

300 ~ 400

whenever you transferred from one transportation to another, including the 300 ~ 450

subway and the inter-city, intra-city and neighborhood bus services. Transfer

Types or Classes

Wide area or airport buses Metropolitan express bus es (M6405)

Incheon Metropolitan City

Inter-city seated buses and intracity buses

Trunk route buses

Express trunk route buses Route Nos. 103, 103-1

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Passenger Age Group

Paid by Transportation Card (won)

Paid in Cash (won)

Adults (19 years or older)

2,200

2,500

High school students (13~18 years old)

1,200

1,500

Elementary school pupils (7~12 years old)

1,000

Adults

1,700

1,800

High school students

1,360

1,800

Elementary school pupils

1,200

Adults

900

1,000

High school students

630

900

Elementary school pupils

450

Adults

950

1,000

High school students

750

800

Elementary school pupils

750

discounts are only available under the united transportation fare system when Classification Eligible customers Seoul Metropolitan Transfer lead time Region

Details Customers paying with either the T-Money card or the post-paid transportation card You should embark on the next transportation service within 30 minutes of disembarking from the first mode of transportation (within one hour from 21:00 to 07:00)

Transfer lead times Up to four times (Up to five transportation means)

Classification

Details

Eligible customers

Customers who use T-money, Hanaro, MyB, or EB cards

Busan Metropolitan Transfer lead time City

You should embark on the next transportation service within 30 minutes of disembarking from the first mode of transportation

Transfer lead times Up to twice (Up to three modes of transportation)

Transportation•

Classification

Details

Eligible customers

Customers who use transportation cards

Transfer discount types

City rail (1 fare section) and neighborhood bus : Transfer discount City rail (1 fare section) and intra-city bus free transfer

Daejeon Metropolitan You should embark on the next transportation service City Transfer lead times within 30 minutes of disembarking from the first mode of transportation Transfer times

Details

Eligible customers

Customers who use Gwangju, Kookmin, Shinhan or MyB cards City rail (1 fare section) and intra-city bus free transfer

Officially designated by Seoul City Government, the international taxi services are quick and convenient to use for foreign visitors to Seoul and expatriates residing in Seoul. Booking

You should make a reservation by phone (1644-2255) or in the Internet website, www.intltaxi.co.kr, If a stand-by cab is available, you may take it without making a reservation.

Fare

Service section, meter or hire fare is applied depending on the situation.

Types or Classes

Mid-size or Deluxe Taxi : Carries up to five persons Jumbo Taxi : Carries from six to nine persons

Features

- Seoul City Government controls this taxi service, covering everything from the recruitment and training of drivers to the fare system and call center operation. - Drivers and call center staff have passed language skill tests and completed the relevant educational courses. - Drivers and call center staff provide information and assistance for airport services and Seoul city tours, support for business meetings, and advice on essential living matters for expatriates residing in Seoul. - A fixed fare service is provided between Incheon International Airport and designated zones in Seoul. - Information desks and dedicated stands are provided at Incheon and Gimpo International Airports. Fares may be paid by credit card (Visa, Master, JCB, or Amex) or T-Money card.

Within one hour when transferring from intra-city (or neighborhood) buses Within 30 minutes of transferring from the subway to another mode of transportation

Classification Eligible customers

•International taxi services

Up to three times (1 time transfer from/to city rail)

Classification

Gwangju Discount types Metropolitan City Transfer times

3. Taxi Services

Details Customers who use Daegyeong or Kookin Credit cards Intra-city rail, Daegu and Gyeongsan intra-city buses (excluding Yeongcheon, Goryeong and Seongju buses)

Applicable routes Daejeon Metropolitan Within one hour of disembarking from a bus City Transfer lead times Within 30 minutes of disembarking from a subway train Transfer times

Up to twice (Up to three modes of transportation)

※No discount is given for any transfer

•Bus route searching engines

between same-route buses or when

- Seoul : http://topis.seoul.go.kr

returning to a turnstile after exiting one.

- Daejeon : http://traffic.metro.daejeon.

※Discounts are not available on inter-

kr/common/layout/sub_layout_01.jsp?

city express buses (including airport

•Deluxe (or exemplary) taxi services A better service is provided by better cabs with higher fare rates. Color

Black sedan equipped with a yellow roof-top lamp

Fare

Basic fare of 4,500 won for the first 3km, with an additional 200 won charged for every 164m thereafter. An additional 200 won is charged every 39 seconds when a cab runs at 15km/h or slower due to traffic congestion. Ex.) Incheon International Airport City Hall : 78,000 won Incheon International Airport Jamsil 87,000 won (It may vary depending on traffic conditions)

mc1=03&mc2=01&mc3=01

buses) or the Incheon airport railway

- Incheon : http://bus.incheon.go.kr/iw

line.

- Daegu : http://businfo.daegu.go.kr/ba/ index/index.do - Busan : http://bus.busan.go.kr - Gwangju : http://bus.gjcity.net - Ulsan : www.ulsanbus.or.kr/index.htm

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Transportation•

•Regular taxi services

•Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu and Yeongdong line)

Color

Generally, a silver color sedan with a white or blue roof-top lamp

Fare

Basic fare of 2,400 won for the first 2km, with an additional100 won charged for every 144m thereafter. An additional 100 won is charged every 35 seconds when the cab runs at 15km/h or slower due to traffic congestion. A 20% surcharge is added from midnight to 04:00 am or for service beyond the city boundary.

- Tel : 82-2-535-4151 - Website : www.exterminal.co.kr - Address : 19-4, Banpo 4 (sa)-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul (Express Bus Terminal Station of Seoul Metro Line 3 and 7) Departure Time

Routes

First Bus Last Bus 06 : 00

Regular Express 20,900 won 4 hours 02 : 00 20 ~ 40 minutes Deluxe Express 31,100 won 20 minutes Midnight Deluxe 34,200 won

Seoul - Daegu

06 : 00

Regular Express 15,500 won 3 hours 01 : 30 15 ~ 40 minutes Deluxe Express 22,900 won 40 minutes Midnight Deluxe 25,200 won

You can call a taxi by phone in places where it is hard to catch a cab or during

Color

Same as a regular taxi

Fare

The regular taxi fare is applied but a 1,000 won call service fee is added when the taxi fare is 9,000 won or less

Fare

You can call both deluxe and regular taxis by phone

4. Express Bus Services

Travel time

Fare

Seoul - Busan

•Call taxi services late nighttime hours.

Interval

Seoul - Daejeon 06 : 00

00 : 10

Regular Express 8,700 won Deluxe Express 12,700 won 5 ~ 20 minutes Midnight Deluxe 9,600 won Midnight Deluxe 14,000 won

destination on the Seoul-Busan or

•Central City Bus Terminal (Honam line)

Yeongdong lines. Go to the Honam Line

- Tel : 82-2-6282-0600

Traveling by express bus is recommend-

Bus Terminal at Central City to take a

- Website : www.centralcityseoul.co.kr

ed for long distance trips for those on a

bus bound for Gwangju or Jeonju.

- Address : 19-3, Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul

limited budget as it is less expensive

You can take a bus to Gangwon-do, in the

than the KTX or express train services.

eastern part of the Korean peninsula, from

Long-distance express buses are divid-

the Dong* Seoul Bus Terminal, while you

ed into regular (‘general’) and deluxe

can take a bus bound for Chungcheong-

(‘excellent’) express buses, which have

do from the Nambu Terminal.

more spacious seats and satellite televi-

* ‘Dong’ means East in Korean

2 hours

(Express Bus Terminal Station of Seoul Metro Line 3 and 7) Routes

Departure Time First Bus Last Bus

Seoul - Gwangju 05 : 30

Interval

Fare

Travel time

Regular Express 16,900 won 3 hours 01 : 00 5 ~ 10 minutes Deluxe Express 25,000 won 40 minutes Midnight Deluxe 27,500 won

sion. You may buy tickets at the Seoul Express Bus Terminal website. As the departure terminal may vary depending

Seoul -Jeonju

05 : 30

24 : 00

30 minutes

Regular Express 12,200 won 2 hours Deluxe Express 17,900 won 45 minutes Midnight Deluxe 19,600 won

on the destination, you should check it in advance. Go to Seoul Express Bus Terminal if you intend to take a bus to a 100

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Transportation•

101

5. Train Services

whereas the Saemaeul and Mugunghwa

•Checking ticket details

Seoul-Busan services take 4 hours 30

Do not neglect to check the details of

Train services are divided into KTX, Sae-

minutes and 5 hours 30 minutes, respec-

your ticket (date, time, departure/desti-

maeul and Mugunghwa services based

tively. You may view the fare and service

nation stations) before purchasing it.

on the speed of train or travel time. KTX

details (stations served) at the Korail

is the fastest. The KTX Seoul-Busan ser-

website, www.korail.com.

vice takes only 2 hours 50 minutes,

•Reservation / Ticketing Online reservation eligible customers Method

Korail members Website or Korail Customer Service Center (TEL : 82-1544-8545, 82-1544-7788 / ARS : 82-1544-1188)

Time

07:00 to 30 minutes prior to train departure from one month in advance

Payment

Reservation is nullified if payment is not made within the given time limits : Reservation by three days before departure → Fee should be paid by the day following reservation Reservation by two days before departure → Fee should be paid at the time of reservation

Ticketing Reservation cancellation

� Departure station � Departure time � Train grade or class � Car grade � Ticket retum number � Seat number

� Arrival station � Arrival time � Train number � Sold by � Amount received

Automobile

1. Driver’s License

•Boarding

•International driving permit

Boarding information is announced by

From 1 January 2002, you can drive in

the PA system or displayed on sign-

Korea for up to one year from entry into

If the ticket is not picked up by departure time, a 15% cancellation fee is collected

boards from 15 minutes before train

Korea with your international driving permit

departure. (Trains ready for boarding are

issued by one of the Vienna Convention

Train tickets reserved or purchased via the Internet or at a station or travel agency may be cancelled (refunded)

displayed with a red blinking lamp on

member countries. (Drivers’ License Test-

the top right-hand corner of the sign-

ing Corporation. website, www.dla.go.kr)

board.) Go to the platform indicated on the signboard after passing the turnstile.

•Renewal or conversion of license in Korea Driver’s licenses issued by competent foreign agencies can be converted into a Korean driver’s license following aptitude tests and this may be simplified written tests with a certificate issued by the local embassy and other supporting documents.

102

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Transportation•

103

Items

Details

Required documents

- Original of foreign driver’s license (foreign license is returned upon issuance of Korean license) - Certificate issued by a local embassy - Notarized Korean translation of foreign license (English language licenses do not need translating) (If a foreign license does not show the date of issuance and validity, documents should be submitted to confirm them, including a ‘driver experience certificate’ issued by the authority that issued the license.) - Passport - ID card - Foreigners : Passport and alien registration card - Overseas Koreans : Passport and local abode declaration card - Those who are to stay in Korea for less than 90 days are not eligible (They can still apply for driving tests without any preferred exemption of test requirements) - Photos 3 copies (color, passport size, without hat and background, taken within the last six months)

License Acquisition Procedure

Orientation of traffic safety

Physical examination

Application for a written test Re-application is allowed from the day following test failure Failure

Written test

You need to take traffic safety education classes before taking the written test

Pass Application for skills test Re-application is allowed from the 4th day following test failure

Fee

Others

Physical exam (5,000 won), license production (6,000 won), simplified tests (6,000 won) - Korean license issued in exchange for a foreign license is limited to the Class 2 ordinary license - The relevant class license is issued in exchange for foreign licenses issued by one of the treaty states that participate in the mutual recognition of foreign driver’s licenses - Foreign drivers should visit the Driver’s License Testing Corporation office in person - Holders of a license issued by a mutually recognizing country : Aptitude test (physical exam) only - Holders of a license issued by a country that does not mutually recognize foreign licenses : Aptitude test and simplified written tests (20 selective questions) - Written tests may be taken in Korean, English, or Chinese

•Obtaining a new Korean driver’s license

Failure Pass test for other licenses

Skill test

You need to complete three hours of road skills education before taking the skills test

Pass test for Class 1 or 2 ordinary licenses

Student license is issued

Application for road test Re-application is allowed from the 4th day following test failure Failure

Road driving test Pass Regular license is issued

Foreigners who have never obtained a driver’s license in their home country have to obtain a Korean driver’s license according to the procedure applied to local Koreans.

104

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Transportation•

105

① Traffic safety education

won; Motorcycle▶ 4,000 won; Class 2

- Place : Traffic Safety Classroom inside

(small)▶ 6,000 won

Testing Corporation or driving schools designated as traffic safety education

④ Written test

institutions

- Test questions : multiple-choice ques-

- Students : Those wishing to obtain a driver’s license - Education time : 1 hour before taking the written test

tions (4 choices, 40 questions)

required (passport or alien registration card)

Items

Details

Items for scoring

11 items - 90 degree cut-in, curve, direction switching (front parking), crossroad, railway crossing, pedestrian walk, slope, performance within given time, gear change, emergency situation and emergency stop

- Test details : Category and control of driver’s licenses, knowledge required Pass Criteria

⑤ Application for skill test

*When applying by proxy, the proxy’s

- Venue : Physical examination room

ID card and power of attorney are required.

Failure to start within 30 seconds without justification Failure to perform any of slope, 90-degree cut in, curve, direction switching, gear change and parallel parking courses Failure criteria Stopping for 30 or more seconds inside a crossroad without justifiable cause

- Fee : Class 1 or 2 (ordinary)▶ 15,000

tion.

won; Class 1 (large) ▶ 15,000 won;

(www.dla.go.kr/Html_index.jsp?content

Class 1 (special)▶ 15,000 won (trailer,

=/htm/test/hospital.jsp&left=/htm/menu/

wrecker trucks); Motorcycle ▶ 5,000

left_test.jsp&topFlag=2)

won; Class 2 (small)▶ 6,000 won

Causing a traffic accident or leaving the given road lane even once during the test

- Fee : Physical examination room inside the Testing Corporation costs 5,000 won. Outside clinics’ charges may vary.

③ Application for the written test

Class 1 (large) and Class 1 and 2 (ordinary) : 80 points or more Class 1 (special), Class 2 (small), Motorcycle : 90 points or more

have passed the written test

② Physical examination

ics designated for physical examina-

Applicants should arrive 30 minutes in advance at the test place

- Eligible persons : Candidates who - Preparation : Application form, ID card

inside the Testing Corporation or clin-

Remarks

Scores are automatically measured by computer (score reduction method)

for driving a car

- Education details : audio visual - Preparations : Free of charge, ID card

⑥ Skill test (3 hours of skill education is required before taking the skill test for the ordinary license)

Others

You should obtain a student driver’s license by passing the skill test within one year of passing the written test. (Application for tests remains valid for one year from the first written test. In cases where a Class 1 or 2 (ordinary) student driver’s license is obtained, application for the test shall be valid till the expiry of such student driver’s license) Those who fail the skill test (including those who have failed tests given by driving schools) are allowed to re-apply for testing from the 4th day after failure. Ex.) If you fail on the 1st, you may re-apply from the 4th

- Preparations : Application form (with 3 color, passport-size photos, computer pen, ID card) *When applying by proxy, the proxy’s ID card and power of attorney are required. - Fee : Class 1 or 2 (ordinary)▶ 6,000 106

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Transportation•

107

⑦ Student driver’s license (one-year valid permit for road driving practice) license applicants who has passed the

⑨ Road driving test (conducted at the testing corporation’s road test ground at the date and time given at the time the road test application is submitted)

aptitude test, written test, and course

One of A, B, and C is chosen by lottery.

skill test (skill verification test for those

Courses vary depending on the test

who complete driving school classes)

grounds.

- Issued to : Class 1 or 2 (ordinary)

Items

Details

Test courses

Total length of 5km or longer

Test items

31 items including driving posture, operation of break and wheel, straight forward or left or right turn and direction change 70 points or more

Pass criteria Scores are measured by the examiner (score reduction method) Failure to start three or more times or giving up on test because of poor skills

- Fee : 3,000 won

⑧ Application for road test (The test date and time for the road test are given to holders of the student driver’s license)

Those who cause a traffic accident or who are feared to cause one

⑩ Issuance of regular driver’s license (Issued when all tests are passed for each type of license)

Disobedience of examiner’s instructions or control Failure criteria

Total of points lost clearly indicates total score will not meet pass criteria Those who violate signs/duties for pedestrian protection, signals, cross the center line, or protection of school bus

- Preparations : Application form (with student driver’s license), ID card When applying by proxy, the proxy’s ID

You should pass the road driving test within the expiry of your student driver’s license. (You should obtain your student driver’s licens newly by passing written and skill tests newly)

card and power of attorney are required

Remarkably insufficient driving skills, including five or more instances of engine failure resulting from poor clutch use

Others

- Fee : 21,000 won for the road driving

Those who fail the road driving test (including those who have failed tests given by driving schools) are allowed to re-apply for testing from the 4th day after failure.

test

Items Class 1 or 2 ordinary license Issued to : Other licenses

108

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Details Issued to those who pass the road driving test (road driving verification in the case of graduates of driving school classes) after obtaining the student driver’s license Issued to those who pass the written and course driving tests

Issued at

Driver’s License Examination Office

Required documents

Application form for final passed test, pass notice, passport photo 1 copy, fee 6,000 won, and ID card If picked up by proxy, proxy’s ID card and power of attorney need to be attached to the above.

Transportation•

109

2. Violation Point System

• Documents required for changing car owner registration

applies to register the change of owner-

Violation points are imposed on car dri-

- Request for change of car own regis-

transferor may apply for the same

vers depending on the degree of the

tration

ship. If the transferee fails to do so, the directly. A 500,000 won fine is imposed

violation and damages when they violate

- Car transfer certificate (limited to sales)

if you fail to register the change of own-

traffic statutes or cause a traffic acci-

- Seal impression certificate of transferor

ership within 15 days of purchasing the

dent. Their driver’s license may be

(Limited to owner change registration

vehicle. (Article 84, paragraph 2, sub-

revoked or suspended when the total

based on sale. The purchaser’s name

paragraph 2 of the Vehicle Control Act)

accumulation of such points reaches a

and resident registration number

given level.

should be indicated in the ‘Use Col-

You may check the relevant number of

umn’ of the seal impression certificate.)

violation points in connection with

cate (limited to imported cars)

statute violations or traffic accidents at

- Temporary operation permit or number

the Driver’s License Control Corporation

plate (limited to vehicles whose tempo-

Website, www.dla.go.kr

rary operation is allowed) - Safety inspection certificate (limited to vehicles subject to safety inspection)

3. Vehicle Registration

newly purchased car or renew the registration of a deleted car to be able to dri-

- Documents identical to those required

ve them. Failure to do so may result in a two-year prison sentence or a 5 million won or less fine (Article 80 subparagraph 1 of the Vehicle Control Act).

required for cases falling under any of the following : ▷ When

for new car registration - 1 copy of registration deletion certificate - 1 copy of new car inspection certificate

a car is purchased through a

registered dealer or an operator of a car auction center; or ▷ When

•Documents required for registration of previously deleted cars

You should request the registration of a

※No seal impression certificate is

the seller/transferor declares to

the registration authority the transfer of a car directly sold and purchased between the transferor and the transferee. - Car donation certificate (limited to donation) - Car registration certificate (excluding cases where the transferor requests registration)

•Documents required for new vehicle registration

• Documents required for registration of used cars

You should take over the vehicle regis-

- Alien registration card and 1 copy of

- Certificate of car registration, full pay-

tration certificate (vehicle inspection cer-

passport - Application for new vehicle registration - 1 copy of car manufacture certificate (limited to newly manufactured cars) - 1 copy of import declaration or certifi110

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

ment of vehicle tax

tificate), transfer certificate, and seal

- Declare to Car Registry (Gu or district

impression of the previous owner to reg-

office in area where owner lives) with

ister a change of vehicle ownership.

alien registration certificate and sales

When you buy a used vehicle through

contract copy

an authorized car dealer, the latter Transportation•

111

Tip Box

5. Car Insurance

Traffic Accidents

Warnings for purchase of used cars

center for emergency car services. Technicians will be sent to the area

- Check if the vehicle is under collateral

You should buy car insurance before

Foreign drivers are urged to carry phone

where your car stopped.

security by reviewing the original of the

owning or driving a car in Korea. Most

numbers of their Korean friends, lawyers,

Because there are too many car centers

vehicle registry at the Transportation

insurance companies offer insurance to

car insurance companies, and their local

in Korea, it is better to call at local area

Administration Section of the Gu (dis-

foreigners under terms and conditions

embassy in preparedness for unexpect-

number and then 114 and ask where

trict) or county office.

identical to those offered to Koreans as

ed traffic accidents. It is also crucial to

the nearest car center from the place

- Check whether the previous owner has

the number of foreign residents in Korea

carry a camera to record the scene of

should be.

defaulted on any installment payment

has grown rapidly. As eligibility and pre-

the accident. A car should be parked on

or tax payment that is still outstanding.

mium rates vary by policy, you should

the roadside immediately after a traffic

- Carefully check the vehicle’s condition

check the details of the terms and con-

accident occurs. You may call 119 for

•Through car centers you receive such services :

ditions with insurance companies.

emergency aid or an ambulance. You

- Free battery recharging

should declare the details of an accident

- Free car door opening service

within three hours in a city or within 12

- Emergency gas refilling service

during a test drive. - Clarify the contract expiry and payment date. - Request the seller to explain the vehicle’s status.

hours within in a rural area by visiting a police station in person or by phone

(excludes diesel or LPG burning cars) - Free tire replacement service

either in person or by a third-party. The driver should immediately notify the car insurance company of such informa-

4. Car Rental

tion as the date and place of the accident, degree of damage, circumstances

•Terms or Eligibility

of the accident, evidence, and witness-

- Drivers aged 21 years or more

es. You should seek advice from the

- Drivers with one or more years’ experi-

insurance company to avoid unfair liabili-

ence - Drivers holding a valid Korean or

ty or penalties arising from damages based on evidence.

international license or permit

•Required documents : - Holders of international driving permit : International driving permit, home

Emergency Car Services

country driver’s license, passport

112

- Drivers without international driving

If your car is out or order on a high way,

permit : Copy of local (home country)

you would not know how to solve the

or Korean driver’s license, passport

problem. In that situation, you call a car

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Transportation•

113

Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Telecommunication and Postal Services

in the premises of the applicant when

Telecommunication and Postal Services

the service is requested by phone or via the service provider’s Website after registering as a member. Either wire or wireless equipment is required for the Internet service. In general, the initial installation cost is 30,000 won and the monthly service charge is

be further discounted at nighttime hours

25,500 to 30,000 won (VAT not included).

or to regular members.

However, the monthly service bill varies 198 channels are available for viewing.

depending on the service provider or type

Most installation is offered free of

of service. Usually, the service charge is

charge, but the rent of a modem (cable)

discounted depending on the contract

KBS (Korean Broadcasting System),

or receiver (satellite) is available either

period (generally of 1, 2 or 3 years). If ter-

MBC (Munhwa Broadcasting Corpora-

free or charged depending on the selec-

minated earlier, the cumulative amount of

tion), and EBS (Educational Broadcast-

tion of products or the terms of the con-

discount received prior to termination

ing System) are the three major national

tract. in addition, KT users will receive a

should be returned. The user also needs

broadcasting networks in Korea. With-

discounted service if they choose a

to pay rental charges for wire modem or

When you request the wired telephone ser-

out the service of cable providers, Kore-

combination product.

wireless access point equipment.

vice by calling 100 without any area code-

Cable TV and Satellite TV

1. Subscription

ans can watch these three national net-

please dial number 100 and you press the

works anywhere in Korea, whereas resi-

button number 2 after hearing a woman’ s

2. Internet Café (PC Room)

dents of Seoul can watch a total of four basic channels, including SBS (Seoul Broadcasting System). For cable broad-

Internet Services

casting services, a basic package and a full package are available. Cable broad-

1. Broadband Internet

casting airs movies in English, as well as

116

Wired Telephone Services

voice, it will be installed at your home or office. Expatriates need to prepare copies

You can easily locate an Internet café or

of their passport, alien registration card and

PC game-room where you can use the

bankbook. You need to pay 60,000 won

Internet service in any large city and

for installation and subscription. The basic

even in small villages. They are called

monthly fee is 5,200 won.

sports programs and documentaries.

Thanks to its rapid diffusion, the Broad-

‘PC rooms’by Koreans. The names of

Cable broadcasting offers a wide selec-

band Internet service is available in the

these places sometimes include such

tion of paid contents.

majority of homes in Korea, making

words as‘cyber’ ‘net’ , or ‘Internet plaza’ .

To obtain further information about

Korea one of the most advanced Inter-

You can send e-mail messages, search

cable or satellite broadcasting, please

net powers. The three leading service

websites, prepare or output documents

You can request phone relocation by

visit the Skylife homepage (Refer to the

providers are KT Megapass, LG U+, and

at a nearby‘PC room’. The service fee

submitting a written request to the tele-

directory). Once the satellite and receiv-

SK Broadband. An installation operative

is relatively inexpensive, ranging from

phone office. A fee of 14,000 won will

er have been installed, a maximum of

installs the necessary network appliance

1,000 to 1,500 won per hour, and may

be billed in your next monthly invoice.

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

2. Relocation

Telecommunication and Postal Services•

117

3. Payment of Bills

•Call standby

■

Major area numbers

This service enables the receiver to

Area

Number

Area

Number

Area

Number

Area

•By invoice

receive another call while talking with

Seoul

Incheon

032

Busan

051

Daejeon

042

You can pay telephone bills to any bank,

one party. The service fee is 1,000 won

Ulsan

052

Daegu

053

Gwangju

062

Gyeonggi-do

031

post office or government treasury

for the first month, and 500 won for all

agency.

subsequent months.

Gangwon-do

033

Chungcheong buk-do

043

Chungcheo ngnam-do

041

Jeollabuk-do

063

Jeollanam-do

061

Gyeongsang buk-do

054

Gyeongsang nam-do

055

Jeju-do

064

•Account transfer The service fee is automatically trans-

5. Service Termination

ferred from your designated bank account.

To stop the phone service, you should

2. International Phone Calls (Overseas Call Service)

submit your alien registration card, sig-

To make an overseas call in Korea, you should dial the Overseas Switchboard Num-

•By Internet

nature or seal impression or receipt.

ber + Country Code + Area Code + Telephone Number in that order.

You can pay telephone bills by KT Pay

When a proxy acts on your behalf,

Bill Service, www.billplaza.com, or

he/she needs to show your signature or

www.kt-eplaza.com, or internet banking

seal impression, proxy’s seal impres-

service.

sion, ID card or receipt. The installation fee is returned after the deduction of any outstanding charges.

■

LG U+

Onse Telecom

SK Telecom

001

002

00365

00700

Country code Number

Country

Number

Argentina

Bangladesh

880

Chile

Egypt

Belgium

Iraq

964

The Netherlands

Saudi Arabia

966

Ireland

353

Macao

853

Portugal

351

Switzerland

Andorra

376

Brazil

China

Finland

358

Hong Kong

852

Colombia

New Zealand

Singapore

Italy

Norway

Romania

Taiwan

886

Australia

Brunei

673

Russia

France

Hungary

Malaysia

Germany

Republic of South Africa

Japan

Pakistan

Spain

Thailand

Austria

Bulgaria

359

Saipan

1+670

Turkey

India

Mexico

Greece

city or area where you are in Korea,

Kuwait

965

The Philippines

Sri Lanka

USA

This is a free service that blocks calls

please press the regional buttons and

Bahrain

973

Canada

Denmark

Venezuela

from unidentified callers.

then the number of a recipient.

Iran

Myanmar

Guam

Libya

218

Poland

Sweden

4. Special Service •Caller number identification The caller number may be identified before answering a call. (The service fee is 1,500 won per month)

Long Distance (Local Area in Korea) and International Phone Calls

•Caller number blocking This is a free service that blocks the caller’s number from being displayed on

1. Long Distance Calls in Korea

the call recipient’s phone monitor. If you contact someone outside of the

•Call blocking

118

Overseas Switchboard Number

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Country

Number

1+671

Country

Number

Telecommunication and Postal Services•

119

Public Telephones

•Required documents Classification Requested by

1. Pay Phones

In person

Alien registration card (prepaid : Alien registration card or passport)

By proxy

Alien registration card, proxy ID card (prepaid : Alien registration card or passport, proxy ID card)

In person

Passport, diplomat ID card

By proxy

Expatriate’s passport, diplomat ID card, proxy ID card

In person

ID card or service (station) order of US military personnel in Korea, international driver's permit

By proxy

Military serviceman ID card or service (assignment) order, driver’s license, proxy ID card

In person

Local abode declaration certificate or alien registration certificate

By proxy

Overseas Korean’s local abode declaration card, alien registration card, proxy ID card

In person

Alien registration card

By proxy

Alien registration card, proxy ID card

In person

Minor’s expatriate alien registration card, guardian’s seal impression, consent to subscription, and documentary evidence of family relationship

By guardian

Alien registration certificate, subscription consent,

Regular expatriates

- Domestic calls only - You can make local, long distance and mobile phone calls - 70 won for a 3-minute local call

Diplomats

- Charges vary with length of call and call destination - How to use : insert coins and then dial place of abode in Korea (The docu-

2. Card Phones

credit cards and IC cards. - You can make local, long distance, mobile phone and international calls. - Phone cards are sold in values of 2,000 won, 3,000 won, 5,000 won,

US military personnel stationed in Korea

ments required may vary depending on the service providers, while discount or

- There are pay phones for phone cards,

fee rates may vary depending on your

Overseas Koreans

visa category). - 70 won for a 3-minute local call. - Charges vary with length of call and call destination.

Permanent residents overseas

- How to use : insert coins and then dial.

and 10,000 won. - Phone cards are sold at newsstands and banks.

2. Subscription Requirements and Service Terms by Service Provider

Expatriate minors

(14 years or younger) guardian’s alien registration card

By guardian (14 years or older)

Mobile Phone Services

SKT [www.tworld.co.kr / 82-1599-0011]

mobile phone service by depositing 200,000 won. If subscribing for a high-

120

You can subscribe to a mobile phone

est charge scheme through an autho-

service by showing your alien registra-

rized dealer, only 50,000 won needs to

tion card or a document certifying your

be deposited.

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Alien registration certificate, subscription consent, minor’s alien registration card

■

Regular expatriates may subscribe to a

1. Subscription

Required documents

•Service fee - Subscription fee : 39,600 won (five monthly installment payments if desired by the subscriber). - Local domestic calls (voice/data) are charged according to the duration of each call (by number of seconds). - A basic fee of 12,000 won and 1.8 won fee per second are charged if the standard fee system is chosen. Telecommunication and Postal Services•

121

■

KT [www.show.co.kr / 82-2-2190-1180]

■

LG U+ [http://mobile.uplus.co.kr / 82-1544-0010]

Installment payment of the subscription fee is offered to expatriate residents (F2),

Subscription is accepted only when your alien registration card has remaining validi-

overseas Koreans (F4), and permanent residents overseas (F5) only. Monthly bills

ty of three or more months. Both the prepaid (a given amount is deposited in

should be paid by a local credit card or wire transfer using a local bank account.

advance) and the post-paid service (monthly payment) are available.

Only the prepaid service is offered to US military personnel stationed in Korea.

•Required documents •Required documents Classification

Classification

Required documents

Expatriates (US military personnel / diplomats / overseas Chinese)

Alien registration card (diplomat ID card or passport)

Overseas Koreans

Alien registration card (diplomat ID card or passport)

Remarks Family relationship certificate of Korean nationals in the case of “internationalmarriage” couples. If subscribed to by proxy, power of attorney signed by subscriber (identical to passport signature), proxy ID card.

General

Prepaid Post-paid

US military personnel stationed in Korea Diplomats

•Service fee - Subscription fee : 24,000 won (installment payments allowed)

Minors

A basic fee of 13,000 per month and 18 won per 10 seconds are charged to subscribers (A discount is offered based on call time and calls made between KTF

In person By proxy In person By proxy In person By proxy In person By proxy

Required documents Passport or alien registration card Passport or alien registration card, proxy ID card Alien registration card Alien registration card, proxy ID card ID card (driver’s license) ID card (driver’s license), proxy ID card Passport, diplomat’s ID card Expatriate’s passport, diplomat’s ID card, proxy ID card

By the legal Alien registration card, alien registration certificate, guardian of guardian’s alien registration card, guardian’s the subscriber consent (signed or seal impression affixed), bank account of the guardian or subscriber. Subscription is denied if the family relationship is not verified with the relevant certificate.

members).

•Service fee ■

iPhone service subscription by expatriates

Classification Installment purchase offered to

122

Stay Status

- Subscription fee : 30,000 won (3 monthly installment payments allowed)

Stay Period Documents Required

Holders of F-2 (resident), F-4 (overseas Koreans), F-5 (permanent residents overseas), E-1 (exchange professors), E-3 (research), E-4 (technical guidance), E-5 (professional), A-1 (diplomat), and A-2 (government official) visas

One or more years

Cash purchase

All visa categories

N/A

Foreigner only dealers

- Seoul : Changcheon Shop, Seodaemun-gu (82-2-322-6000) near Exit No. 2 of Sinchon Station / Jongno Plaza (82-2-793-9010) / Hannam-dong / Yongsangu / Gwancheol Shop / Jongno-gu (82-2-735-9010) near Exit No. 12 of Jonggak Station/ KT Gwanghwamun Building 1st Floor (82-2-733-0267) near Exit No. 2 of Gwanghwamun Station - Gyeonggi-do : Miracle Telecom, Ansan-si (82-31-495-1535) near Exit No. 1 of Ansan Station

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Passport Alien registration card Bankbook or credit card in the name of the subscriber

A basic fee of 11,900 won and 18 won per 10 seconds are charged to subscribers if the standard fee system is chosen.

3. Mobile Handset Rental Service Mobile phone service providers lend mobile handsets to foreign visitors at the Incheon International Airport to enable them to use the mobile phone service during their stay in Korea. You need to show your ID card to pick up a rental handset. You are advised to make a reservation by phone or Internet in advance. Telecommunication and Postal Services•

123

Postal Service

•Mobile handset rental desk at incheon international airport KTF Phone Numbers

82-1588-0608

Open Hours

24 Hours

SK Telecom

Wide Mobile

82-32-743-4037, 82-4052

82-1566-9070 82-2-3455-1308 (overseas) www.widemobile.com

24 Hours

07:00~22:00

1. Domestic Postal Services ■

Information

- Service provided by : post office and post service agencies - Key services : mail, courier service (express parcel delivery), banking, and insurance - Definition of services : ordinary (express, regular), parcel post (express, regular)

4. Roaming Service

•You may obtain roaming service terms and call charges for your

Roaming enables you to use your

desired roaming service - automatic

mobile handset overseas taking advan-

or handset rental.

tage of your current phone number.

•You may use the SMS, ‘Call Keeper’

Roaming services can be divided into

or caller identification service overseas

two types: one which allows foreign visi-

as well.

•Required documents Type of services

Definition

Express mail

over-night delivery

Regular mail

delivered within 4 days

Ordinary post

Accepted at post offices or picked up from your home or office (express door-to-door delivery service)

Parcel post

tors to use their phones here in Korea

SHOW Global roaming center

and another that enables Korean travel-

■

ers to use their phones overseas.

•Phone : 82-1588-0608

Depending on the handset type, service

•Website : www.show.co.kr

- Fee : Basic charges

provider, or country, roaming of your

LG U+

▶220

won per ordinary mail

▶2,200

won per regular parcel post

▶3,500

won per registered parcel post

※The fee varies depending on weight and destination.

handset is automatically activated when

■

power is switched on at the destination

•Phone : 82-2-3416-7010

The express door-to-door delivery service is slightly more expensive than acceph-

(without any application process). Other-

•Website : http://mobile.uplus.co.kr

ing parcels at a post office

wise, you need to apply in advance to the service provider. Furthermore, you will have to rent a

•Supporting documents Classification

Details

mobile handset for roaming if your handset does not support roaming. Service Regular mail

fees or call charges vary depending on the destination country or service

Ordinary Mail

provider.

Weight

Ordinary Mail Fee

Up to 5g

220 won

5g to 25g

250 won

25g to 50g

270 won

Up to 50g

340 won

Every excess 50g

120 won

Irregularly sized mail ■

SK Telecom

•Phone : 82-1599-2011 •Website : www.skroaming.com 124

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Telecommunication and Postal Services•

125

•Postal (zip) code searching engine

•Postal fees

- Service provided by:

It depend on the destination and weight

http://www.koreapost.go.kr/eng/sub/

of mail. Visit the Seoul Central Post

ZipCodeFinder.jsp?contId=e1030700

Office for details : - http://100.epost.go.kr

2. International Post Service

•Phone : 82-2-2195-1114

•Class : Ordinary mail, parcel post,

•EMS Search Inquiry

and EMS (Express Mail Service)

- www.koreapost.go.kr - http://service.epost.go.kr

•Free : Packages of under 20 kg are ※Check EMS receipt barcode number

accepted. Fee varies depending on the type, size and weight of the package. - You may check the fee rates at www.koreapost.go.kr → Postal Service

•Phone :

■

Door-to-Door Delivery Service Door-to-Door Delivery Service

DHL Korea

•Information

3. Other Services

Types

■

(source : www.dhl.co.kr)

- 82-2-2108-0051~0059 (from overseas)

→ International Postal Service

■

EMS (Express Mail Service)

(source : www.koreapost.go.kr)

- 82-2-2108-0050~0060

Quick Service

An international postal service which

•Information

delivers letters, documents and parcels

DHL is part of deustche post DHL. A

to their destinations abroad is the fastest

global network composed of more than

and safest through a special agreement

220 countries and territories offers cus-

between the Ministry of Information and

tomers superior service quality and local

Communication and the postal services

knowledge to satisfy their supply chain

of other countries.

reguirement.

Express Mail Service is available at 148 Booking

Delivery lead time

Booking by phone or Internet → Delivery person visits your place → Delivery to Addressee Overnight delivery It may take 2 to 4 days if holidays are involved or if delivery is requested to a remote island or mountainous areas where transportation is inconvenient.

Immediately upon pick-up

post offices in Korea as of September

DHL operates under four specialized

2005. 143 countries including Tokyo,

divisions :

Japan, and Hong Kong, China can be

▷Express

reached in 2-4 days.

▷Global

Various letters, documents, gifts and

▷Mail

Chain

merchandise with a maximum weight of

Fee

Fee varies depending on distance and the weight of the package.

20 kg are possible for shipment. This

•Fees and further information

Reference

http://parcel.epost.go.kr/parcel/use_guide/parcel _faq_q2a.jsp

may be limited to 15 or 20 kg according

- www.dhl.co.kr/en.html

to country. Weight limits by country can

- Tel : 82-1588-0001

be verified at the post office. 126

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Telecommunication and Postal Services•

127

Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Medical Services

・Medical Service System in Korea ・Medical Insurance ・Emergency Services ・Pharmacy (or Drugstore) ・Useful Information ・Main Clinics for Expats

Medical Insurance

employed by a business that is subject

•Those whose medical care is covered under their employment contract :

to national health insurance or who are

E-9 (non-professional employment), H-2

Korean government employees or

(visiting employment) visa [stay permit] hold-

school teachers are required to take out

ers are required to subscribe to National

the national health insurance and to

Health Insurance without exception.

Foreigners or overseas Koreans who are

Medical Services

or under private medical insurance.

effect their alien registration (declaring local abode) without failure (This became

Medical Service System in Korea

Korean hospitals are equipped with advanced medical equipment and professional service personnel. Medical services for expatriates have increased in line with the increase in the number of foreigners residing in Korea. Many hospitals have endeav-

mandatory on 1 January 2006).

1. Criteria for Exemption of Foreign Workers from National Health Insurance

■

•Overseas Koreans or foreign employees of a local business who are already covered by a foreign statute

Types of medical service providers

1st instance medical service providers

Comprehensive diagnosis based on early symptoms

Public health center, office or dispensary

2nd instance medical service providers

Hospitals that run four or more specialty departments

Hospitals that treat both in- and outpatients, equipped with 30 to 500 beds

Classification

your bill for initial diagnosis will increase.

130

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

(falling under any of the following) or who have declared their local abode :

National health insurance

Private health insurance

Eligibility (stay permit category)

Supporting documents

Alien registration card, Documentary evidence of income, if any Overseas Koreans’ (F-4) local abode certificate

You need a 1st or 2nd instance medical service doctor’s recommendation to receive medical service institution, skipping 1st and 2nd instance medical service providers,

are registered as alien residents

Culture or arts (D-1), students (D-2), industrial training (D-3), general training (D-4), reporting (D-5), religion (D-6), corporate employees (D-7), investors (D-8), trading or business (D-9), professors (E-1), language instructors (E-2), research (E-3), technical guidance (E-4), professional (E-5), artistic performance (E-6), specified activities (E-7), training employment (E-8), non-professional employees (E-9), local coaster crew (E-10), visiting employees (H-2), visiting residents (F-1), residents (F-2), accompanying dependents (F-3), overseas Koreans (F-4), permanent residents (F-5)

Tip Box

medical treatment from 3rd instance medical service institutions. If you go to a 3rd

•Eligibility : Those who subscribe to health insurance among those who

ored to provide world-class medical services by providing foreign-patient-only medical centers to attract foreign patients.

2. Subscription to Medical Insurance (by foreigners or overseas Koreans who are not employed)

Local abode certificate, Enrollment certificate (D-2, overseas Koreans)

Medical Services •

131

Classification

National health insurance

Private health insurance

Time limit (those who entered Korea on or before 08.12.16)

The day on which alien registration or local abode declaration is effected.

Time limit (those who entered Korea on or after 08.12.17)

Within three months of entry (The day of entry in the case of study or employment)

Subscribed to

National Health Insurance branch office in the area where alien registration (or local abode declaration) is effected

Subscription Procedure

In person (on the spot) - Documents submitted - Insurance certificate is issued immediately (one month premium needs to be paid in advance)

Criteria of same family members

Foreigners or overseas Koreans who belong to the household of a regional (non-employee) subscriber are controlled as members of the same family : - Eligible persons : Direct parents or dependents (including parents-in-law), unmarried brothers and sisters, spouses of household members, direct parents of household head’s spouse

The day on which local abode is registered.

3. Criteria of Charging Regional Medical Insurance Premium Applicable to Overseas Koreans and Expatriates : Ministry of Public Health and Family Affairs Notice No. 2009-645 (2009.12.01) •Foreigners whose income is known :

Premium criteria

Subject persons (stay permit category)

132

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Monthly income x Insurance premium rate at time invoiced (The average premium per household is imposed if the computed premium is less than the average premium of regional subscribers at the preceding year’s end) Industrial trainees (D-3), reporting (D-5), religion (D-6), corporate employees (D-7), investors (D-8), trading and business (D-9), professors (E-1), language instructors (E-2), research (E-3), technical guidance (E-4), professional (E-5), arts performance (E-6), specific activities (E-7), trainee employment (E-8), non-professional employment (E-9), coaster crew (E-10), visiting employment (H-2)

•Foreigners whose income is difficult to measure or who have no income

Premium criteria

The average premium per regional subscriber household at the preceding year’s end is imposed. The average premium per regional subscriber household at the preceding year’s end is imposed

Subject persons (stay permit category)

Culture or arts (D-1), students (D-2), trainees (D-4), accompanying dependents (F-3), overseas Koreans (F-4)

•Permanent foreign residents in Korea (ROK) Premium criteria

Rates identical to those applied to Korean regional subscribers. (based on income/property tax imposed)

Subject persons (stay permit category)

Visiting family members (F-1), Residents (F-2), Permanent Residents (F-5)

•Overseas Koreans

Premium criteria

Rates identical to those applied to Korean regional subscribers. (based on income/property tax imposed) However, the average premium per household is imposed, if the computed premium is less than the average premium of regional subscribers at the preceding year’s end.

Subject persons (stay permit category)

General (C-0), Students (C-9)

•Premium Abatement for Foreigners and Overseas Koreans Students (D-2, C-9)

50%

Religion (D-6)

30%

Subject persons (stay permit category)

Abated at rates (10-50%) identical to those applied to Korean regional subscribers

•Questions on national health insurance : - Phone : 82-1577-1000, 82-2-390-2000 (English) - Website : www.nhic.or.kr

Medical Services •

133

Emergency Services

2. Emergency Medical Information Center

1. 119 Service

Pharmacy (or DrugStores) You need to go to a nearby pharmacy

Useful Information

1. Free Interpreting Service for Foreigners

Foreigners may call 1339 (Emergency

(or drugstore) to buy headache or cold

The emergency call number is identical

medical information center) for emer-

pills as they are not sold at convenience

to 911 in North America. Once the

gency aid in Korea. The center is open

or grocery stores in Korea. You may buy

The public health center in Gangbuk-gu,

caller’s location has been traced, res-

24 hours/day. Appropriate actions are

digestives, cold medicine, or vitamins at

Seoul provides a free interpreting service

cue crews take speedy action to help

taken depending on the caller’s emer-

a pharmacy without a doctor’s pre-

to foreigners at the center or other med-

the caller or victim(s), including the

gency situation. When you call 1339

scription. However, you need a doctor’s

ical service institutions in the district. The

transportation of the patient(s) to a near-

from a wired phone, you don’t need to

prescription to buy antibiotics, hormone-

free interpreting service is available at

by hospital. Once the call has been con-

dial the area code. When you dial 1339

based drugs or other prescription medi-

the center, clinics, hospitals, oriental

nected, the counselor dispatches emer-

with a mobile phone or from areas out-

cines.

clinics, pharmacies, or opticians in sev-

gency medical personnel or a fire engine

side Seoul (in Korea), you need to dial

When you hand over the doctor’s pre-

en different foreign languages (English,

to the caller depending on the situation.

02-1339. Medical doctors answer any

scription to the pharmacist, he/she puts

Japanese, Chinese, French, Spanish,

The 119 service is available in English,

calls that require a medical advice.

one dose into a plastic bag. You should

German and Russian) You are connect-

Japanese and Chinese. When a foreign-

understand how to take the medicine as

ed to an interpreter when you follow the

er calls 911 in a foreign language, the

such plastic bags do not show instruc-

instructions after calling 02-983-7117 (in

call is automatically forwarded to the

tions in most cases. If the pharmacist

Korea) from 07:00 to 22:00 hours on

Korea Tourism Organization for the

speaks English, it’s advisable to have

weekdays or from 08:00 to 18:00 hours

interpreting service. The ambulance ser-

him/her jot down brief instructions.

on weekends or holidays.

vice is provided free of charge.

If you are allergic to any medicine or ingredient, you should tell the doctor in advance. You need to obtain a new prescription to buy additional medicine.

2. KOTRA Investment Consulting Center The center provides a foreign-language (English/ Japanese) escort service for foreigners who need to visit a hospital free of charge. You should reserve the service by calling 1600-7119 one week in advance.

Main Clinics for Expats: Please Look at the Directory Section, page 200 134

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Medical Services •

135

Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Financial Services

・Banks ・Card Services ・Foreign Currency Deposits ・Other Services

13, Heolleungno, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea Tel. 82-2-3460-7373~6 Fax. 82-2-3460-7777 E-mail. master@contactkorea.go.kr www.ontactkorea.go.kr

3. Remittance or Wire Transfer

Financial Services

■ Remittance

to overseas

•Procedure or Limits : Up to US$1,000 may be freely remitted without any limitation. •Remittance methods : * Telegraphic Transfer (TT) or Wire

Banks

a stock-holding company to provide banking services to small businesses and citizens on a low income.

1. Types

Transfer : Most popular method of remitting large amounts promptly.

(Tomato Savings Bank, Hyundai Swiss

ting small amounts or when speedy

Savings Bank, etc.)

remittance is not required.

2. General Information

(Korea Exchange Bank, Kookmin •Office hours : 09:00 to 16:00

Name, Address and phone number of

•Required documents : Application

Phone number, Bank name and

form, Alien registration card and sup-

address (city, province/state and

porting documents depending on the

country), Account number, Swift code

purpose of remittance.

and bank code of the beneficiary

(exclusive of weekends or holidays)

Ex.) The additional documents listed

(payee)

•Special purpose banks : Banks

(ATM service is available all day long,

below are required for expatriates

directly under government supervision

except for nighttime hours from 22:30

wishing to remit money overseas:

or control to supply funds to specific

to 07:00.)

Nonghyup <Agriculture Bank> etc.).

forms should be filled out in English.

•Opening a bank account - Documents required : Alien registra-

•Regional banks : Private banks

tion card

Ensure that correct spellings are used •Documentary evidence of local source income

founded in various regions to contribute to regional economic growth

•Mutual savings banks : Financial service institutions founded in the form of •Guide to Living in Korea 2011

for the beneficiary and account number. The name of the account holder and beneficiary (payee) should match.

•Passport or entry visa

by distributing financial services. (Busan Bank, Jeju Bank etc.)

•Notes : Remittance/payment request

•Employment contract or certificate

sectors (Korea Development Bank,

138

•Information Required for Remittance : remitting person / Name, Address,

quartered in metropolitan cities and

Bank, etc.).

of self-employed expatriates)

* Demand Draft (DD) : Used for remit-

•Commercial banks : Banks headwith a nation-wide branch network

•Certificate of tax payment (in the case

The payee or beneficiary’s bank name, branch and country should be included

•Tax payment certificate witness-

on the wire transfer or telegraphic trans-

signed by employer (exclusive of ille-

fer application form.

gal aliens or industrial trainees)

No remittance is allowed to accounts in Myanmar, Libya, Iran, Sudan, etc. Financial Services•

139

■ If

you know the corresponding bank codes, your remittance will be greatly expedited for the following countries.

※Check with the bank in advance as the documents required may vary depending on the amount.

•USA : ABA No.(Routing No), CHIPS No. •Canada : TRANSIT No.

4. Currency Exchange

•England : SORT Code •Germany : BLZ Nr.

of wire transfer from overseas

•Information you need to provide to

office → File Subscription Form

- Service details : Query of transaction details, Wire transfer, Query of deposit

- Service details : Account balance

accounts, Currency exchange rate,

query, Inter- and intra-bank wire trans-

Bank check, Transaction details, Cred-

fer, Time savings, Loan interest pay-

it card payment and Cash service.

ment, Request for automatic charge of various bills to your account, and Ter-

•Funds type for currency exchange Foreign currency notes, traveler’s

■ Receipt

- Subscription Procedure : Visit a bank

check.

mination of such service. - Documents required for subscription : ID card, Bankbook

Card Services

- Information required for subscription •Required documents : Passport

the overseas remitting party for a

to tele-banking : Account password,

1. Check Card Service

Tele-banking password, Resident reg-

wire transfer to Korea : Payee’s

•Amount limit for currency exchange

(beneficiary) name, Bank name,

Currency exchange of amounts exceed-

Address in English, Account number,

ing US$10,000 per case may be subject

Swift code.

to tax.

istration number, Account number.

•Definition : A type of debit card by which payments are immediately

•Mobile banking service : Banking service using mobile handset that

charged to your account until your account balance is exhausted.

supports Internet access. •Eligible customers : Bank customers

•Documents required for receipt of a wire transfer from overseas : Docu-

5. Online Banking Services

transfer (Export contract, Service contract, etc.).

of 14 years or older who have maintained a savings account or cus-

mentary evidence of reason for wire •Internet banking service : Online

tomers who are 18 years or older.

banking service using the Internet service

•Annual fee : None

- Application Procedure : Visit bank office → Subscription → Password Registration → Security or OTP Card

2. Credit Card Service

issued → Access to Internet banking site → Certificate issued - Documents required for subscription : ID card, bankbook

•Subscription method : Visit card company website, bank or credit card company offices.

- Major Internet banking sites •Annual fee : Basic annual fee and •Tele-banking service : Phone banking service 140

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

alliance service fee, invoiced once a year, but rates vary among card companies. Financial Services•

141

•For more information call at :

•Card subscription criteria for expatriate residents Card company name

KEB Card

Screening criteria

Required documents

- VISA : 82-2-524-9827 - Mastercard : 82-2-398-2200

- Employment in Korea (regular employees of financial services, stock exchange listed or externally audited corporations), foreign embassy employees, employees of local/foreign government agencies - Collateral savings account holder (minimum 1,200,000 won) - Property tax of 100,000 won or more paid in past year - P3 or higher or PB service customers (for more than three months)

- Diners Club : 82-2-222-6100 * Documentary evidence of nationality One of alien registration card, local abode certificate, and government issued certificate

- American Express : 82-2-552-7600 - JCB : 82-2-755-4977

* KEB issues credit cards to only holders of a minimum of 1,200,000 won in collateral savings deposit.

Foreign Currency Deposits (source : www.keb.co.kr)

Woori Card

Joint surety is required in the case of foreigners.

Alien registration card or passport, income and employment certificates

Samsung Card

- Employees of large corporations, reliable employers or government - Payers of property tax of 100,000 won or more

Alien registration card or passport, income and employment certificates

1. Foreign Currency PassBook Deposits

A high-interest rate yielding short-term •Deposits and withdrawals can be made without restriction.

Shinhan Card

- Regular employees of Fortune 500 companies - Regular employees of primary/secondary banking institutions - Lawyer, tax consultant, certified accountant, patent lawyer - Secretary general of trade associations or foundations - Best grade customers of Shinhan Bank

2. Foreign Currency MMDA

•Eligibility : No restriction

deposit. Deposits and withdrawals unlimited. •Eligibility : Residents, non-residents (personal customers)

Alien registration card or passport, income and employment certificates

•Deposit period : No restriction •Deposit period : No restriction •Amount : No restriction •Amount : No restriction •Currencies : Depending on the bank •Currencies : Depending on the bank

Citi Card

Among customers whose stay is one year or longer, those who satisfy the following requirements : - Annual income 70,000,000 won or more - Owner of real estate - 50,000,000 won or more account balance with Citi Bank for three months

•Interest rate : the time deposit interAlien registration card or passport, income and employment certificates

est rate of the corresponding curren-

•Interest rate : Applied differently

cies on the basis of interest settle-

according to the amount, based on

ment date.

the daily balance.

•This product is not protected by the Depositor Protection Act.

142

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

•This product is not protected by the Depositor Protection Act. Financial Services•

143

3. Foreign Currency Time Deposit Interest rate based on deposit period is

•Automatic renewal after maturity :

•Interest rate : Interest rate of Foreign

automatically renewed after maturity

Currency Time Deposit applied to

upon your request when opening an

each installments.

account.

(According to the interest rate posted

applied to your daily deposit balance.

on the day each installments are •Period : Same as the initially agreed

•Eligibility : No restriction

made)

period. •Interest payment method : Payment

•Deposit period : Less than 7 days, 7 days or over, 1 month or over, 3

•Interest rate : Interest rate posted on the date of maturity is applied.

months or over and 6 months or over. (Limited to 6 months in max for nonresidents).

•This product is not protected by the Depositor Protection Act.

4. Foreign Currency Savings Deposit

Other Services

1. ATMs

of Foreign Currency Time Deposit shall be applied.

- This product is not protected by the Depositor Protection Act.

•Currencies : Depending on the bank •Interest rate : Interest rate per period

at maturity

•This is a deposit with free deposits

ATMs with “Cirrus” or “Star” signs. They are called the “Global ATM.” If there are

and partial withdrawals in order to

ATMs in most major cities in Korea are

no English instructions, ask a Korean for

save a round sum of foreign curren-

in service for foreign cards 24 hours a

help.

cies.

day. You can use credit cards and cash

However, there are not that many Global

cards issued in foreign countries at

ATM’s in Korea. Therefore, it is advis-

•Eligibility : No restriction

able that you open a bank account in Korea as fast as possible if you wish to

•Deposit period :

obtain from money in an easy way.

3 months ~ 24 months. •Initial depositing amount : More

2. Cash Services

than USD 500 dollars or the amount equivalent to USD 500 dollars (No

You can withdraw cash up to your credit

restriction on frequencies or amount

limit from the ATMs of your bank or oth-

of additional deposits).

er multiple-institution-ATMs.

•Currencies : Depending on the bank 144

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Financial Services•

145

4. Securities Trading

shall not have any person other than

Tip Box

such standing agent represent or act for

How do Korean currencies look like?

•Investment registration

him in exercising the right of the

KRW(unit of Korean currency) is called

Every foreigner shall, when intending to

acquired securities and in handling the

Won (원)

acquire or dispose of any of securities

matters related thereto.

- Coins :

- Required documents :

- Bills :

10 won, 50 won, 100 won, 1,000 won

for the first time, register his or her personal details with the Financial Supervisory Service, in advance.

Passport or alien registration card - Financial supervisory service :

※Foreigners who have an address or

5,000 won, 10,000 won, 50,000 won, 100,000 won

www.fss.or.kr

place of abode for more than six months in Korea do not need an issued

3. Travelers’ Checks

•Korean Money

certificate of investment registration.

Traveler’s checks are issued in the form

•Opening of accounts

of a cashier’s check to minimize the

Every foreigner shall, when intending to

danger of losing cash. Traveler’s checks

open a trading account for securities

are honored by hotels, department

investment with a securities company,

stores, restaurants, general stores and

open an account separately for each

money exchangers as well as banks

class of invested securities in such man-

worldwide. If a traveler’s check is lost or

ner as to be determined by the Gover-

stolen, it can be replaced with some

nor.

requirements. Traveler’s checks are safer than cash.

•Custody of securities

At time of purchase, sign both sides of

Every foreigner shall keep the acquired

the traveler’s checks to prevent cashing

securities in custody of the KOSDAQ,

if they become lost or are stolen. It is

foreign exchange banks, securities com-

safer to carry cash or traveler’s checks

panies, management companies,

in pockets in lieu of bags. It is highly rec-

futures trading companies, or interna-

ommended that you record the numbers

tionally recognized foreign custody insti-

of the checks that you have purchased

tutions.

and sign them immediately. You are also

146

advised to keep the purchase agree-

•Appointment of standing agent

ment separately from your traveler’s

Any foreigner may appoint a standing

checks.

agent among custody institutions and

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Financial Services•

147

Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Consumer Protection

・Introduction ・Consumer Protection in Korea ・Korea Consumer Agency ・Resolution of Consumer Damage

Korea Consumer Agency

Resolution of Consumer Damage

The Korea Consumer Agency is a government organization established in

Consumer Protection Introduction

Consumer Protection in Korea

1. Overview

1987 in accordance with the Consumer Protection Act in order to effectively

“Consumer damage” refers to damage

implement Korean consumer protection

caused to a consumer’s life, body,

policies. The agency performs such

property or mental state by flawed or

tasks as ①conducting research on poli-

defective products or by a breach of

cies and systems related to consumer

contract or an illegal act on the part of a

rights; ②investigating consumer-related

business during the use of a product or

matters; ③collecting information on con-

service purchased from that business.

sumer protection; ④providing education In Korea, no great difficulty is posed by

and information on consumer protection;

When consumer damage occurs, con-

daily consumer life such as the purchase

The Korean Consumer Protection Poli-

and ⑤resolving matters related to con-

sumers are advised to attempt first of all

of goods: this is because most purchas-

cies are established by the Korea Fair

sumer safety and damages.

to resolve disputes through a negotia-

es take place at discount stores and

Trade Commission and promoted by the

department stores. At such shopping

Korea Consumer Agency. Currently,

The Korea Consumer Agency is a mem-

dispute cannot be settled, consumers

venues, product prices are marked, so

more than ten non-governmental con-

ber of the International Consumer Pro-

can seek mediation from the Korean

consumers can enjoy shopping freely

sumer groups are conducting various

tection Enforcement Network (ICPEN)

Consumer Agency or a non-governmen-

without having to ask a salesperson for

consumer protection activities. In the

and the International Consumer Product

tal consumer organization. It can be too

help. In addition, after purchasing a

event that a business refuses to refund

Safety Caucus. It actively participates in

troublesome for consumers to sue the

product, a refund or exchange can be

or exchange a product even if it is

the meetings of the Committee on Con-

business through the small claims court.

requested within a certain period even if

shown to be flawed or defective, or a

sumer Policy established by the OECD.

Thus, before filing a lawsuit, it is advis-

the product has no defects. However, at

business demands or imposes unrea-

It is also building cooperative relation-

able to resort to the help of a consumer

small stores, shoppers may need to ask

sonably high penalties, such consumer

ships with overseas consumer protec-

protection organization. Regarding con-

about prices, and a refund or exchange

disputes can be resolved with the help

tion agencies in such countries as U.S,

sumer disputes, consumer groups and

may be difficult unless the product is

of the Korea Consumer Agency or any

China, and Japan in order to increase

the Korea Consumer Agency resolve

shown to be defective.

one of various consumer groups.

consumer trust in international trade.

disputes objectively and fairly from a

Based on such relationships, the agency

third-party perspective. Resolution pro-

strives to resolve international consumer

cedures include such steps as Con-

disputes in order to vitalize consumer

sumer Counseling, Consumer Redress,

trade among countries and to improve

and Dispute Resolution.

tion with the business in question. If a

consumer trust.

150

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Consumer Protaction•

151

2. Customer Counseling

•How to Get There : From exit no.9 of

•Reception : International Cooperation

Consumer Dispute Settlement Commis-

Gangnam Subway Station or exit no.7

Team, 5th Floor of the Korea Consumer

sion (CDSC). The CDSC was estab-

When consumer damage occurs because

of Yangjae Subway Station, take a blue

Agency, 108, Yangjaedae-ro, Seocho-gu,

lished within the Korean Consumer

of improper behavior on the part of a busi-

bus (no. 407, 408, 440, 470, 471, 140)

Seoul.

Agency and has quasi-judicial power, so

ness, consumers can seek help from the

and get off at either the Hanaro Mart or

- Tel : 82-2-3460-3443

consumers do not need to obtain a sep-

1372 Consumer Counseling Center oper-

Hyundai Auto bus stop.

- Fax : 82-2-575-7055

arate judgment from the court. If both

ated by the Korea Fair Trade Commission

parties accept the decision made by the

•Dispute Resolution

(in korea, call at 1372 and from overseas, 82-1372). The counseling services provid-

3. Consumer Redress

ed by the center are public services jointly participated in by consumer protection

Civil disputes can be resolved through

organizations, Local Consumer Centers,

lawsuits, but they can generally be

and the Korea Consumer Agency. The

resolved faster and more conveniently if

center provides information about the legal

one uses the Korea Consumer Agency

rights of consumers and the actions which

or other consumer organizations. If a

can be taken to receive compensation for

business rejects a consumer’s due

consumer damage caused during the use

demands, the agency can get involved

of services, products, medicine, finance

in a consumer damage case upon the

and insurance, and automobiles. When

consumer’s request. To request con-

English-speaking counseling is needed,

sumer redress, consumers should com-

consumers can call the International Coop-

plete a consumer redress application

eration Team of the Korea Consumer

form and attach the related documents :

Agency (Tel : 82-2-3460-3443) or visit the

receipts or contracts that can prove a

agency in person for counseling. To receive

contract or an agreement; a product

counseling over the Internet, visit the web-

repair certificate that can prove con-

site, www.ccn.go.kr, and upload your

sumer damage; a document requesting

counseling content (in English) after going

the cancellation of a contract or an

through the proper verification procedure.

agreement. The agency will review the

CDSC, it has the same judicial effects.

If a dispute cannot be resolved by the Consumer Redress procedure, the con-

※If you try to call to the Korea Consumer

sumer can request mediation by the

Agency from overseas, please 82-1372.

case fairly and judge the liability of the

152

•Address of the Korea Consumer

business in accordance with Korean

Agency : International Cooperation Team,

law. If the business is liable for the dam-

5th Floor of the Korea Consumer Agency,

age, the agency will recommend that

108, Yangjaedae-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul.

the business pay compensation to the

- Tel : 82-2-3460-3443

consumer. Most cases are normally

- Fax : 82-2-575-7055

resolved within one month.

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Consumer Protaction•

153

Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Directory

・List of Korea Business Centers (KBC) ・Embassies in Korea ・Chambers of Commerce ・Contact Information of Government Bodies and Semi-governmental Organizations ・Foreign Investment Related Bodies ・Law Firms ・Accounting Firms ・Main Exhibition Centers ・Other Exhibition Centers ・Recommended Real Estate Brokers in Seoul ・Utilities ・Home Delivery Companies ・International Shipping Companies ・Foreign Schools in Korea ・Korean Language Institutes ・Libraries ・Bookstores in Seoul

・Airlines ・News & Media ・Hospitals in Seoul ・Hospitals Outside of Seoul ・Major Life Insurance Companies ・Credit Card Companies ・Korean Banks ・Foreign Banks ・Events in Korea ・Shopping ・Performance & Exhibition ・Theaters ・Amusement Park & Zoo Park ・Resorts & Vacation Sports ・Sports ・Culture Centers in Korea ・Other Cultural Activities ・Hotels

■

ASIA & OCEANIA KBC

Directory List of Korea Business Centers (KBC)

Those interested in doing business with

Tel : (65) 6221-3055 Fax : (65) 6223-5850

kortrade@singnet.com.sg

KUALA LUMPUR

Tel : (60-3) 2117-7100 Fax : (60-3) 2142-2107

kennykhh@kotra.or.kr

YANGON

Tel : (95-1) 255453~6 Fax : (95-1) 255457

yangon@kotra.or.kr

DHAKA

Tel : (880-2) 881-3153 Fax : (880-2) 882-3068

sono50@kotra.or.kr

HOCHIMINH CITY

Tel : (84-8) 3822-3944 Fax : (84-8) 3822-3941

kotrasgn@hanmail.net

HANOI

Tel : (84-4) 3946-0511~8 Fax : (84-4) 3946-0519

kotra@nn.vnn.vn

COLOMBO

Tel : (94-11) 259-7494~5 Fax : (94-11) 250-1818

colombo@kotra.lk

NEW DELHI

Tel : (91-124) 4628-500 Fax : (91-124) 4628-501

ktcdelhi@ktcdelhi.net

CHENNAI

Fax : (91-44) 2433-7280 Fax : (91-44) 2433-7281

kotra@chennaiktc.com

MUMBAI

Tel : (91-22) 6631-8000 Fax : (91-22) 6631-8780

ktcmumbai@kotra.or.kr

JAKARTA

Tel : (62-21) 574-1522 Fax : (62-21) 572-2187

jakarta@kotra.or.kr

BANGKOK

Tel : (66-2) 663-6900~6 Fax : (66-2) 261-1232

kotra2@kotrathai.com

KARACHI

Tel : (92-21) 3280-3081~3 Fax : (92-21) 3280-3086

ktckhi@cyber.net.pk

Business Center. Most of the Korea Korea Business Centers (KBC) are over-

well.

seas branch offices of KOTRA and

Go to http://english.kotra.or.kr/wps/mypor-

located in major cities of over 70 coun-

tal/dken and enter the KBC you want to

tries.

visit.

Korea Business Centers connect foreigners or foreign companies interested

※If you are now in korea, please do not

in doing business with a Korean compa-

press the international code 82 but

ny and support foreign investors who

directly the local code the telephone

want to make an investment in Korea.

number

The main functions of Korea Business Centers are marketing support, business matchmaking and information

Ex) 82-2-3497-1013

→ 02-3497-1013

E-Mail

SINGAPORE

Korea may contact the nearest Korea Business Centers have a website as

Tel / Fax

82-63-111-1111 → 063-111-1111

searches.

156

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Directory•

157

■

ASIA & OCEANIA KBC

■

Tel / Fax

CHINA KBC

E-Mail

Tel / Fax

E-Mail

MANILA

Tel : (63-2) 893-1183,3244 Fax : (63-2) 817-3369

manila@kotra.or.kr

SHANGHAI

Tel : (86-21) 5108-8771~2 Fax : (86-21) 6219-6015

shanghai@kotra.or.kr

PHNOM PENH

Tel : (855-23) 999-099 Fax : (855-23) 211-598

kotrapnh@gmail.com

BEIJING

Tel : (86-10) 6410-6162 Fax : (86-10) 6505-2324

pekktc@kotra.or.kr

AUCKLAND

Tel : (64-9) 373-5792 Fax : (64-9) 373-2952

kotra@kotra.co.nz

DALIAN

Tel : (86-411) 8253-0051~3 Fax : (86-411) 8253-0050

kotradlc@kotra.or.kr

SYDNEY

Tel : (61-2) 9264-5199 Fax : (61-2) 9264-5299

info@kotra.org.au

GUANGZHOU

Tel : (86-20) 2208-1600 Fax : (86-20) 2208-1636

canton@kotra.or.kr

MELBOURNE

Tel : (61-3) 9867-1988 Fax : (61-3) 9867-2688

koreatrade@bigpond.com

CHENGDU

Tel : (86-28) 8672-3501~6 Fax : (86-28) 8672-3507

ctuktc@kotra.or.kr

QINGDAO

Tel : (86-532) 8388-7931~4 Fax : (86-532) 8388-7935

qdktc@kotra.or.kr

XIAN

Tel : (86-29) 8883-1060 Fax : (86-29) 8883-1056

xiakbc@kotra.or.kr

JAPAN KBC

158

■

Tel / Fax

E-Mail

TOKYO

Tel : (81-3)3214-6951 Fax : (81-3) 3214-6950

kotratky@kotra.or.jp

WUHAN

Tel : (86-27) 8555-0118 Fax : (86-27) 8555-0120

709057@kotra.or.kr

OSAKA

Tel : (81-6) 6262-3831 Fax : (81-6) 6262-4607

osaktc@kotra.or.jp

HONG KONG

Tel : (852) 2545-9500 Fax : (852) 2815-0487

kotra5@kotra.org.hk

FUKUOKA

Tel : (81-92) 473-2005 Fax : (81-92) 473-2007

fukuoka@kotra.or.jp

TAIPEI

Tel : (886-2) 2725-2324 Fax : (886-2) 2757-7240

kotra.tpe@msa.hinet.net

NAGOYA

Tel : (81-52) 561-3936 Fax : (81-52) 561-3945

nagoya@kotra.or.jp

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

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159

■

NORTH AMERICA KBC

160

■

Tel / Fax

CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA

E-Mail

KBC

Tel / Fax

E-Mail

NEW YORK

Tel : (1-212) 826-0900 Fax : (1-212) 888-4930

kotrany@hotmail.com

MEXICO CITY

Tel : (52-55) 5514-3173 Fax : (52-55) 5514-3170

mexico@kotra.or.kr

LOS ANGELES

Tel : (1-323) 954-9500 Fax : (1-323) 954-1707

laktc@hanmail.net

GUATEMALA

Tel : (502) 2367-2347-9 Fax : (502) 2367-2350

business@kotraguate.org

CHICAGO

Tel : (1-312) 644-4323 Fax : (1-312) 644-4879

info@kotrachicago.com

SANTO DOMINGO

Tel : (1-809) 567-9733 Fax : (1-809) 567-9737

sdqktc@codetel.net.do

DALLAS

Tel : (1-972) 243-9300 Fax : (1-972) 243-9301

ktcdfw@kotradallas.com

CARACAS

Tel : (58-212) 762-9832 Fax : (58-212) 762-2263

ktcccs@cantv.net

WASHINGTON D.C.

Tel : (1-202) 857-7919 Fax : (1-202) 857-7923

washington@kotra.or.kr

SAO PAULO

Tel : (55-11) 3175-3030 Fax : (55-11) 3175-3031

saopaulo@kotra.com.br

SILICON VALLEY

Tel : (1-408) 432-5000 Fax : (1-408) 432-5056

info@kotrasv.org

BUENOS AIRES

Tel : (54-11) 4393-3110 Fax : (54-11) 4393-2822

kotra@kotra.org.ar

MIAMI

Tel : (1-305) 374-4648 Fax : (1-305) 375-9332

ktcmiami@aol.com

SANTIAGO

Tel : (56-2) 362-9991 Fax : (56-2) 204-9833

info@kotrachile.cl

DETROIT

Tel : (1-248) 355-4911 Fax : (1-248) 355-9002

detroit@kotradtt.org

BOGOTA

Tel : (57-1) 637-5099 Fax : (57-1) 637-9238

ktcbog@kotra.org.co

TORONTO

Tel : (1-416) 368-3399 Fax : (1-416) 368-2893

info@kotra.ca

PANAMA

Tel : (507) 2648105 Fax : (507) 2640928

leeh818@kotra.or.kr

VANCOUVER

Tel : (1-604) 683-1820 Fax : (1-604) 687-6249

ktc@kotrayvr.com

LIMA

Tel : (51-1) 442-2834 Fax : (51-1) 442-0841

galaxymin@kotra.or.kr

HAVANA

Tel : (53-7) 204-1020 Fax : (53-7) 204-1209

kimyc@kotra.or.kr

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

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■

EUROPE KBC FRANKFURT

Tel / Fax Tel : (49-69) 2429920~9 Fax : (49-69) 253589

HAMBURG

Tel : (49-40) 3405 740 Fax : (49-40) 3405-7474

MUNCHEN

Tel : (49-89) 2424-2630 Fax : (49-89) 2424-2639

ATHENS

Tel : (30-210) 6543-623~5 Fax : (30-210) 6543-508

AMSTERDAM

Tel : (31-20) 673-0555 Fax : (31-20) 673-6918

COPENHAGEN

Tel : (45) 3312-6658 Fax : (45) 3332-6654

BUCHAREST

162

KBC

Tel : (40-21) 233-2171~3 Fax : (40-21) 233-2174

E-Mail

VIENNA

Tel : (43-1) 586-3876 Fax : (43-1) 586-3979

kotravie@kotra.at

MILANO

Tel : (39-02) 795813 Fax : (39-02) 798235

kotramil@kotra.it

PRAGUE

Tel : (420) 245-005-650 Fax : (420) 245-005-651

kotra@kotra.cz

ZAGREB

Tel : (385-1) 4815-101 Fax : (385-1) 4818-821

kotra@koreatrade.hr

ISTANBUL

Tel : (90-212) 325-3646 Fax : (90-212) 325-3642

kotra@koreatrade.com.tr

WARSAW

Tel : (48-22) 520-6230 Fax : (48-22) 520-6231

biuro@kotra.pl

PARIS

Tel : (33-1) 5535-8888 Fax : (33-1) 5535-8889

paris@kotra.or.kr

HELSINKI

Tel : (358-9) 682-9490 Fax : (358-9) 682-94910

helsinki@kotra.or.kr

BUDAPEST

Tel : (36-1) 201-8474 Fax : (36-1) 488-0184

info@koreatrade.hu

frankfurt@kotra.or.kr

info@kotra.de

munich@@kotra.or.kr

lasconceru@kotra.or.kr

info@koreatradecenter.nl

info@kotra.dk

gaja@kotra.or.kr

BRUSSELS

Tel : (32-2) 203-2142 Fax : (32-2) 203-0751

SOFIA

Tel : (359-2) 969-5030 Fax : (359-2) 969-5033

kotra@kotra-sofia.org

STOCKHOLM

Tel : (46-8) 30-80-90 Fax : (46-8) 30-61-90

stockholm@kotra.nu

ZURICH

Tel : (41-44) 202-1232 Fax : (41-44) 202-4318

ktc@kotra.ch

MADRID

Tel : (34-91) 556-6241 Fax : (34-91) 556-6868

madridktc@kotra.or.kr

LONDON

Tel : (44-20) 7520-5300 Fax : (44-20) 7240-2367

kotra@kotra.co.uk

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Tel / Fax

kotrabru@kotra.or.kr

Directory•

163

■

CIS

KBC KBC

MOSCOW

VLADIVOSTOK

NOVOSIBIRSK

Tel : (7-4232) 436-466~69 Fax : (7-4232) 436-470 Tel : (7-383) 325-7003 Fax : (7-383) 222-7805

Tel : (380-44) 495-2951,2978~9 Fax : (380-44) 495-2950

KIEV

ALMATY

TASHKENT

Tel : (7-727) 311-0284~5 Fax : (7-727) 311-0637 Tel : (998-71) 140-0215~6 Fax : (998-71) 140-0217

E-Mail

Tel / Fax

DUBAI

Tel : (971-4) 332-7776 Fax : (971-4) 332-7776

LAGOS

Tel : (234-1) 774-6262 Fax : (234-1) 461-1190

KHARTOUM

Tel : (249-1) 8349-8814 Fax : (249-1) 8349-8860

JOHANNESBURG

Tel : (27-11) 784-2940 Fax : (27-11) 784-2983

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

E-Mail

TRIPOLI

Tel : (218-21) 335-0417~9 Fax : (218-21) 335-0420

kblee@kotra.or.kr

CASABLANCA

Tel : (212-22) 989-627 Fax : (212-22) 994-513

kotracasablanca@gmail.com

RIYADH

Tel : (966-1) 273-4496 Fax : (966-1) 273-4750

kotrariy@kotra.org.sa

ALGER

Tel : (213-21) 693-765 Fax : (213-21) 694-209

elevation21@kotra.or.kr

MUSCAT

Tel : (968) 2456-5931~2 Fax : (968) 2456-5933

197020@kotra.or.kr

AMMAN

Tel : (962-6) 5831-045 Fax : (962-6) 5831-015

kotra@go.com.jo

BAGHDAD

Tel : (964-1) 776-1554 Fax : (964-7906) 114668

kotrairaq@hotmail.com

TEHRAN

Tel : (98-21) 2217-4005~7 Fax : (98-21) 2240-2475

kotratehran@hotmail.com

AVIV

Tel : (972-3) 639-6488 Fax : (972-3) 639-6489

ekpark@kotra.or.kr

CAIRO

Tel : (20-2) 2380-0072~92 Fax : (20-2) 2359-9178

ktccairo@kotra.or.kr

NAIROBI

Tel : (254-20) 220458 Fax : (254-20) 315706

nairobi@kotra.or.kr

KUWAIT

Tel : (965) 2243-6933 Fax : (965) 2243-6948

kotra@qualitynet.net

Damascus

Tel: 963-(0)11-613-4391 Fax: 963-(0)11-611-7748

184222@kotra.or.kr

info@kotra.or.kr

jisahwa_vvo@kotrabc.or.kr

ericchae@kotra.or.kr

hancy@kotra.or.kr

info@terabit.net.ua

choijh@kotra.or.kr

j7113@kotra.or.kr

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA KBC

164

Tel : (7-495) 258-1627~28 Fax : (7-495) 258-1634

Tel : (994-12) 436-7560~1 Fax : (994-12) 436-7562

BAKU

■

Tel / Fax

E-Mail ktcdxb@emirates.net.ae

losktc@kotra.or.kr

seyoung@kotra.or.kr

kotra@kotra.org.za

Directory•

165

Embassies in Korea Nation

URL

Nation

URL

Tel

Dominican Republic

www.embadom.or.kr/ko

82-2-756-3513

Ecuador

ecu.mofat.go.kr

82-2-739-2401

Egypt

egy.mofat.go.kr

82-2-749-0787

El Salvador

slv.mofat.go.kr

82-2-753-3432

82-2-732-9071

Finland

www.finland.or.kr

82-2-732-6737

azembassy.co.kr/sefirlik/index_2.html

82-2-797-1765

France

www.ambafrance-kr.org/france_coree

82-2-3149-4300

Bangladesh

bgd.mofat.go.kr/eng/as/bgd/main/index.jsp

82-2-796-4056

Gabon

gab.mofat.go.kr

82-2-793-9575

Belarus

www.belarus.or.kr

82-2-2237-8171

Germany

82-2-748-4114

Belgium

www.belgium.or.kr

82-2-749-0381/4

www.seoul.diplo.de/Vertretung/seoul/de/ Startseite.html

Bolivia

www.boliviakorea.com

82-2-742-6113

Ghana

www.ghanaembassy.or.kr

82-2-749-8982~3

Brazil

bra-brasilia.mofat.go.kr

82-2-738-4970

Greece

grc.mofat.go.kr

82-2-729-1400

Brunei

brn.mofat.go.kr

82-2-790-1078

Guatemala

gtm.mofat.go.kr

82-2-771-7582

Bulgaria

bgr.mofat.go.kr

82-2-794-8625

Honduras

gtm.mofat.go.kr/kor/am/gtm/main/index.jsp

82-2-744-7563

Cambodia

khm.mofat.go.kr

82-2-3785-1041

Hungary

www.mfa.gov.hu/kulkepviselet/KR/en/ mainpage.htm

82-2-792-2105

Canada

www.canadainternational.gc.ca/ korea-coree

82-2-3783-6000

India

www.indembassy.or.kr

82-2-798-4257

Chile

www.prochile.or.kr

82-2-775-1246

Indonesia

www.indonesiaseoul.org/indexkorea.php

82-2-783-5675~7

China

www.chinaemb.or.kr/kor

82-2-738-1038

Iran

www.indembassy.or.kr

82-2-793-7751

Colombia

col.mofat.go.kr

82-2-720-1369

Ireland

www.irelandhouse-korea.com/home/ index.aspx?id=44447

82-2-774-6455

Israel

seoul.mfa.gov.il/mfm/web/main/missionho me.asp?MissionID=89&

82-2-3210-8500

Afghanistan

www.afghanistanembassy.or.kr

82-2-793-3535

Algerian

www.algerianemb.or.kr

82-2-794-5034

Argentina

www.argentina.or.kr/kr

82-2-797-0636

Australia

www.southkorea.embassy.gov.au/seol/ home.html

82-2-2003-0100

Austria

www.bmeia.gv.at/kr/botschaft/seoul.html

Azerbaijan

Congo

166

Tel

82-2-535-1262

Costa Rica

www.ecostarica.or.kr/english/index.html

82-2-707-9249

Cote d' Ivoire

civ.mofat.go.kr

82-2-3785-0561

Italy

www.ambseoul.esteri.it/ambasciata_seoul

82-2-796-0491~4

Czech Republic

www.mzv.cz/seoul

82-2-725-6765

Japan

www.kr.emb-japan.go.jp

82-2-2170-5200

Denmark

www.ambseoul.um.dk/ko

82-2-795-4187

Kazakhstan

www.kazembassy.org

82-2-391-8906

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167

Nation

168

URL

Nation

Tel

URL

Tel

Kenya

www.kenya-embassy.or.kr

82-2-3785-2903

Romania

coreea-romania.com/roembass.htm

82-2-797-4924

Kuwait

kwt.mofat.go.kr

82-2-749-3688

www.russian-embassy.org

82-2-318-2116~8

Laos

lao.mofat.go.kr

82-2-796-1713~4

Russian Federation

Nigeria

www.nigerianembassy.or.kr

82-2797-2370

Rwanda

rwanda-embassy.or.kr

82-2-798-1052

Lebanon

www.lebanonembassy.net/index.html

82-2-794-6482~4

Saudi Arabia

sau.mofat.go.kr

82-2-739-0631~4

Libya

lby.mofat.go.kr

82-2-797-6001

Serbia

www.embserb.or.kr

82-2-797-5109

Malaysia

www.malaysia.or.kr

82-2-2077-8600

Singapore

www.mfa.gov.sg/seoul

82-2-399-5570

Mexico

portal.sre.gob.mx/corea/index.php

82-2-798-1694~5

Slovakia

svk.mofat.go.kr

82-2-794-3981

Mongolia

www.mongolembassy.com

82-2-798-3464

Southafrica

www.southafrica-embassy.or.kr

82-2-792-4855

Morocco

mar.mofat.go.kr

82-2-793-6249

Spain

www.maec.es/subwebs/Embajadas/Seul/ co/home/Paginas/home_seul.aspx

82-2-794-3581~2

Myanmar

www.myanmar-embassy-seoul.com/Kr

82-2-790-3814~6

Sri Lanka

lankaemb@kornet.net

82-2-2966/7

Netherlands

southkorea.nlembassy.org

82-2-737-9514

Sudan

www.sudanseoul.net

82-2-793-8692

Nepal

www.nepembseoul.gov.np/en

82-2-3789-9770

New Zealand

www.nzembassy.com/korea

82-2-3701-7700

Sweden

www.swedenabroad.com/Start____18413. aspx

82-2-3703-3700

Nigeria

www.nigerianembassy.or.kr

82-2-797-2370/3280

Switzerland

www.eda.admin.ch/seoul.html

82-2-739 9511~4

Norway

www.norway.or.kr/press

82-2-767-2650

Thailand

www.thaiembassy.or.kr/en/index.htm

82-2-790-2955

Oman

omn.mofat.go.kr

82-2-790-2431

Tunisia

tun.mofat.go.kr

82-2-790-4334

Pakistan

www.pkembassy.or.kr/kor

82-2-796-8252

Turkey

tcseulbe@kornet.net

82-2-794-0255/3778

Panama

www.embassyofpanamakorea.org

82-2-734-8610~2

U.A.E

are.mofat.go.kr

82-2-790-3235~7

Paraguay

www.embaparcorea.org/korea

82-2-792-8335

Ukraine

ukr.mofat.go.kr

82-2-790-5696

Peru

lpruseul@korea.com

82-2-757-1735~7

United Kingdom

ukinkorea.fco.gov.uk/ko

82-2-3210-5500

Philippines

www.philembassy-seoul.com

82-2-796-7387

USA

korean.seoul.usembassy.gov

82-2-397-4114

Poland

www.seul.polemb.net

82-2-723 9681

Uzbekistan

uzb.mofat.go.kr

82-2-574-6554

Portugal

www.embaparcorea.org

82-2-3675-2251

Venezuela

www.venezuelaemb.or.kr/index.asp

82-2-732-1546~7

Qatar

qat.mofat.go.kr

82-2-798-2444~6

Vietnam

vnm-hanoi.mofat.go.kr

82-2-739-2065

Republic of South Africa

www.southafrica-embassy.or.kr

82-2-792 - 4855

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Directoryâ&#x20AC;˘

169

Contact Information of Government Bodies and Semi-governmental Organizations

Chambers of Commerce Nation

URL

Agency

American Chamber of Commerce in Korea

www.amchamkorea.org

British Chamber of Commerce in Korea

www.bcck.or.kr

82-2-564-2040 82-2-720-9406

Canadian Chamber of Commerce www.canchamkorea.org in Korea

82-2-554-0245

Italian Chamber of Commerce in Korea

www.itcck.org/index.php

82-2-402-4379

Seoul Japan Club

www.sjchp.co.kr

82-2-739-6962

EU Chamber of Commerce in Korea

www.eucck.org

82-2-725-9880

French Chamber of Commerce in Korea

www.fkcci.com

82-2-2268-9505~7

Korean German Chamber of Commerce & industry

korea.ahk.de

82-2-3780-4600

Korean Swedish Association

www.korswe.or.kr

82-2-388-7440

Australian Chamber of Commerce www.austchamkorea.org in Korea

82-2-889-8371

The Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry

english.korcham.net

82-2-6050-3114

U.S. Commercial Service Korea

www.buyusa.gov/korea/ko

82-2-397-4535

Swiss - Korean Business Council

www.skbckorea.org/index.asp

82-2-3451-3611 82-16-9218-2440

The Belgian-Korean Business Forum

www.belgium.or.kr/page58.html 82-2-749-0381~4

NOTE International Chamber of Commerce

170

Tel

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

www.iccwbo.org

URL

Tel

Korea Agro-Fisheries Trade Corporation

www.at.or.kr

82-2-6300-1114

Korea Land & Housing Corporation

www.lh.or.kr

82-2-738-7114

Korea Tourism Organization

kto.visitkorea.or.kr

82-2-7299-600

Korea National Oil Corporation

www.knoc.co.kr

82-31-380-2114

Korea Water Resources Corporation

english.kwater.or.kr

82-42-629-3114

Korea Electric Power Corporation

www.kepco.co.kr/eng

82-2-3456-3114

The Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry

english.korcham.net

82-2-2102-3600

The Federation of Small Business

www.fki.or.kr

82-2-3771-0114

The Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry

global.kita.net

82-2-1566-5114

Korea Financial Telecommunications and Clearings Institute

www.kftc.or.kr

82-2-1577-5520

Korea Commercial Arbitration Board

www.kcab.or.kr

82-2-551-2000

Seoul Business Agency

www.sba.seoul.kr

82-1577-7119

Korea Trade Insurance Corporation

www.ksure.or.kr/main.jsp

82-1588-3884

Korea Exim Bank

www.koreaexim.go.kr/en

82-2-3779-6114

Korea Accreditation Board

www.kab.or.kr

82-2-2113-8500

The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea

korea.na.go.kr/index.jsp

82-2-788-2114

Office of the President

www.president.go.kr

82-2-730-5800

National Intelligence Service

www.nis.go.kr

82-111

Financial Services Commission

www.fsc.go.kr

82-2-2156-8000

Fair Trade Commission

www.ftc.go.kr

82-2-2023-4248

Directory•

171

Agency

URL

Foreign Investment Related Bodies

Tel

Ministry of Strategy and Finance

www.mosf.go.kr

82-2-2150-2455

National Tax Service

www.nts.go.kr

82-2-397-1440

Korea Customs Service

www.customs.go.kr

82-1577-8577

National Statistical Office

www.nso.go.kr

82-2-2012-9114

Ministry of Education, Science and Technology

www.mest.go.kr

82-2-6222-6060

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

www.mofat.go.kr

National Police Agency

■

Name

URL

Tel

Invest KOREA

www.investkorea.org

82-2-3460-7545

Office of the Investment Ombusman

www.i-ombudsman.or.kr

82-2-3460-7635

Ministry of Knowledge Economy

www.mke.go.kr

82-1577-0900

82-2-2100-2114

Ministry of Strategy and Finance

www.mosf.go.kr

82-2-2150-2114

www.police.go.kr

82-1566-0112

www.mke.go.kr

82-1577-0900

www.invest.go.kr/kor/ index.jsp

82-31-249-2782

Ministry of Knowledge Economy

Gyeonggi-do Ordinance on Foreign Investment Promotion

Small and Medium Business Administration

www.smba.go.kr

82-1357

Gyeonggi Association of Foreigninvest Companies

www.gafic.or.kr

82-31-683-1983

Korean Intellectual Property Office

www.kipo.go.kr

82-1544-8080

Jeonnam Ordinance on Foreign Investment Promotion

jeonnam.investkorea.org

82-61-286-5110

Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affair

www.mw.go.kr

82-129

Jeonbuk Ordinance on Foreign Investment Promotion

jeonbuk.investkorea.org

82-63-280-4593

Ministry of Employment and Labor

www.moel.go.kr

82-1350

Korea Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI)

english.korcham.net

82-2-6050-3114

Small Business Corporation

sbc.or.kr

82-2-769-6700

Samsung Economic Research Institute (SERI)

www.seri.org

82-2-3780-8000

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

www.mofat.go.kr

82-2-2100-2114

Korea Communication Commission

www.ekcc.go.kr

82-2-750-1114

National Tax Service

www.nts.go.kr

82-1588-0060

Korea Customs Service

www.customs.go.kr

82-1577-8577

Korea National Statistical Office

www.nso.go.kr

82-2-3012-9114

Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs

172

National

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

www.mltm.go.kr

82-2-1599-0001

Directory•

173

■

Provincial

Law Firms Name

174

URL

Tel Company Name

URL

Tel

The Seoul Metropolis

www.seoul.go.kr

82-2-120

Incheon Metropolitan City

www.incheon.go.kr

82-32-440-2114

KIM & CHANG

www.kimchang.com

82-2-3703-1101

Busan Metropolitan City

www.busan.go.kr

82-51-120

LEE&KO

www.lawleeko.com

82-2-772-4377

Gwangju Metropolitan City

www.gwangju.go.kr

82-62-120

Bae, Kim & Lee, LLC

www.bkl.co.kr

82-2-3404-0138

Daegu Metropolitan City

www.daegu.go.kr

82-53-803-0114

SHIN & KIM

www.shinkim.com/default.asp

82-2-316-4275

Daejeon Metropolitan City

www.metro.daejeon.kr

82-42-600-3114

Yulchon Attorneys

www.yulchon.com/ycindex.htm

82-2-528-5237

Ulsan Metropolitan City

www.ulsan.go.kr

82-52-229-2000

Jisung Horizon

www.js-horizon.com/new/eng

82-2-6050-1635

Gyeonggi-do

www.gg.go.kr/gg

82-31-120

Hwang Mok Park P.C

www.hmpj.com

82-2-772-2702

Gangwon-do

www.provin.gangwon.kr

82-33-120

Lee International IP&Law Group

www.leeinternational.com

82-2-2262-6030

Chungcheongbuk-do

www.cb21.net/intro.html

82-43-220-2114

Law Firm Jungjin

www.jungjinlaw.com

82-2-592-2224

Chungbuk Internet Trade System

www.ebiznjoy.com

82-43-220-3264

KIM & JUNG

www.yjlaw.co.kr/english/ index.htm

82-2-552-7249

Chungcheongnam-do

www.chungnam.net

82-42-220-3114 KIM & KIM LAW

www.kimkimlaw.com

82-2-755-2980

Jeollabuk-do

www.jeonbuk.go.kr

82-63-280-2114 Hanol law offices

www.hanollaw.com

82-2-6004-2531

Jeollanam-do

www.jeonnam.go.kr

82-61-287-0011

Darae Law and patent

www.daraelaw.co.kr

82-2-3475-7700

Gyeongsangbuk-do

www.gyeongbuk.go.kr

82-53-959-0114

Sigong Law P.C.

www.sigonglaw.com

82-2-565-3131

Gyeongsangnam-do

www.gsnd.net

82-55-211-2114

MIRAE LEGAL CORP.

www.lawbjp.com

82-2-3482-1121

Jeju Free International City Office

freecity.jeju.go.kr

82-64-710-2114

Sojong Partners

www.sojong.com/?lang=eng

82-2-2112-1144

Dawin Attorneys

www.dawinlaw.co.kr

82-2-537-1807

Law Firm Sunmyung

www.smlawyer.co.kr

82-2-559-0946

EYP Lawfirm

www.laweyp.com

82-2-531-8062

EVERGREEN LAW GROUP

www.evergreenlaw.co.kr

82-2-725-7210

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Directory•

175

Accounting Firms

Recommended Real Estate Brokers in Seoul

Company Name

URL

Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers

Tel

www.pwc.com/kr/en

82-2-709-3369

Deloitte Anjin LLC

www.deloitteanjin.co.kr

82-2-6676-2530

Samjong KPMG Inc.

www.kr.kpmg.com/Home.asp? lang=kr

82-2-2112-0922

Ernst & Young

www.ey.com/kr

82-2-3770-0921

DAEJOO Accounting

www.bdodaejoo.co.kr

82-2-3452-2869

Woori Accounting

www.dfkkorea.com

82-2-3463-8150

Baker Tilly Sungto

www.sungto.co.kr

82-2-513-0208

Dasan accountants

www.dasancpa.com

82-2-2193-0141

Ilsin

www.ilshincpa.co.kr

82-2-567-9100

Han Kyung Accounting

www.hko.co.kr

82-2-552-267

Company Name

Representative

Tel (Fax)

Jungang Certified Real Estate Agency

Shin, Chaungsoo

82-2-734-1557 (82-2-734-1557)

153-1, Ogin-dong, Jongno-gu

Hyundai Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Donkwon

82-2-763-8833 (82-2-763-8838)

561-2, Changshindong, Jongno-gu

Jinsol Certified Real Estate Agency

Kim, Hyungkee

82-2-738-4984 (82-2-738-4983)

147-9, Tongin-dong, Jongno-gu

Arum Certified Real Estate Agency

Koo, Jangyuel

82-2-2233-4800 (82-2-2282-1147)

348-43, Sindangdong, Jung-gu

Kukje Certified Real Estate Agency

Koo, Youngzoo

82-2-2233-2525 (82-2-2233-2503)

347-355, Sindangdong, Jung-gu

Hyundai Certified Real Estate Agency

Han, Jeongwon

82-2-2256-9988 (82-2-2257-7007)

#104 1F, Namsan Town Apt. Sangga 4, 844, Sindang-dong, Jung-gu

Ubiquitous Certified Real Estate Agency

Kim, Sunsook

82-2-2256-0142 (82-2-2256-0143)

B-1, President Bldg, 373-114, Sindangdong, Jung-gu

Starvil Real Estate Co., Ltd.

Kim, Inchul

82-2-798-8990 (82-2-798-4560)

84-1, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu

Samsung Certified Real Estate Agency

Chang, Young

82-2-717-3399 (82-2-714-6806)

#108, Samsung River Hill Apt. Sangga, Sancheondong, Yongsan-gu

Onnuri Certified Real Estate Agency

Kwon, Youngpil

82-2-796-4955 (82-2-796-4946)

301-146, Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu

Hana Certified Real Estate Agency

Hong, Soonwon

82-2-714-5873 (82-2-714-5429)

193-4, Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu

Main Exhibition Centers Name

URL

Tel

SETEC

www.setes.or.kr

82-2-2222-3811

hakyeoul station

KINTEX

www.kintex.com

82-31-810-8114

daehwa station

COEX

www.coex.co.kr/eng

82-2-6000-0114

samseong station

Other Exhibition Centers Name

176

URL

Tel

BEXCO

www.bexco.co.kr

82-51-740-7300

busan centum city station

EXCO Daegu

www.excodaegu.co.kr

82-53-601-5000

dongdaegu train station

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Address

Directory•

177

Company Name

Tel (Fax)

Address

Company Name Hansin Certified Real Estate Agency

Moon, Hyeongwon

82-2-798-9966 (82-2-797-9935)

561, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu

A&A Real Estate Agency

Ahn, Heejin

82-2-794-1133 (82-2-798-0201)

#1009, Hannam Bldg, 737-37, Hannamdong, Yongsan-gu

Ziwoo Certified Real Estate Agency

Lim, Sunjung

82-2-797-8814 (82-2-749-1549)

#708, Hannam Bldg, 737-37, Hannamdong, Yongsan-gu

Vision 21 Certified Real Estate Agency

Kim, Myungsoo

82-2-749-9500 (82-2-717-1636)

1F, 642-15, Hannamdong, Yongsan-gu

Jun Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Junchol

82-2-719-8289 (82-2-718-1514)

1F, 27-1, Seogyedong, Yongsan-gu

Hill-Top Certified Real Choi, Hyunjune Estate Agency

82-2-795-4999 (82-2-795-4992)

2F, 274-13, Hannamdong, Yongsan-gu

New-Town Certified Real Estate Agency

82-2-797-8200 (82-2-797-8208)

1F, 131-24, Itaewondong, Yongsan-gu

Summit Certified Real Yu, Dongsuk Estate Agency

82-2-765-6820 (82-2-765-6821)

#1114, Yongsan Park Xi, 50-1, Hangangno 1-ga, Yongsan-gu

Seoul Realty-Net Certified Real Estate Agency

Choi, Younsik

82-2-796-7114 (82-2-798-0894)

3F, Woojin Bldg, 18-5, Hangangno 1-ga, Yongsan-gu #105, Daeyoung Sangga, 301-152, Icheon-dong, Yongsan-gu

Eden Certified Real Estate Agency

Choi, Youngho

82-2-793-4774 (82-2-793-4776)

1F, 5-1312, Yongsandong 2-ga, Yongsan-gu

Jinny Certified Real Estate Agency

Cho, Jinhee

82-2-749-5959 (82-2-749-5633)

256-2, Hangangno 2-ga, Yongsan-gu

Asian Tigers Real Estate Co.,Ltd

Jung, Hwan

82-2-790-1844 (82-2-790-7400)

229-5, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu

Eaan Certified Real Estate Agency

Chung, Sangho

82-2-711-0599 (82-2-711-5998)

183-1, Sancheondong, Yongsan-gu

Dongwon Certified Real Estate Agency

Kang, Changsoo

82-2-792-1035 (82-2-792-1036)

396-1, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu

Kookil Certified Real Estate Agency

Kim, Duckyoung

82-2-798-0123 (82-2-749-4920)

#105, Samik Sangga, 300-301, Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu

Peace Certified Real Estate Agency

Park, Yesoon

82-2-792-1006 (82-2-792-1033)

254-4, Hangangno 1-ga, Yongsan-gu

Landmark Certified Real Estate Agency

Suh, Kwanoh

82-2-797-4555 (82-2-797-4556)

312-5, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu

Yonsei Certified Real Estate Agency

Ban, Hyeongseog

82-2-798-3223 (82-2-798-3226)

#106, Samik Sangga, 300-301, Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu

Alps Certified Real Estate Agency

178

Representative

Hong, Soonuk

Representative

Jung, Donhee

Tel (Fax)

82-2-774-1588 (82-2-752-1588)

251-16, Huam-dong, Yongsan-gu

Hansol Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Yusang

82-2-798-6262 (82-2-790-8882)

Address

Viva-Consulting Certified Real Estate Agency

Park, Eunwoo

82-2-792-5500 (82-2-793-5363)

1F, 1, 653-103, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu

LA Certified Real Estate Agency

Park, Kyungbae

82-2-790-3555 (82-2-790-5143)

1F, 529, Itaewondong, Yongsan-gu

Orient Certified Real Estate Agency

Yoo, Nanhee

82-2-796-4400 (82-2-792-3319)

234-6, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu

Nicerent Certified Real Estate Agency

Park, Suemin

82-2-793-8866 (82-2-793-8849)

737-37, Hannamdong, Yongsan-gu

New-Town Certified Real Estate Agency

Kim, Insoon

82-2-703-7888 (82-2-703-7891)

267-39, Seogye-dong, Yongsan-gu

â&#x20AC;˘Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Directoryâ&#x20AC;˘

179

Company Name

Representative

Tel (Fax)

C&G Certified Real Estate Agency

Chung, Chaehun

82-2-795-9043 (82-2-790-9105)

552, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu

Prime Certified Real Estate Agency

Jung, Joohui

82-2-796-0023 (82-2-796-0024)

1F, 57-38, Itaewondong, Yongsan-gu

IRE Certified Real Estate Agency Yongsan Certified Real Estate Agency International Certified Real Estate Agency

Dreamland Certified Real Estate Agency

Chang, Mira

Song, Myunggoo

Lee, Yongkyun

Kang, Shinyoung

Acerent Certified Real Kim, Jaewoo Estate Agency Reamko Realty Corporation UN Certified Real Estate Agency Green Certified Real Estate Agency

You, Younghwa

Chang, Moonhee

Chung, Seungsup

Hi-Rent Certified Real Ahn, Youngbok Estate Agency

Seoul Certified Real Estate Agency

180

â&#x20AC;˘Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Kang, Phillsoo

82-2-798-9888 (82-2-798-9895) 82-2-792-7111 (82-2-792-7021)

Address

231-19, Bogwangdong, Yongsan-gu 5-1612, Yongsan-dong 2-ga, Yongsan-gu

82-2-794-8844 (82-2-749-8892)

1F, 103, 34-158, Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu

82-2-794-0811 (82-2-794-9876)

#904, Hanseong Bldg, 737-37, Hannamdong, Yongsan-gu

82-2-797-0330 (82-2-794-2181)

50-1, Hangangno 1-ga, Yongsan-gu

82-2-749-9959 (82-2-749-7959)

#201, Hanseong Bldg, 28-11, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu

82-2-792-2558 (82-2-793-0741) 82-2-749-8070 (82-2-749-8060)

28-12, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu 2F, 204, 36-1, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu

82-2-797-7277 (82-2-795-7077)

#101, Pungwon Sangga, 302-68, Icheon-dong, Yongsan-gu

82-2-797-0102 (82-2-797-9794)

101-106, Green Park APT 293, Seobinggodong, Yongsan-gu

Company Name

Representative

Tel (Fax)

Seoul Housing Certified Real Estate Agency

Kim, Youngkeun

82-2-749-7111 (82-2-749-9711)

1F, 210-8, Itaewondong, Yongsan-gu

Yongsan Certified Real Estate Agency

Park, Sangjoon

82-2-797-0988 (82-2-790-1331)

1F, 275, Hangangno 1(il)-ga, Yongsan-gu

Olive Certified Real Estate Agency

Seo, Youngsill

82-2-790-9595 (82-2-790-9338)

1F, 246-2, Hangangno 2(i)-ga Yongsan-gu

New Changwoo Certified Real Estate Agency

Hyun, Aeran

82-2-749-7900 (82-2-749-7907)

1F, 11-26, Itaewondong, Yongsan-gu

Regent Certified Real Estate Agency

Hong, Jaeyul

82-2-792-2459 (82-2-792-2629)

1F, 587-1, Hannamdong, Yongsan-gu

Cheongam Choi IkHyeon Certified Real Estate Agency

Choi, Ikhyoun

82-2-716-6100 (82-2-716-0079)

3-101, Sibeom APT, 209-27, Ichon-dong, Yongsan-gu

Haengun Certified Real Estate Agency

Choi, Hunyoung

82-2-797-4201 (82-2-782-8101)

265-214, Bogwangdong, Yongsan-gu

Rex Certified Real Estate Agency

An, Gwonchan

82-2-790-8833 (82-2-790-8837)

5-756, Yongsandong 2(i)-ga, Yongsan-gu

114 Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Alexduk

82-2-711-4088 (82-2-711-4089)

31-1, Cheongpa-dong 1(il)-ga, Yongsan-gu

Kangsan Certified Real Estate Agency

Yoo, Taishik

82-2-446-0092 (82-2-453-3646)

200-1, Guui 3-dong, Gwangjin-gu

Sobaek Certified Real Choi, Kyohwan Estate Agency

82-2-432-8949 (82-2-469-3300)

248-1, Junggok-dong, Gwangjin-gu

Hana Certified Real Estate Agency

82-2-444-4949 (82-2-444-4995)

#105, Hyundai APT Reatail Bldg., 567, Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu

Seo, Hongsuk

Address

Directoryâ&#x20AC;˘

181

Company Name

Representative

Cheonjiin Certified Real Estate Agency

Shin, Younwook

Address

Company Name

Representative

Tel (Fax)

Address

82-2-458-5151 (82-2-876-8242)

#101, Hyundai Plaza 565, Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu

Hyundai Certified Real Estate Agency

Yang, Youngdong

82-2-354-5533 (82-2-354-5575)

17-4, Yeokchon-dong, Eunpyeong-gu

82-2-444-8066 (82-2-444-8069)

1F, 257-76, Guuidong, Gwangjin-gu

Yesung Certified Real Lee, Jongbae Estate Agency

82-2-383-2459 (82-2-383-2480)

21-62, Gusan-dong, Eunpyeong-gu

Jang, Mu-hyun

82-2-2249-0088 (82-2-2247-0211)

Eunpyeong Certified Real Estate Agency

Jung, Dawoon

Wi, Taeyoon

1F, Younglim Bldg., 433-11, Jangan-dong, Dongdaemun-gu

82-2-353-1123 (82-2-353-1143)

#101, 177-13, Nokbeon-dong, Eunpyeong-gu

Woori Certified Real Estate Agency

221-7, Sangbong 1dong, Jungnang-gu

Gil Certified Real Estate Agency

Kim, Yunhwa

Kim, Chugja

82-2-433-8338 (82-2-433-0821)

82-2-356-8985 (82-2-357-4974)

68-51, yeokchondong, Eunpyeong-gu

Kumgang Certified Real Eatate Agency

82-2-977-5775 Yom, Heungseob (82-2-972-5776)

LBA Moonchanho Realty Certified Real Estate Agency

Moon, Chanho

82-2-392-4040 (82-2-393-0804)

101-6, Daehyun-dong, Seodaemun-gu

Shinsegae Certified Real Estate Agency

Cho, Youngjoon

82-2-362-8400 (82-2-313-2588)

129-38, Bugahyeondong, Seodaemun-gu

Sinhwa Certified Real Kang, Aeli Estate Agency

82-2-338-1550 (82-2-322-0576)

180-8, Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu

Yale Certified Real Estate Agency

Jang, Deukkul

82-2-3141-1233 (82-2-3141-1546)

B-3, Paradisetel, 1596, Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu

Tuja Certified Real Estate Agency

Lim, Kyungchae

82-2-716-5100 (82-2-713-5456)

118-6, Daeheungdong, Mapo-gu

Hyundai-Hometown Certified Real Estate Agency

You, Kyoungmin

82-0707-4999-002 93-1, Hyunsuk-dong, (82-0303-0001-0072)

Choi, Hyangsook

82-2-717-4100 (82-2-717-0144)

255-16, Gongdeokdong, Mapo-gu

Youn, Seonhwa

82-2-717-0049 (82-2-702-2480)

#104, Seil Complex Store, 18-3, Yonggang-dong, Mapo-gu

Jangwon Certified Real Estate Agency Janghanpyung Certified Real Estate Agency

182

Eastern Seoul Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Jongnam

Orient Certified Real Estate Agency

Choi, Wonhyo

Good-Morning Certified Real Estate Agency

Park, Kyungsun

Joeun Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Kyungsook

Tel (Fax)

244-143, Muk 2-dong, Jungnang-gu

82-2-433-5900 (82-2-433-0082)

#101, GwangHyeon Bldg., 649-3, Myeonmok-dong, Jungnang-gu

82-2-3672-4400 (82-2-3672-4426)

1F, 321, Seongbukdong, Seongbuk-gu

82-2-939-8585 (82-2-945-8552)

867-58, Mia-dong, Gangbuk-gu

82-2-990-0708 (82-2-990-0711)

#102, 263-33, Chang 5-dong, Dobong-gu

Mapo Certified Real Estate Agency

UNI Seoul Certified Real Estate Agency

Gaon Auction consulting Certified Real Estate Agency

Kim, Changhee

82-2-987-0880 (82-2-982-1100)

#502, Nowon B/D, 717-1 Sanggye6-dong Nowon-gu

Kim Byeonggeon Certified Real Estate Agency

Kim, Byunggeon

82-2-930-8400 (82-2-930-9722)

1087-5, Sanggye1(il)dong, Nowon-gu

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

#102, Hyunsuk Bldg., Mapo-gu

Directory•

183

Company Name

Tel (Fax)

Address

Sindaerim Certified Real Estate Agency

Cho, Hangjoon

82-2-375-4489 (82-2-490-9114)

200-364, Seongsandong, Mapo-gu

Woori Certified Real Estate Agency

Oh, Youngok

82-2-2654-5959 (82-2-2654-5952)

#125, Shinhan Sangga, 960, Mokdong, Yangcheon-gu

Saeseoul Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Harkro

82-2-2651-2244 (82-2-2651-9966)

#104, Mok-dong Apt. 7 Danji A Sangga, 925, Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu

Gawon Certified Real Estate Agency

Kim, Cheonki

82-2-2654-1124 (82-2-2654-6336)

#122, Mok-dong Apt. 13-danji C Retail Bldg., 327, Sinjeong-dong, Yangcheon-gu

Citizen Certified Real Estate Agency

Yang, Youngcho

82-2-2647-8949 (82-2-2647-1025)

1F, 114-5, Sinjeongdong, Yangcheon-gu

LBA Seoul Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Seongmu

82-2-2691-1700 (82-2-2692-1113)

1006-1, Hwagok 3dong, Gangseo-gu

Hyundai-I Certified Real Estate Agency LBA Ilsong Certified Real Estate Agency

Kim, Sanghyun

82-2-2695-4998 (82-2-2696-7611)

1029-42, Hwagokdong, Gangseo-gu

82-2-2601-5660 (82-2-2606-2282)

105-64, Hwagok-dong, Gangseo-gu

Sohn Nelson Certified Sohn, Nelson Real Estate Agency

82-2-3662-5555 (82-2-3664-0304)

#104-12, Ujangsan Hillstate Mall, 657, Naebalsan-dong, Gangseo-gu

City Certified Real Estate Agency

Han, Youngjoon

82-2-860-5656 (82-2-860-5657)

#125, Sindorim Posvill, 26, Guro 5-dong, Guro-gu

Park, Naeyeol

82-2-808-8920 (82-2-808-8970)

917-36, Siheungdong, Geumcheon-gu

Cheongho Certified Real Estate Agency

184

Representative

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Park, Duckmyung

Company Name Shinsegye Kim JinGab Certified Real Estate Agency

Representative

Tel (Fax)

Address

Kim, Jinkab

82-2-869-0088 (82-2-864-1088)

960-10, Doksan 3(sam)-dong, Geumcheon-gu

Hometown Certified Real Estate Agency

Song, Kyusang

82-2-2631-0003 (82-2-2631-0048)

#104, Hyundai Apt. Sangga, 164, Dangsandong 2-ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu

Star Parks Real Estate Co.,Ltd.

Woo, Younsung

82-2-6337-1000 (82-2-783-0086)

15F, 35-4, Yeouidodong, Yeongdeungpo-gu

Um, Oksoo

82-2-784-5655 (82-2-784-5756)

#203, Kumho Richensia A-dong, Yeouido-dong 61, Yeongdeungpo-gu

Plaza Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Choulhee

82-2-2675-1114 (82-2-6298-8282)

#102, Hyundai 5-Cha APT Retail Bldg., 30-1, Dangsan-dong 4(sa)ga, Yeongdeungpo-gu

Samsung Certified Real Estate Agency

Gang, Jiyoung

82-2-814-5848 (82-2-824-5114)

263-11, Noryangjindong, Dongjak-gu

Shin-Hyundai Certified Real Estate Agency

Kim, Youngsik

82-2-817-8008 (82-2-817-8532)

103-116, Hyundai Retail Bldg., 502, Daebangdong, Dongjak-gu

Lee, Jinok

82-2-889-7003 (82-2-888-6714)

#105, Daewoo Apt. Sangga, 1717, Bongcheon-dong, Gwanak-gu

Eoulrim Certified Real Lee, Youngjun Estate Agency

82-2-588-7282 (82-2-588-7289)

1066-3, Namhyundong, Gwanak-gu

Woori Certified Real Estate Agency

82-2-888-9779 (82-2-888-4820)

1F, 1563-31, Bonegcheon 8(pal)dong, Gwanak-gu

Richensia Certified Real Estate Agency

Hana Certified Real Estate Agency

Ha, Taeyong

Directory•

185

Company Name

Tel (Fax)

Address

Banpo114 Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Dongha

82-2-595-5982 (82-2-595-5909)

M-14, 938, Banpodong, Seocho-gu

Hanbo Certified Real Estate Agency

Park, Ilkwon

82-2-532-7050 (82-2-536-8524)

3-3, Banpo Mido Sangga, 60-4, Banpodong, Seocho-gu

Posco Certified Real Estate Agency

Bae, Jungsoo

82-2-525-0024 (82-2-587-5911)

#102, 1444-21, Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu

Nambuk Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Ohsung

82-2-577-9498 (82-2-577-9407)

1F, 321-2, Yangjedong, Seocho-gu

Gangnam Certified Real Estate Ageny

Hyun, yimsun

82-2-3482-9999 (82-2-3478-2789)

#103, Jinheung APT Retail Bldg., 1315, Seocho-dong, Seocho-gu

Daeseong Certified Real Estate Agency

Park, Jin

82-2-537-1044 (82-2-536-2369)

#101, Seorae Bldg., 93-5, Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu

E&E Certified Real estate Agency

Lee, Songkoon

82-2-3486-2222 (82-2-3486-2021)

1435-6, ZoomTech Bldg., 103, Seochodong, Seocho-gu

Lee21 Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, myunglim

Century KS Realty Co.,Ltd.

Kim, Seung

Sinsegye Certified Real Estate Agency

Mirae Certified Real Estate Agency

186

Representative

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Kim, Inhyuk

Sin, Chanyoung

82-2-598-2912 82-2-598-2912)

#310, Seoktap Officetel, 1588-7, Seochodong, Seocho-gu

82-2-534-8252 (82-2-534-8292)

1F, 83-18, Banpodong, Seocho-gu

82-2-545-8844 (82-2-3444-5400)

#105, Hyundai Sangga, 426, Abgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu

82-2-517-8282 (82-2-517-3720)

#102, Kumkang Arcade, 455, Apgujeong-dong, Gangnam-gu

Company Name

Representative

Tel (Fax)

Address

Chungdam Zai Certified Real Estate Agency

Choi, Kyungho

82-2-511-6644 (82-2-540-1335)

132-8, Cheongdamdong, Gangnam-gu

G&B Lotte Certified Real Estate Agency

Park, Soonseo

82-2-548-2002 (82-2-540-3953)

#101, Daewoong Bldg, 46-20, Cheongdamdong, Gangnam-gu

Jo, Junhee

82-2-575-1006 (82-2-575-3988)

B-110, Woosung Livingtel, 467-10, Dogok-dong, Gangnam-gu

Lee, Heasun

82-2-578-0508 (82-2-578-0589)

#309, Woosung Charactervill, 467-18, Dogok-dong, Gangnam-gu

NewYork Certified Real Estate Agency

Park, Insoon

82-2-529-2089 (82-2-529-8207)

A-104-2, Academysweet, 467-7, Dogok-dong, Gangnam-gu

Rexle-Top Certified Real Estate Agency

Moon, Jonggyo

82-2-576-5765 (82-2-576-5796)

#137, Dogok Rexle Sangga, 527, Dogokdong, Gangnam-gu

Sambo Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Kwangduk

82-2-3445-9857 (82-2-540-7170)

108, Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu

Daejong Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Wonki

82-2-565-8800 (82-2-565-0505)

B-8, Daejong Bldg, 143-48, Samsungdong, Gangnam-gu

Samil Certified Real Estate Agency

Kim, Daegon

82-2-543-5885 (82-2-514-5833)

26-15, Samsungdong, Gangnam-gu

LBA Tukjip Certified Real Estate Agency

Bae, Jongjoo

82-2-543-9036 (82-2-543-9038)

#12, 4-4, Samsungdong, Gangnam-gu

Vantt Certified Real Estate Agency

Hankook Certified Real Estate Agency

Directory•

187

Company Name LBA Newstar Parksangwon Certified Real Estate Agency

Tel (Fax)

Address

Company Name

Representative

Tel (Fax)

Address

Hanmaru Certified Real Estate Agency

Chung, Youngjo

82-2-448-2002 (82-2-448-5114)

#101, Sangga, 319, Macheon-dong, Songpa-gu

Pureun Certified Real Estate Agency

Bae, Hongmoon

82-2-408-3003 (82-2-408-4833)

#103, Da Sangga, 479, Garak-dong, Songpa-gu

Koa Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Wonmook

82-2-400-5949 (82-2-401-0707)

#116, Daerim Apt. Sangga, Ogeum-dong, Songpa-gu

82-2-541-8866 (82-2-541-4012)

#107, Chunggu Sangga, 78-4, Samsung-dong, Gangnam-gu

Lee, Sunghoon

82-2-560-2780 (82-2-560-2783)

#305, Sangnokplaza, 701, Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu

Office-Seoul Certified Real Estate Agency

Baek, Changshik

82-2-508-2860 (82-2-508-5058)

B106, 823, Yeoksamdong, Gangnam-gu

Namil Certified Real Estate Agency

Song, Taecheol

82-2-557-0808 (82-2-554-3345)

703-8, Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu

Corea Certified Real Estate Agency

Song, Wonyong

82-2-400-1310 (82-2-400-3830)

1F, 51-7, Munjeongdong, Songpa-gu

#1212, Samheung Officetel, 705-9, Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu

LBAleaders Certified Real Estate Agency

Jang, Sunguk

Sim, Iksup

82-2-568-6886 (82-2-568-8448)

82-2-456-4989 (82-2-456-4997)

160-14, Bangi-Dong, Songpa-gu

Cheongdam Certified Koo, Jadong Real Estate Agency

82-2-413-4488 (82-2-3431-8944)

#105, Jungang Retail Bldg., 27-6, Jamsildong, Songpa-gu

Mirae Certified Real Estate Agency

Han, Sangjun

82-2-070-7583-5 (82-2-416-4436)

1F, A-60, Pineapple store, 19-9, Jamsildong, Songpa-gu

Lee Jik Sun Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Jiksun

82-2-470-8946 (82-2-472-4455)

148-7, Dunchon-dong, Gangdong-gu

Bexel Certified Real Estate Agency

Global Property Co.,Ltd.

188

Representative

Park, Sangwon

#126, Ssangyong Platinum, 826-37, Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu

Jun, Youngsuk Certified Real Estate Agency

Jun, Youngsuk

Onnuri Certified Real Estate Agency

Cheong, Choonsahng

Seoul Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Eungju

82-2-508-3668 (82-0303-05083668)

#1605, Hwanghwa Bldg., 832-7, Yeoksamdong, Gangnam-gu

Samsung Certified Real Estate Agency

Chung, Hogap

82-2-486-4005 (82-2-483-0021)

534-2, Seongnaedong, Gangdong-gu

Daeheung Certified Real Estate Agency

Jo, Sungju

82-2-406-8836 (82-2-406-8837)

200-73, Macheondong, Songpa-gu

Sangil Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Eunkyung

82-2-429-6300 (82-2-429-6502)

1F, 258, Sangil-dong, Gangdong-gu

Excellent Consulting Certified Real Estate Agency

Lee, Jaechoon

82-2-424-1616 (82-2-424-0880)

1-121, 40, Jamsildong, Songpa-gu

Geoyeo Certified Real Lee, Junghoon Estate Agency

82-2-404-9990 (82-2-404-9930)

554, Geoyeo-dong, Songpa-gu

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

82-2-581-3318 (82-2-581-3319)

82-2-558-0601

#317, 690-3, Yeoksam-

(82-070-7016-0601) dong, Gangnam-gu

Directory•

189

Utilities

Home Delivery Companies Korea City Gas Association

Gas www.citygas.or.kr

Name 82-70- 8282-8300 82-2-554-7721

Korea Electronic Power Corporation

Electricity www.kepco.co.kr

82-123

The Office of Waterworks Seoul Metropolitan Government water.seoul.go.kr/sudohome/english/index.php

82-120

Waterworks Headquarters Incheon Metropolitan City waterworksh.incheon.kr/english

82-32-720-2114

Waterworks Headquarters Daegu Metropolitan City

Water www.dgwater.go.kr

82-121

Waterworks Headquarters Busan Metropolitan City water.busan.go.kr/html/english/index.htm

URL

Tel

Korea Express

www.doortodoor.co.kr

82-1588-1255

KGB LOGIS

www.kgbls.co.kr

82-1577-4577

ePOST

parcel.epost.go.kr

82-1588-1300

Dongbu Express

www.dongbuexpress.co.kr

82-1588-8848

CJ GLS

www.cjgls.co.kr

82-1588-5353

SC Logis

www.sc-logis.co.kr

82-1588-0555

ILYANG Logis

www.ilyanglogis.com

82-1588-0002

Kyoungdong Express

www.kdexp.com

82-1588-7475

UPS

www.ups.com

82-1588-6886

DHL Korea

www.dhl.co.kr

82-1588-0001

FedEX

www.fedex.com

82-80-023-8000

82-121

Waterworks Headquarters Gwangju Metropolitan City www.water.gjcity.net

82-121

KT www.kt.com/eng/index.jsp

Phone & Internet

82-100

SK Broadband www.skbroadband.com

82-80-8282-106

LG U+

Cable TV & Satellite TV

new.lgtelecom.com

82-1544-0010

www.skylife.co.kr

82-1588-3002

Internet Post Office

Postal Service

190

www.epost.go.kr/main/eng/Enpost_ Introduction1.html?dp_ip=D_001

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

82-1588-1300

Directory•

191

Foreign Schools in Korea

International Shipping Companies

192

Name

URL

Hyundai Shipping

www.cyhds.com

82-2-722-8000

Yongsan International School of Seoul

www.yisseoul.org

82-2-797-5104

Corea International Logistics

www.cil.co.kr

82-2-333-1246

German School Seoul

www.dsseoul.org

82-2-792-0797

Pumex

www.pumex.co.kr

82-2-333-6533

Seoul Academy International School

www.seoulacademy.net

82-2-554-1690

Chosun Shipping

www.aecx.co.kr

82-2-773-2244

Seoul Foreign School

www.seoulforeign.org

82-2-330-3100

Tongin Express

www.tonginpack.com

82-2-723-0123

Seoul Japanese School

www.sjshp.or.kr

82-2-572-7011

Asian Tigers Transpack

www.asiantigers-korea.com/ intro.htm

82-2-598-9705

Lycee Francais de Seoul

www.lfseoul.org

82-2-535-1158

Global Christian School

www.gcskorea.org

82-2-797-0234

Ace Shipping

www.aceshipping.co.kr

82-2-3142-3100

Lycee International Xavier

www.xavier.sc.kr

82-2-396-7688

High Relocation Worldwide

www.highrelo.com

82-2-795-2604

Kokusai Express

www.kokusaiexpress.com

82-2-3143-6555

Korean Christianity 100 Anniversary Foreign School

ccslions.com

82-2-772-9275~6

Sea Road

www.searoad.or.kr

82-2-771-3311

Korea Yeongdeungpo Chinese E-School

Calspress (Busan)

www.calspress.com

82-51-512-1212

Allied Pickfords

kr.alliedpickfords.com

82-2-796-8703

Orient Shipping

www.orientship.co.kr

82-2-716-6600

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Tel

School

URL

Tel

82-2-2678-5939

Korea International School

www.kis.or.kr

82-31-789-0505 82-2-561-0509

Korea Kent Foreign School

www.kkfs.org

82-2-2201-7091

Seoul Hua-chaio Chinese E-School

www.hanxiao.or.kr

82-2-776-1688

Seoul Hua-chaio Chinese M and H-School

www.scs.or.kr

82-2-324-0664

Korea Mongolian School

www.mongolschool.org

82-2-3437-7078

Asia Pacifiv International School

www.apis.seoul.kr

82-2-907-2747

International School of Busan

www.isbusan.org

82-51-742-3332

Busan Foreign School

www.busanforeignschool. org

82-51-747-7199

Busan Japanese School

82-51-753-4166

Busan Chinese E-School (Kindergarten)

82-51-467-0274

Busan Chinese M and H-School

82-51-467-0275

Directory•

193

School

URL

Daegu Global Christian Foreign School

82-53-255-5956

Korea Daegu Chinese E-School

82-53-255-4273

Korea Daegu Chinese M and H-School

82-53-471-1422

Kwangju Foreign School

www.kwangjuforeignsch ool.org

82-62-575-0900

Taejon Christian International School

www.tcis.or.kr

82-42-633-3663

International Christian School

www.christianschool.or.kr

82-31-834-4200

Seoul International School

www.siskorea.or.kr

82-31-750-1200

Uijeongbu Chinese E-School

194

Tel

82-31-829-3481

Indianhead International School

www.iis.or.kr

82-31-870-3475

Gyeonggi Suwon International School

gsis.sc.kr

82-31-695-2800

Incheon Chinese Jungsan E, M and H-School

82-32-761-3468

Wonju Chinese E-School

82-33-764-4846

Chuncheon Chinese E-School

82-33-254-5196

Cheongju Chinese E-School

82-43-274-2204

Chungju Chinese E-School

82-43-847-2656

Jecheon Chinese E-School

82-43-644-1579

Cheonan Chinese E-School

82-41-572-8061

Onyang Chinese E-School

82-41-545-2872

Gunsan Chinese E-School

82-63-462-2807

Okpo International School

www.oiskorea.com

82-55-687-3283

Gyeongnam International Foreign School

www.gifs.or.kr

82-55-853-5125

Rainbow International School

www.rischool.org

82-2-571-2917

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Korean Language Institutes Name

URL

Tel

GANANDA Korean Language Institute

www.ganadakorean.com

82-2-332-6003

Korean Language Institute, Sun Moon University

kli.sunmoon.ac.kr

82-41-559-1333~6

Ewha Womans University Korean Language School

www.ewha.ac.kr

82-2-3277-2114

Yonsei University Korean Language Institute

www.yskli.com

82-2-2123-8550~2

Language Teaching Research Center

www.ltrc.co.kr

82-2-735-0039

Seoul Korean Language Academy

www.seoul-kla.com

82-2-563-3226

Seoul National University Language Education Institute

language.snu.ac.kr

82-2-880-5483~4

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

www.hufs.ac.kr

82-2-2173-2114

Hanyang Uiversity International Language Institute

www.hanyang.ac.kr/english

82-2-2220-0114

Kon-kuk Foreign Language Institute

kfli.konkuk.ac.kr

82-2-450-3075~6

Sookmyung Women’s University Lingua Express

klec.sogang.ac.kr

82-2-705-8088

International Language School of Dankook

user.dankook.ac.kr/ildku

82-31-8005-2601

YBM SISA Language Institute

www.ybmedu.com

82-2-2003-1762

Directory•

195

Libraries

Bookstores in Seoul Name

The National Library of Korea National Libraries Assembly Library Namsan Library

British Council

Tel

URL

Languages

82-2-535-4142

www.nl.go.kr/index.php#

Korean English Japanese

82-2-788-4211

www.nanet.go.kr

Korean English

82-2-754-7338

www.namsanlib.or.kr

Korean English Japanese

82-2-3702-0600

www.britishcouncil.org/ korea.htm

Name

Tel

URL

Etc.

Kyobo Bookstore

82-2-1544-1900

www.kyobobook.co.kr

The biggest foreign literature section in Korea

Young Poong Bookstore

82-2-1544-9020

www.ypbooks.co.kr

COEX Branch: 82-2-6002-6002

www.bandinlunis.com

Jongro Branch: 82-2-2198-3000

www.bandinlunis.com

82-2-734-9565

www.seoulselection.com

The store has various foreign books on Korea

www.ko.whatthebook. com

The mall sells new and used literature, you can order new foreign literature as well

Bandi and Luni’s

English Seoul Selection

Centre Culturel Francais

82-2-317-8500

www.france.or.kr

French

Goethe Institut Seoul

82-2-754-9831, 2021-2800

www.goethe.de/ins/kr/seo/ German deindex.htm

Israel Cultural Center

82-2-525-7301

www.iscc.co.kr

Hebrew

Libraries Italian Cultural at Culture Institute Canters

82-2-796-0634

www.iicseoul.esteri.it

Italian

Latin American Cultural Center

What the Book

82-2-797-2342

Airlines Name

82-31-962-9291

www.latina.or.kr

Japan Cultural Center

82-2-765-3011

www.kr.embjapan.go.jp/cult/cul_guide_ Japanese hist.htm

Russia Culture Center

82-2-558-2300

www.russiacenter.co.kr

Istanbul Cultural 82-2-3452-8182 Center

Spanish

Russian

URL

Tel

Korean Air

www.koreanair.com

82-1588-2001

Asiana Air

flyasiana.com/english/index.htm

82-1588-8000

Jeju Air

www.jejuair.net

82-1599-1500

Hansung Airlines

www.gohansung.com

82-1688-8880

Jin Air

www.jinair.com

82-1600-6200

www.turkey.or.kr/main.html Turkish

(Reference : http://global.seoul.go.kr/korean/view/living/liv04_05.jsp?CatNum=4&SubNum=5)

196

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Directory•

197

News & Media

Name

URL

Tel

Magazines and Periodicals

Name

URL

Tel

Broadcasting Stations

www.investkorea.org

82-2-3497-1000

Korea Focus

www.koreafocus.or.kr

82-2-2151-6542

Arirang TV

www.arirangtv.com

82-2-3475-5000

Koreana Magazine

www.koreana.or.kr

82-2-2151-6592

KBS

english.kbs.co.kr

82-2-781-1000

Monthly Seoul

www.seoulselection.com

82-2-734-9567

MBC

caption.imbc.com/eng/main.aspx

82-1544-4622 The Korea Post

www.koreapost.com

SBS

global.sbs.co.kr

82-2-2001-6662

82-2-2298-1740 ~1742

Sky Life

www.skylife.co.kr/eng/index.jsp

82-2-2003-3000

Weekly Chosun

weekly.chosun.com

82-2-724-6875

Korea. net

korea.net

82-2-3704-9995

ETNews

english.etnews.co.kr

82-2-2168-9200

On-line News Media

Radio Stations www.arirang.co.kr/Radio/Radio_ Index.asp

82-2-3475-5000

KBS WORLD Radio

world.kbs.co.kr/english/radio

82-2-781-3861

Inside South Korea

www.insidesouthkorea.com

TBS

www.tbs.seoul.kr/ENG

82-2-311-5114

www.ebs.co.kr/index.jsp

82-2-526-2639

Korea IT Times (Korea Intelligent Technology Times)

www.koreaittimes.com

EBS

Korea FM

www.koreafm.com

Arirang Radio

Daily Newspapers The Chosun Ilbo

english.chosun.com

82-2-3701-2280

Online Seoul

www.onlineseoul.com

The Hankyoreh Newspaper

www.hani.co.kr

82-1566-9595

Salad TV

saladtv.kr/en_home

JoongAng Ilbo

www.joins.com

82-2-2116-2000

Seoul News

www.seoulnews.net

The Dong-A Ilbo

english.donga.com

82-1588-2020

Seoul Selection

www.seoulselection.com

Yonhap News

english.yonhapnews.co.kr/

82-2-398-3114

South Korea News Net

southkoreanews.net

Korea Economic Daily

www.hankyung.com

82-2-3277-9900

Oh My News International

english.ohmynews.com

news.mk.co.kr/main/main_ english.php

The Seoul Times

www.theseoultimes.com

Maeil Business Newspaper

82-2-2000-2114 Yahoo! News on Korea

news.yahoo.com/fc/World/ South_Korea

English Newspapers

198

INVEST KOREA JOURNAL

The Korea Herald

www.koreaherald.co.kr

82-1588-0533

JoongAng Daily

joongangdaily.joins.com

82-2-751-9215

The Korea Times

www.koreatimes.co.kr

82-2-736-4061

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

82-2-3459-0671

82-2-2254-0517

82-2-734-9567

82-2-555-6188

Directory•

199

Hospitals in Seoul Name Seoul National University Hospital

Hospitals Outside of Seoul URL / Address

Tel

■

Gyeonggi-Do Name

www.snuh.org 82-2-2072-5050 101 Daehang-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Severance Hospital

82-2-2228-5810 134 Sinchon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul

Seoul Asan Medical Center

www.amc.seoul.kr

Samsung Seoul Medical Center

www.samsunghospital.com

Gangnam Severance Hospital

gs.iseverance.com

82-2-3010-3331

50 Irwon-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

www.hmc.hanyang.or.kr

KyungHee University Hospital

www.khmc.or.k

Seoul St. Mary's University Hospital

www.cmcseoul.or.kr

Chung-Ang University Hospital

www.caumc.or.kr

200

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

460 Songsan-ri Seorak-myeon, 477-855 Gyeonggi-do

82-31-589-4641

1198 Guwol-dong, Namdong-gu, Inchoen.

82-32-437-9231

www.ncc.re.kr National Cacncer Center

82-2-709-9117 657 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

09 Madu 1-dong, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang, Gyeonggi-do

82-31-920-1934

www.schbc.ac.kr Bucheon Hospital 82-2-2290-8282

17 Haengdang-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul

1174 Jung-dong, Wonmi-gu, Gyunggi-do, Busheon-si

82-32-621-5114

www.inha.com 82-2-958-8282

1 Hoegi-dong, Dongdaemoon-gu, Seoul

Inha University Hospital

7-206Shinheung-dong 3-ga Jug-gu, Incheon

82-32-890-3300

82-2-2258-2003 505 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul 82-2-6299-1140 224-1 Heuseok-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

Chung-Ang University www.caumc.or.kr Yong-San Hospital 65-207 Hangangro3ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul Migrant worker's Hospital

Gachon University Gil Medical Center

82-2-2019-3333 146-92 Dogok-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Hanyang University Hospital

82-31-219-5500

icc.gachon.ac.kr/gms.html 82-2-3410-0200

www.schuh.or.kr

San 5 woncheon-dong, Suwon, 443-721 Gyeonggi-do www.csmc.or.kr

Cheongsim Medical Center

388-1 Pungnap-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul

Soonchunhyang University Hospital

Tel

www.ajoumc.or.kr Ajou University Medical Center

www.yuhs.or.kr

URL / Address

82-2-748-9938

www.mwhospital.com 82-2-863-9966 137-22 Garibong-1dong, Guro-gu, Seoul

Directory•

201

■

Busan

■

Name

URL / Address

Daegu

Tel

Name

82-51-330-3000

Kyemyeong University Dongsan Medical Center

380-4 Deokcheon-1-dong, Buk-gu, Busan

82-51-625-0900

Yeongnam University Medical center

40-1, Namcheon-dong, Suyoung-gu, Busan

Inje University Pusan Paik Hospital

www.paik.ac.kr/en/ga 82-51-891-6114

Hanmi Hospital

194 Dongsan-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu

82-53-250-7114

yumc.ac.kr

www.gang-an.or.kr/index.php Good Gang-An Hopital

Tel

www.dsmc.or.kr

www.buminhos.co.kr Boomin Hospital

URL / Address

317-1 Daemyeong 5-dong, Nam-gu, Daegu

82-53-623-8001

www.bkh.kr

Gaegeum Busanjin Busan

82-53-593-4106 248-9 lgok-dong, Dalseo-gu, Daegu

www.parkside.co.kr Parkside Rehabilitation Hospital

731-1 Daeyeon-dong, Nam-gu, Busan

82-51-629-8000

■

Name

www.moonhwa.or.kr/index.php Good Moonhwa Hospital

899-8 Beomil-2-dong, Dong-gu, Busan

Ulsan Tel

www.uuh.ulsan.kr

82-51-644-2002 Ulsan University hospital

www.kosinmed.or.kr Kosin Medical Center

URL / Address

290-3 Jeonha 1-dong, Dong-gu, Ulsan

82-52-250-7220

82-51-990-6114 34 Amnam-dong, Seo-gu, Busan ■

■

Gyeonsangnam-do Name

Name URL / Address

■

212 Myeongseo-dong, Changwon, 641-560 Gyeongnam

URL / Address

Chosun University hospital

588 Seoseok-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Chonnam National University hospital

www.cnuh.com

82-55-270-1000

Gyeongsanbuk-do

82-62-220-3114

82-62-220-5114 8, Hak-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju www.kch.or.kr

Kwangju Christian hospital

Name

Tel

hosp.chosun.ac.kr

Tel

www.fatimahosp.co.kr Changwon Fatima hospital

Gwangju

URL / Address

Tel

82-62-650-5000 344-2 Sinyong-dong, Iksan, Jeonbuk

Kumi.chamc.co.kr Kumi Cha Medical Center

202

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

855 yeonggok-dong, Gumi, 730-728 Gyeongbuk

82-54-450-9700

Directory•

203

■

Jeollabuk-do Name

Major Life Insurance Companies URL / Address

Tel

www.jesushospital.com Jesus hospital

300 Junghwsan-dong 1-ga, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeonbuk

Name

URL

82-63-230-8114

Tel

Korea Life Insurance

www.korealife.com

82-2-2169-0899 82-1588-6363

Allianz Life Insurance

www.allianzlife.co.kr

82-2-3787-7000 82-1588-6500

Samsung Life Insurance

www.samsunglife.com

82-2-900-3114 82-1588-3114

Hungkuk Life Insurance

www.hungkuk.co.kr

82-1588-2288

Kyobo Life Insurance

www.kyobo.co.kr

82-1588-1001

Tongyang Life Insurance

www.myangel.co.kr

82-1577-1004

Metlife Korea

www.metlife.co.kr

82-2-2017-6700 82-1588-9600

Prudential Financial

www.prudential.co.kr

82-2-2144-2620 82-1588-3374

Shinhan Life Insurance

www.shinhanlife.co.kr

82-1588-5580

PCA Life

www.pcakorea.co.kr

82-1588-4300

New York Life Insurance

www.nyli.co.kr

82-2-2107-4600 82-1599-4600

ING Life

www.inglife.co.kr

82-2-2261-1133 82-1588-5005

LINA Life

www.lina.co.kr

82-1588-0058

AIA Korea

www.aia.co.kr

82-1588-9898

wmc.wonkwang.ac.kr Wongkwang University Hospital

■

344-2 Sinyong-dong, Iksan, Jeonbuk

82-63-859-1114

Daejeon Name

URL / Address

Tel

www.emc.ac.kr Eulji University Hospital

82-42-259-1500 1306 Dunsan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon

Konyang University Hospital

204

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

www.kyuh.co.kr 82-42-600-9057 Gasuwan-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon

Directory•

205

Credit Card Companies Company Name

Foreign Banks URL

Tel

Bank

URL

Tel

Master Card

www.mastercard.com

82-2-398-2200

JP Morgan

www.jpmorganam.co.kr

82-2-758-5200

American Express Card

www.americanexpress.com

82-2-399-2929

Citi

www.citibank.co.kr

82-2-3704-7000

JCB Card

www.jcb-global.com/english/index.html

82-2-755-4977

American Express

www.americanexpress.com

BC Card

www.bccard.com

82-2-520-4114

82-2-2000-8000 82-2-2000-8100

Samsung Card

www.samsungcard.co.kr

82-2-2000-8000

Mizuho

www.mizuhocbk.co.jp

82-2-3782-8500

Shinhan Card

www.shinhancard.com

82-2-3420-7000

Bank of China

www.bank-of-china.com

82-2-399-6268

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China

www.icbc.com.cn

82-2-755-5688

HSBC

www.hsbc.co.kr

82-2-6955-1153

Barclays

www.barclays.com

82-2-2126-2700

BNP Paribas

www.bnpparibas.co.kr

82-2-317-1700

Korean Banks Bank

URL

Tel

Korea Development Bank

www.kdb.co.kr

82-2-787-4000

UBS

www.ubs.com

82-2-3702-8888

SC First Bank

www.scfirstbank.com

82-2-3702-3114

Deutsche Bank

www.db.com/korea

82-2-724-4500

Kookmin Bank

www.kbstar.com

82-2-6300-9999

RBS

www.rbs.com

82-2-2131-6000

Shinhan Bank

www.shinhanbank.co.kr

82-2-3449-8000

ING

www.ing.com

82-2-317-1800

Korea Exchange Bank

www.keb.co.kr

82-2-3709-8080

Hana Bank

www.hanabank.co.kr

82-42-520-2500

Woori Bank

www.wooribank.com

82-2-2008-5000

Events in Korea Name

206

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

URL

Tel

Hi-Seoul Festival

www.hiseoulfest.org

82-2-3290-7150

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Festival

www.narafestival.com

82-1688-3005

Ice Festival

www.injefestival.co.kr

82-33-460-2082/ 460-2170/460-4870

Hwacheon Trout Festival

www.narafestival.com

82-1688-3005

Jeju Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival

www.buriburi.go.kr

82-64-2751~4 82-64-728-2894

Directory•

207

Name

URL

Tel

Gyeongnam Goseong Dinosaur

www.dino-expo.com

82-80-2006-114

World Expo

www.world-expo.co.kr

82-2-557-6776

Gyeongju "Korean Traditional Drink & Rice Cake Festival

www.fgf.or.kr

82-54-748-7721~2

Korea Floritopia

www.floritopia.or.kr

82-42-606-5581~4

Jeonju International Film Festival

www.jiff.or.kr

Chunchon Mime Festival

Shopping Name

URL

Tel

Department Stores

208

Shinsegae

department.shinsegae.com/ main/main.asp

82-1588-1234

Lotte

www.lotteshopping.com

82-2-771-2500

82-2-2285-0562 82-63-288-5433

Hyundai

www.ehyundai.com/newPortal/ index.jsp

82-2-547-2233

www.mimefestival.com

82-33-242-0585

The Galleria

dept.galleria.co.kr/index.jsp

82-2-410-7114

Daegu Herb medicine Festival

www.herbmart.or.kr/festival

82-53-253-4729

Markets

Hampyeong Butterfly Festival

www.inabi.or.kr

82-61-322-0011

Namdaemun Market

www.indm.net

82-2-991-7718

Hadong Wild Tea Festival

www.festival.hadong.go.kr

82-55-880-2375~9

Jungang Shopping Center (clothes, bedding, cosmetics, Hanbok, dishes, etc)

82-2-779-3129

Yeoncheon Old Stone Age Festival

www.goosukgi.org

82-31-839-2561~3

Dokkaebi Shopping Center (imported goods)

82-2-753-0342

Boseong Tea Festival

www.dahyang.boseong.go.kr

82-61-850-5223~4

Yeongchang Accessory Shopping Center

82-2-757-1881

Jirisan Herb Festival

www.jirisanherbfestival.or.kr

82-55-970-7701~4

Daedo Lady Shopping Center (clothes for ladies)

82-2-777-2472 82-2-752-9691

www.mudfestival.or.kr

82-41-930-3820/ 3822/3872

Daedo Market (clothes, cosmetics, Hanbok, dishes, etc)

Boryeong Mud Festival

Dongdaemun Market

www.dongdaemunsc.co.kr

82-2-2262-0114

Hansan Ramie Fabric Festival

www.mosi.go.kr

82-41-950-4020

Doota

www.doota.com

World Ceramic Exposition Korea

www.wocef.com

82-31-631-6501

Migliore

www.migliore.co.kr

World Ceramic Exposition Korea

www.wocef.com

82-31-631-6501

Pyounghwa Market

www.pyounghwa.com

The Korea Traditional Performing Arts Festival

www.openpan.com

82-707-506-2848/6~9

Specialized Markets

Gwangju Biennale

www.gb.or.kr

82-62-608-4114

Andong Mask Dance Festival

www.maskdance.com

82-54-840-6398/ 841-6397~8

Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market www.susansijang.co.kr

82-2-814-2211~2

Pusan Internation Film Festival

www.piff.org

82-1688-3010

Nakwon Arcade

www.enakwon.com

82-2-742-4020

Gwangju Kimchi Festival

www.kimchi.gwangju.kr

82-62-613-3641~2

Garak Market

www.garak.co.kr/market

82-2-3435-0400

Hanaro Mart

mart.nonghyup.com

82-2-3489-7700

â&#x20AC;˘Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Kwangjang Market

www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr

82-2-2267-0291~2

Bangsan Market

www.bangsanmarket.net

82-2-2266-8765

Directoryâ&#x20AC;˘

209

Name

URL

Tel

Performance & Exhibition

Flower Markets YangJae flower market

www.yfmc.co.kr/index.jsp

Namdaemoon flower wholesale market www.ndm.me

Name

82-2-579-8100 82-43-285-9122

URL

Tel

The National Theater of Korea

www.ntok.go.kr/english/index.do

82-2-2280-4114

The National Folk Museum of Korea

www.nfm.go.kr:8080/english/main.jsp

82-2-3704-3114

National Museum of Korea

www.museum.go.kr/EngMain.do

82-2-2077-9000

National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea

www.moca.go.kr/eng/index.do?_ method=engMain

82-2-2188-6000

Seongnam Arts Center

www.snart.or.kr/eng/english_01.html

82-31-783-8000

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

www.sejongpac.or.kr/english

82-2-399-1111

Gangnam flower wholesale market Other Markets Bangsanmarket

bangsanmarket.net/home/home /best/index.php

Kyungdongmart

www.kyungdongmart.com/index /index.htm

Jongno Gwangjang market

jkm.or.kr/home/home/sijang

82-2-2266-8765

82-2-2269-8855

Mega Marts E-Mart

emart.shinsegae.com

82-2-380-1234

Soma Museum of Art

www.somamuseum.org

82-2-425-4077

Lotte Mart

www.lottemart.com

82-1577-2500

Seoul Arts Center

www.sac.or.kr/eng/index.jsp

82-2-580-1300

Kim’s Club

www.htstore.co.kr

82-2-440-0998

Universal Arts Center

www.uac.co.kr

82-2-2204-1036

Home Plus

corporate.homeplus.co.kr

82-2-3459-8000

Chungmu Art Hall

www.cmah.or.kr

82-2-2230-6600

Savezone

www.savezone.co.kr

82-2-6332-9000

Megamart(Busan)

home.megamart.com

82-2-820-8500

Theaters

Duty Free Shop The Shilla Dutyfree

www.dfsshilla.com

82-1688-1110

Lotte Dutyfree

www.lottedfs.com

82-1688-3000

Donghwa Dutyfree

www.dutyfree24.com

82-2-399-3270

AK Dutyfree

www.akdfs.com

82-2-3484-9888

WalkerHill Dutyfree

www.skdutyfree.com

82-2-450-6363

Name

210

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

URL

Tel

CGV

www.cgv.co.kr

82-1544-1122

Mega Box

www.megabox.co.kr

82-1544-0600

Lotte Cinema

www.lottecinema.co.kr

82-1544-8855

Cinus

www.cinus.co.kr

82-1544-0070

Primus Cinema

www.primuscinema.com

82-1544-5522

Directory•

211

Amusement Park & Zoo Park Name

URL

Name

Tel

Gyeongju World

www.gjw.co.kr

82-54-745-7711

Seorak Waterpia

www.seorakwaterpia.co.kr

82-1588-2299

Lotte World

www.lotteworld.com/Global_eng/Main.asp

82-2-411-2000

Resom Spa Castle

www.resom.co.kr/eng/spa/info_01.html

82-41-671-7000

Everland

www.everland.com/MultiLanguage/english/ index.html

82-31-320-5000

Sajo Resort

www.sajoresort.co.kr/main/main.asp

82-1599-2500

Seoul Land

eng.seoulland.co.kr/eng/index.html

82-2-509-6000

Bokwang Phoenix Resort

www.phoenixpark.co.kr/global/english/ default.aspx

82-1577-0069#1

Seoul Zoo

grandpark.seoul.go.kr

82-2-500-7338

Yongpyong Resort

www.yongpyong.co.kr/eng/index.asp

82-2-3270-1231~3

Woobang Land

www.woobangland.co.kr

82-53-620-0001

Muju Resort

www.mujuresort.com/e_index.asp

82-63-322-9000

Gyeongju World Resort

www.gjw.co.kr

82-54-745-7711

Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park

www.daemyungresort.com/asp/language/ english/vivaldi/accommodation.asp

82-1588-4888

Tongdo Fantasia

www.fantasia.co.kr

82-55-379-7000

Elysian

www.elysian.co.kr

82-33-260-2000

Seoul Children's Grand Park

www.sisul.or.kr/global/eng/park/park01.jsp

82-2-2290-6114

A Hansol Eco Resrot Oak Valley

www.oakvalley.co.kr

82-33-730-3500

Jisan Forest resort

www.jisanresort.co.kr/eng/index.html

82-31-644-1200

Bears Town Resort

www.bearstown.com/bt_eng/eng_01.php

82-31-540-5151

Yangji Pine Resort

www.pineresort.com/pine/index.htm

82-2-540-6800

Konjiam Resrot

www.konjiamresort.co.kr/krs/en

82-2-3777-2100

High1 Resort

www.high1.com/eng/Hhome/main.high1

82-1588-7789

Eden Valley Resort

www.edenvalley.co.kr

82-55-379-8000

StarHill Resrot

www.starhillresort.com

82-2-2233-5311

Resorts & Vacation Sports Name

212

URL

Tel

Korea National Park Service

main.knps.or.kr

82-2-3279-2700

Haeundae Beach

www.sunnfun.co.kr

82-51-749-7614

Gyeongpo Beach

www.gntour.go.kr/sea/beach_01_01/page/ main.jsp?cntCode=beach_01_01

82-33-640-4414

Gwangalli Beach

gwangalli.suyeong.kr/index_SUMMER.aspx

82-51-610-4216

Hanguk Rafting

www.rvv.co.kr/rvv

82-33-375-6600

Caribbean Bay

www.everland.com/MultiLanguage/english/ caribbean/main.html

82-2-759-1940

Vivaldi Park Ocean World

www.daemyungresort.com/asp/language/ english/vivaldi/oceanworld.asp

82-1588-4888

Peak Island in Yongpyong Resort

www.peakisland.co.kr

82-33-335-5757

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

(Reference : Seoul Global Center)

Directory•

213

Sports

Name

URL

Tel

Sporting Events

Name

URL

Tel

Tennis Dong Seoul Tennis Courts

Sangam World Cup Stadium dongseoultennis.com

82-2-406-4781~2

Jangchoong Tennis Courts

82-2-2279-7721

Seoul High School Tennis Court

82-2-523-0616

Dr. Choi Tennis Courts

82-2-790-3651

Ski Phoenix Park

Soccer Season : Mid-March to Early November 82-2-2128-2000

Baseball Season: March to October Jamsil Baseball Stadium

stadium.seoul.go.kr/guidance/ guide_01_03.html

82-2-2202-3834 82-1644-0211

Basketball Season : November to April Jamsil Gymnasium

www.phoenixpark.co.kr

www.seoulworldcupst.or.kr

82-1588-2828

stadium.seoul.go.kr/guidance/ guide_01_04.html

82-2-2240-8809

Volleyball Pro Season : December to April (University:Spring)

Resorts Yongpyeong Resort

www.yongpyong.co.kr

82-1588-0009

Muju Resort

www.mujuresort.com

82-63-322-900

Jisan Forest Resort

www.Jisanresort.co.kr

82-31-644-1200

High 1 Resort

www.e-high1.com

82-1588-7789

www.kra.co.kr

82-1566-3333 82-2-463-8565

Jamsil Gymnasium

stadium.seoul.go.kr/guidance/ guide_01_04.html

82-2-2240-8746

Olympic Gymnasium 2

www.sosfo.or.kr/olpark

82-2-410-1114

(Reference : Seoul Global Center)

Racetracks Seoul Racetracks Seoul Korse ricing

Culture Centers in Korea Name

URL

Tel

British Council

www.britishcouncil.or.kr

82-2-3702-0600

China Cultural Center

www.cccseoul.org

82-2-733-8307

Goethe Institut

www.goethe.de/seoul

82-2-2021-2800

Italian Cultural Institute

www.iicseoul.esteri.it

82-2-796-0634

Philippine Korean Cultural House

www.pkch.co.kr

82-2-735-2885

Centre Culturel Français

www.france.or.kr

82-2-317-8500

Public information and Cultural Center Embassy of Japan Korea

www.kr.emb-japan.go.jp

82-2-765-3011

Cultural Affairs Embassy of Mexico in Korea

portal.sre.gob.mx/corea

82-2-798-1694

Taekwondo Haedong Taekwondo Center

www.kukkiwon.or.kr

82-2-794-1462

Hoki Taekwondo

www.taekwontour.net

82-2-336-3361

Fitness Club / Swimming

214

KBS 88 Gymnasium

www.kbs88.co.kr

Olympic Park Sports Lesson

www.sosfo.or.kr

Hamilton Hotel Swimming Pool

www.hamilton.co.kr

82-2-6393-1247

Hangang Park Swimming Pool (Supia)

www.supiapark.com

82-2-761-8201

Olympic Park Swimming Pool

www.sosfo.or.kr/olpark/main

82-2-410-1114

Caribbean Bay

www.everland.com/caribbean

82-31-320-5000

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

82-2-2600-8808

Directory•

215

Other Cultural Activities Name

Hotels URL

Tel

International Groups

URL

Tel

Residence Hotel

Seoul International Women’s Association (SIWA)

www.siwapage.com

American Women’s Club (AWC)

awckorea.net

Association des Francophones de Coree (AFC)

www.afc-online.org

Australian and New Zealand Association of Korea (ANZA)

www.anzakorea.com

British Association of Seoul (BASS)

DMC Ville Serviced Apartment for Foreigners

www.dmcville.co.kr

82-2-380-4800

COATEL

www.coatel.co.kr/english/home/home.html

82-2-6288-3333

M-Chereville

www.mchereville.com/eng/index.php

82-2-3480-6000

Provista

www.provista.co.kr/index_eng.asp

82-2-597-1140

www.britishseoul.com

Human Starville

www.humanstarville.com/en/mainpage

82-2-556-0070

German Club

www.deutscherclubseoul.com

Oakwood

www.oakwoodpremier.co.kr/eng/index.php

82-2-3466-7000

Korea Contract Bridge League

www.kcbl.org/bbs/clubs-e.php

Seoul Residence

www.seoulresidence.kr

Club Italia

www.clubitalia.or.kr

Dormy Inn

www.dormy.co.kr

82-2-6474-1515

Somerset Palace Seoul

www.somersetpalace.co.kr/en/index.asp

82-2-6730-8888

FraserSuites

frasersuitesseoul.co.kr/eng/index.php

82-2-2220-8000

Han Suites

www.hansuites.com

82-2-2280 8000

Hyundai Residence

www.hyundairs.com

82-2-3406-8000~1

CasaVille

www.casaville.co.kr

82-2-6220-4000

Stay7

www.stay7.com/index_en.asp

82-2-365-9101

Co-op Residence

rent.co-op.co.kr

82-2-2269-4600

Artnouveaucity

www.artnouveaucity.co.kr

82-2-580-7500

Haeundae Centum Hotel

www.centumhotel.co.kr/english/main.php

82-51-720-9000

SEACLOUD

www.seacloudhotel.com/eng/default.asp

82-51-933-1000

PALE DE CZ

www.paledecz.co.kr/kr/main.asp

82-51-746-1010

82-2-749-3554

Volunteer Work Beautiful Store

www.beautifulstore.org

82-1577-1113

Habitat Seoul

cafe.daum.net/habitatseoul

82-2-564-3783

Seoul Volunteer Center

volunteer.seoul.go.kr

82-2-776-8473

Leisure Activities for Children Samsung Children’s Museum

kids.samsungfoundation.org

82-2-2143-3600

N Seoul Tower

www.nseoultower.com

82-2-3455-9277

COEX Aquarium

www.coexaqua.co.kr

82-2-6002-6200

Gymboree - Hannam Center

gymboree.co.kr/hannam_ gymboree.php

82-2-749-7575

Rainbow Children Center

www.rainbowchildrencenter.net

82-2-796-2776

Ice Hockey Team (Jr. Kings Korea)

www.jrkingskorea.com

Touch and Tag Rugby for Kids (Reference : Seoul Global Center)

216

Name

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Busan

Directory•

217

Name

URL

Tel

Hotel Reservation Services Hotelinjoy

www.koreahotel.com/kh_eng/main/main.php

82-2-6098-1178

Hoteljava

www.hoteljava.co.kr

82-1544-8608

Hotel Ever

hotelever.com/hotelever.html

82-1544-2720

Hotel4yu

www.hotel4yu.com

82-1644-6778

HOTEL JOIN

www.hoteljoin.com

Oh my hotel

Name

URL

Tel

The Ritz-Carlto Seoul

www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/Seoul/ Default.htm

82-2-3451-8000

Paradise Hotel

busan.paradisehotel.co.kr/en/

82-51-742-2121

Hotel Reservation Websites

www.benikea.co.kr/_eng/index.asp

82-2-728-9730

82-2-2017-4600

BENIKEA (managed by Korea Tourism Organization)

www.ohmyhotel.com

82-2-725-8004

Hotels.com

www.hotels.com

82-2-2076-8351

INTERPARK Tour

tour.interpark.com/housing/category/Hotel_ Main.aspx

82-1588-3443

Hotel.co.kr

www.hotel.co.kr

82-2-552-6965

Hotel join

www.hoteljoin.com

82-2-2017-4600

HOTEL GOGO

www.hotelgogo.co.kr

82-2-330-4200 Hotel Together

home.hoteltogether.com

82-2-584-6505

Hotel Way

www.hotelway.co.kr

82-2-365-9010

Hotelmanman

www.hotelmanman.com

82-1688-6168

JW Marriott Seoul

www.marriott.com/default.mi

00798-601-8298

W Seoul-Walkerhill

www.wseoul.com

82-2-465-2222

The Westin Chosun Seoul

twc.echosunhotel.com/index_en.asp

82-2-771-0500

The Westin Chosun Busan

twcb.echosunhotel.com/index_en.asp

82-51-749-7000

Sheraton Grand Walkerhill

www.sheratonwalkerhill.co.kr/eng

82-2-455-5000

Ramada Seoul

www.ramadaseoul.co.kr/eng/default.asp

82-2-6202-2000

Lotte Hotel

www.lottehotel.com

82-2-771-1000

Intercontinental Hotel

www.seoul.intercontinental.com/intro.htm

82-2-555-5656

The Shilla

www.shilla.net/en/index.jsp

82-2-2233-3131

Grand Hyatt Seoul

www.seoul.grand.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/ index.jsp

82-2-795-8033

Main Hotel

218

â&#x20AC;˘Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Directoryâ&#x20AC;˘

219

오늘도 대한민국경제영토를 넓혀가고있습니다

www.kotra.or.kr

Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Appendix

9.9만 km² , 작은 나라 대한민국 영토가 작다고 경제마저 작을 순 없습니다 KOTRA는 경제 중심으로 떠오르는 아시아부터 발길이 닿지 않는 아프리카 오지에 이르기까지 대한민국의 경쟁력을 키울 수 있는 곳이면 어디든지 달려갑니다 세계 곳곳에서 국가경쟁력과 우리 기업의 힘을 키우는 KOTRA 지금도 한발 한발 대한민국 경제영토를 넓혀 가고 있습니다

대한민국경제영토를넓히는사람들・Republic of Korea 대한민국 Daehanmin(-)guk ・Provinces in Korea ・Time Differences ・Subway Maps ・Calendar, Holidays ・Investment Service Team ・Map of Korea ・Korea Business Centers (KBCs) of KOTRA

고객과 함께 성장하는 글로벌 비즈니스 파트너 KOTRA와 함께 세계 시장에 도전하십시오! 대한민국 기업의 세계 시장 도약을 위한 KOTRA의 지원 사업 해외시장개척 : 지사화사업/전시사업/수출상담회/시장개척단/해외시장조사/해외비즈니스 출장지원/설명회 외국인 투자유치 : 투자유치 행정지원/투자유치상담/외국인투자기업 고충처리/외국인투자유치 환경개선 기타지원사업 : 교육연수 프로그램/컨설팅서비스/해외지적재산권 보호비용지원/중소기업 수출지원단사업 대표연락처 : (137-749) 서울 서초구 염곡동 300 - 9 KOTRA(대한무역투자진흥공사) Tel : 02-3460-7114 Fax:02-3460-7777

Provinces of Korea

Appendix

1. Gyeonggi Province •Area : 10,190㎢ •Population : 11.48 million (Mar.2010) This is where Gyeongin (GyeonggiIncheon) rail way, Korea’s first railroad, and Gyeongin (Gyeonggi-Incheon)

Republic of Korea 대한민국 Daehanmin(-)guk

expressway, Korea’s first highway, pass through. Its location is very important for transportation development as it is a metropolitan area closely interrelated with the city of Seoul.

Country

Republic of Korea (ROK)

Capital

Seoul

Territory

100,032 km2(as of the end of 2007)

Population

49,765,383 (March. 2010, estimated)

Language

Korean

Illiteracy

0% (people aged between 20 and 40)

Religion

Buddhism 22.8%, Protestant 18.3%, Catholic 10.9%, Others 0.7%, None 46.5% (2009)

Climate

Continental climate with four distinct seasons

Time Difference

GMT + 9 hours

Political System

Democratic Republic, Presidential System

Economy

USD 986.256 billion (GDP nominal)

Currency

Won (KRW)

Flagship Industries

222

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

part of the peninsula. Gangwon Province

2. Gangwon Province

has plenty of famous temples, cultural assets and natural tourist attractions.

•Area : 20,569㎢ •Population : 1.51 million (Mar.2010)

Currently there are three national parks

Divided into two areas of Yeongdong and

and developed by the government and

Yeongseo traversed by the Taebaek

municipality, along with 23 tourist attrac-

Mountains, it is located in the east central

tions for citizens and 19 tourist resorts.

and three provincial parks designated

ICT, Electronics, Semiconductor, Automobile, Shipbuilding, Steel, Petrochemical, etc.

Appendix•

223

4. South Gyeongsang Province •Area : 10,517㎢ •population : 3.17 million (Mar.2010)

3. North Gyeongsang Province

5. North Jeolla Province •Area : 8,050㎢ •Population : 1.86 million (Mar.2010) A place known for splendid ancient cul-

The second largest industrial area in

tural assets especially in Jeongju and

Korea following the Gyeonggi-Incheon

Wanju. There are beautiful sceneries

Industrial zone. The coastal area from

with plenty of cultural sites and natural

Ulsan to Sacheon city is the core of the

tourist attractions. It is famed for its rich

South-East Coastal Industrial Zone with

cultural tourism resources including

the heavy chemical industry accounting

relics of ancient countries including

for a major part. Known for beautiful

Baekje; Donghak movement relics

coastline. Thus, it has an abundance of

sceneries, it used to be the location for

around Jeongeup; National Parks in

fish, including hairtails, anchovies, yellow

the Silla and Gaya kingdoms. Nowa-

Deukyu Mountain, Jiri Mountain, Nae-

corvinas, mackerels and gizzard shads,

days, there are abundant tourism

jang Mountain, and Byeonsan Peninsu-

thanks to cold and warm currents. The

resources thanks to stimulatory policies

la; Provincial Parks in Daedun Mountain,

coastline reaches 6,592㎞ with 1,979

for various industries and tourism busi-

Mai Mountain, Seonun Mountain and

islands. Seas, not only close seas, are

ness.

Moak Mountain.

shallow and ebbs and flows show a big difference, thus making wide mudflats.

•Area : 19,024㎢ •population : 2.67 million (Mar.2010)

Its bay surrounded by the peninsula and

6. South Jeolla Province

Abundant tourist resources and roads

islands make waves low, offering good conditions for sea farming. Seaweeds, oysters and brown seaweeds produced

area’s tourism resources have been

•Area : 12,036㎢ •Population : 1.91 million (Mar.2010)

developed by dividing the region into

South Jeolla Province has Dadohae

nationwide. Marine manufacturing

three parts : Gyeongju-East Sea zone,

known for islands dotted along its

industries are active as well.

with high development potential, this

in coastal seas of Wando are famous

northern Andong zone, and Daegu vicinity zone. There are international airports, including Daegu International Airport, with flights to Shanghai, Osaka and so on. Domestic airports are Pohang, Ulsan and Yecheon Airports. Marine transportation includes Pohang-Uleung Island and Hupo-Uleung Island. 224

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Appendix•

225

7. North Chungcheong Province

and its branches of Honam and Jang-

hot in summer and very cold in winter,

hang railways. Railroads run across

with big temperature differences. Its

South Chungcheong Province in a circle

topography captures the heat in the val-

•Area : 7,431㎢ •Population : 1.53 million (Mar.2010)

with Gyeongbu and Honam express-

ley (as the city is surrounded by high

ways running in parallel. National roads

mountains). Known as the hottest region

Located in the inland area of the central

start from Gongju city, the geographical

in Korea.

part of the country, it has a continental

center. The roads link metropolitan and

climate swinging very much between

Daejeon areas; and Honam and metro-

extreme cold and heat, cold and dry in

politan areas.

12. Incheon

9. Jeju Island

•Area : 964㎢ •Population : 2.72 million (Mar.2010)

winter due to north-west seasonal winds; and humid in summer due to south-east seasonal winds from the

Songdo Inpia construction which started

northern Pacific. But from a nationwide between northern and southern halves

•Area : 1,847㎢ •Population : 0.56million (Mar.2010)

of the peninsula. National Parks with

A geographical point connecting conti-

beautiful sceneries include Sokni Moun-

nents of Russia and China and seas of

tain, Wolak Mountain and Sobaek Mountain. The total area reaches

perspective, its climate is more mild,

in 1994 is under way with its completion

10. Busan

scheduled for 2020. Songdo New City creation project establishing public districts from 1 to 6 is attracting keen

Japan and south east Asian countries.

•Area : 759㎢ •Population : 3.55 million (Mar.2010)

World-renowned for beautiful natural

Korea’s second largest city and the best

added IT industries to reorganize the

88.91km2. National Parks have cultural

sceneries, Island’s tourist are rated

trading seaport. Thanks to excellent nat-

current distorted industrial structure too

assets that attract many tourists.

among Korea’s 10 best places. Called

ural conditions and rapid development

much focused on secondary industries.

“Oriental Hawaii” and “Bali of the Far

of the then domestic economy, it rose to

At the same time, it plans to improve the

East” thanks to natural attractions featur-

become one of the best seaports along

city’s competitiveness by growing as a

ing southern climate and volcanic action

the Pacific. It is an international business

global IT hub and expanding employ-

sites and unique natural environment.

city with ferries trip between Busan and

ment population.

8. South Chungcheong Province

attention. It plans to adopt high value

Simonoseki and flights available for

•Area : 8,597㎢ •Population : 2.04 million (Mar.2010)

Tokyo and Osaka.

Four different seasons, mild but continental climate overall. Located in the

11. Daegu

southern part of Korea with a coastline belonging to temperate seasonal wind

•Area : 885㎢ •Population : 2.49 million (Mar.2010)

zone. Gyeongbu (Gyeonggi-Pusan) rail-

Surrounded by mountains, it has a basin

way crosses the nation from south-north

climate. Low rainfall and very dry. Very

in the west, middle range latitude area

226

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Appendix•

227

The 5th largest city in Korea following

Seoul, Pusan, Daegu and Incheon, it is

the biggest in the Honam area. Adminis-

trative and corporate management func-

tions are concentrated as it has been

the center of administration, military,

economy and culture of the Honam

area. It is maintaining its status as the

Honam Plain, Imhae Industrial area and

fisheries area.

14. Ulsan

rated from agricultural and fishing vil-

lages by the green belt. It is known as a

tourist attraction surrounded by blessed

natural sceneries of the East Sea and

inland area.

228 •Guide to Living in Korea 2011

15. Daejeon

surrounding areas of the breadbasket of

•Area : 539㎢ •Population : 1.49 million (Mar.2010)

Located 167.3km from Seoul, 294㎞

from Pusan, 169㎞ from Gwangju.

Called the “middle city” for being located

•Area : 1,056㎢ •Population : 1.15 million (Mar.2010) at the heart of South Korea. Once the

Daejeon subway line is completed, this

The most representative industrial city in cation and culture will become a very

Korea. Located in the central part of convenient place to live in.

city of commerce, trading, industry, edu-

East Asia and southeast tip of the penin-

sula, Ulsan is a mild climate harbor city

and consists of the old town and new

town, and surrounding cities. It is sepa-

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

-8

-7

-6

-5

-4

-3

-2

-1

+20

※ Times marked by a ■ translates into the next day for Korea. ※ Those observing“summertime”add one hour. ※ In Europe,“summertime”is observed from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of September.

-9 15

+19

+18

+17

+16

+15

+14

+13

+12

+11

Rome Manila Seattle Denver Chicago New York Midway London - Athenae Carracci Seoul Sydney George Riode • Baghdad Teheran Honolulu • Okhotsk Wellington Paris Yangon Bangkok Hong Kong San Town Janeiro Cairo Samoa Madrid Calcutta Tokyo Melbourne Francisco Phoenix Mexico Miami Berlin Beijing

•Area : 501㎢ •Population : 1.43 million (Mar.2010)

-10

•

center of Homan economic zone with

Time Differences

13. Gwangju

I Seoul / Incheon Subway Map I

I Busan Subway Map I

I Daegu Subway Map I

Calendar 2011 1 January S

T 4

Holidays

2 February

F 7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

10 11 12 13 14 15

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

30 31

3 March S 6

M 7

4 April

10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

S 3

M 4

T 5

W 6

T 7

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

27 28 29 30 31

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

5 May

6 June

10 11 12 13 14

S 5

M 6

T 7

10 11

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

12 13 14 15 16 17 18

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

19 20 21 22 23 24 25

29 30 31

26 27 28 29 30

7 July

8 August

M 1

10 11 12 13

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

17 18 19 20 21 22 23

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

24 25 26 27 28 29 30

28 29 30 31

9 September S

9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

10 11 12 13 14 15

M 5

T 6

10 October

S 1

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

25 26 27 28 29 30

23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

11 November S 6

M 7

12 December

10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

S 4

M 5

T 6

W 7

9 10

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

27 28 29 30

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

January 1 Seol-nal (New Year’s Day) Koreans celebrate both the solar new year and the lunar new year. In addition to January 1st, the 2nd is also a holiday. The first day back at work after the holidays is usually a time of speeches looking forward to the coming business year. March 1 Samil-jeol (Independence Movement Day) March 1, 1919, marked the beginning of the Korean Independence Movement On this day, independence fighters announced Korea's declaration of independence from Japanese colonialism. In response, Japanese police and military forces killed and injured thousands of unarmed protestors. May 5 Eorini-nal (Children’s Day) Children are the center of attention on this day as their parents shower them with presents and take them on outings. All the theme parks, department stores and family restaurants are crowded with children and their parents on this day. May 10 Seokkatanshin-il In Korea the birthday of Buddha is celebrated according to the Lunisolar calendar. This day is called 석가탄신일 (Seokga tansinil), meaning "the day of Buddha’s birthday" or 부처님 오신 날 (Bucheonim osin nal) meaning "the day when Buddha arrived". Lotus lanterns cover the entire temple throughout the month which are often flooded down the street. On the day of Buddha's birth, many temples provide free meals and tea to all visitors. The breakfast and lunch provided are often sanchae bibimbap. June 6 Hyeonchung-il (Memorial Day) June 6 denotes the day set aside for citizens to remember those who died for their country. Civilians and soldiers alike are honored in ceremonies held throughout the country, especially at Seoul's National Cemetery. August 15 Gwangbok-jeol (Liberation Day) With the official surrender of Japan to the Allied forces on August 15, 1945, the 35-year colonization of Korea by the Japanese came to an end. August 15, 1948 also marks the establishment of the Republic of Korea. Seotember 12 Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) On that day we make offerings of grain and fruit from the first harvest of the year to our ancestors. Along with Lunar New Year's, it's Korea's biggest holiday when family members who live scattered in distant places get together for a reunion. Chuseok is August 15th according to the lunar calendar. October 3 Gaecheon-jeol (Foundation Day) According to legend, the god-king Tan-gun founded the Choson Kingdom in 2333 B.C. This day fills citizens with nationalistic pride over the 4,000 year history of Korea. December 25 Seongtan-jeol (Christmas Day) Although not yet as commercialized as Christmas in America, the large number of Korean Christians ensure that this is a time of celebration. More and more businesses have begun putting up decorations and selling Western style Christmas cards. Due to its proximity to the end of the year, many Koreans prefer to give New Year gifts instead of Christmas gifts.

Investment Service Team In this era of globalization, Korea is preparing to be a business hub of Northeast Asia as well as of the world. One of the engines accelerating this process is the foreign investors and businessmen working in Korea. The Investment Service Team of Invest Korea, KOTRA would like to express its appreciation for your efforts, as we are well aware of some of the difficulties you experience living and doing business in Korea. Improving the Living Environment for Foreign Investors We have been working with the Korean government, and specifically with the Ministry of Knowledge Economy in establishing the Five-year Plan (Since 2003) and the Three-year Plan (Since 2008) for improving the living environment for foreign investors, which addressed a variety of inconveniences in the areas of education, housing, medical services, transportation, immigration and culture & telecommunications. The implementation of specific improvement tasks such as providing Get to Know Korea Seminar and issuing Investor Express Card are already under way. Complimentary Customized Settlement Service With the cooperation of Investment Consulting Center at Invest Korea, we support foreign executives and their families who are newly-arrived in Korea for their easy settlement in an unfamiliar environment. This service is available even before you are heading for Korea. Any foreign executives and their families who have decided on living and doing business in Korea can communicate with our staff to get the necessary information. The range of support includes education, housing, medical services, immigration and culture/communication, etc. Invest Korea Plaza To rent office rooms and facilities of IKP, you must reach this Investment Service Team first of all. We manage those facilities and provide good quality of office services and information for investing in Korea for foreign investors, which have settled down in this plaza.

Appendix•

Guide to Living in Korea Copyright © 2010 by KOTRA All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer, who may quote brief passages in a review. 13th Edition, NOV. 30, 2010 Printed and bound in the Republic of Korea by KOTRA 6 flr., IKP Bldg., 300-6 Yeomgok-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul Tel. 82-2-3497-1013 Fax. 82-2-3497-1616 Price : 20,000Won Designed by NCC AD, 82-2-545-3634

234

•Guide to Living in Korea 2011

Map of Korea

Korea Business Centers (KBCs) of KOTRA