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A Little About Korea

The Korean flag is called t'aegukki. Its design symbolizes the principles of the yin and yang in Oriental philosophy. The circle in the center is divided into two equal parts. The upper red section represents the positive cosmic forces of the yang. Conversely, the lower blue section represents the negative cosmic forces of the yin. The two forces together embody the concepts of continual movement and balance and harmony that characterize the sphere of infinity. The circle is surrounded by four trigrams, one in each corner. Each trigram symbolizes one of the four universal elements: heaven, earth, fire and water.

The national flower of Korea is the mugunghwa or Rose of Sharon. Every year from July or October, a profusion of mugunghwa blossoms grace the entire country. Unlike most flowers, mugungwha is remarkably tenacious and is able to withstand both blight and insects. The flower's symbolic significance stems from mugungwha's root, "mugung," meaning immortality. This word accurately reflects the immortal nature of Korean history, and the determination and perseverance of the Korean people.

Local time
GMT +09
Capital
Seoul
Language
Hangul (Korean)
Electricity
110/220V AC 60Hz
International Dialing Code
82
Climate
January: -12 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius. Winters are cold with occasional rain or snow. Autumn from September-November is warm and clear, the most pleasant time of the year.
July: 17 degree Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. Summers are hot and humid, with half the annual rainfall occurring during the monsoon period between late Jun-Jul. Spring is warm and runs from March-May.
Clothing
Lightweights with rainwear in summer and light or medium weights in spring and autumn. Heavy, warm clothing for winter, particularly in view of the high wind-chill factor at this time of the year.
Driving License
International Driving Permit required
Currency
Won (KRW) The won rate changes daily. For the current won rate.
Notes
KRW: 1000, 5000, 10000
Coins
KRW 1, 5, 10, 100, 500
Credit Cards
Credit cards and travelers checks are widely accepted.

• Koreans often push and shove their way through crowds, be it at the subway or in the market. They consider it common practice and not rude. They won't stop to say sorry or excuse me. Just remember: When in Rome, do as the Romans….
• Korean drive much more aggressively than Americans. The public transportation system is terrific!
• Most of the public restrooms are floor-level traditional commodes which resemble drain holes. Also, toilet paper is not available in all facilities, many venders sell it. Your best bet is to carry some with you always.
• When flagging a cab or motioning to a person never gesture with palm up or use finger gestures. It is for animals and considered rude. Instead motion with palm downward and waving up and down with an inward motion as if you were motioning a car to slow down.
• Use both hands with a slight bow when receiving or giving objects to or from your seniors or elders.
• Koreans adore babies - especially if they are blond or blue eyed. The Koreans may touch your children without permission from you. They mean no harm.
• Koreans do not wait in line and if a line forms elder Koreans will walk to the front. In the restroom they will stand in lines at each booth instead of standing in one line at the main door.
• Koreans exchange gifts on New Years and Chusok. Do not forget to give gifts or money in an envelope to your house gentleman or lady.
• Koreans are not as affectionate in public as Americans tend to be. You may see young people holding hands, but nothing more.
• .If you are invited to a Korean home make sure your socks are clean and free of holes. You will be expected to remove your shores when entering the house.
• Taxi drivers will sometimes pick up one or more passengers going in the same direction. The driver will charge each passenger separately.
• There is great respect to age in the Korean culture. Always offer your seat to an elderly Korean.
• In a Korean meal rice, soup and side dishes are served all at once. There is no main course. Sweet desserts are not served, but tea or coffee and a seasonal fruit often follow the meal.
• When dining with Koreans do not use your fingers unless the host or another Korean guest uses his fingers.
• Don't stand your spoon or chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. This is done when honoring the deceased in memorial ceremonies.
• Tipping is not expected at small, inexpensive Korean restaurants. However in the more modern and fancy restaurants the food staff is accustomed to receiving a tip. Most of the hotel restaurants include a 10% gratuity in the bill.
• Koreans tend to dress more formally than Americans. Women wear hose and dress shoes on a daily basis, even with jeans.
• Avoid writing the name of a living Korean in red ink. This is reserved for the deceased on the official family register.
  
  
  

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