How to React in Various Emergency Situations

Emergency situations

When you find yourself in an unexpected emergency situation, try to stay calm
and ask for help. Remember that you will receive the same protection under law
even if you are a foreigner and have not properly registered as a resident. See
below for how to report to relevant authorities.

▶ Reporting a crime : 112

• Reporting an accident or a crime
Call 112 to request police assistance. The police will come to take proper
actions. When you call, tell them whether you are reporting an accident or
a crime, where it happened (address) and in which building. You also have
to give your name and phone number. In case you are reporting a crime,
you must give them the time and location of the crime, extent of damage,
description/distinguishing features of the perpetrator(s), their mobile phone
number, their approximate whereabouts, their means of escape and/or the
license plate number of their vehicle.
• Reporting a theft or loss of property
Call 112 in case you had a burglary and/or are injured in a violent crime. Call
119 for emergency assistance. In case you lost your bankbooks or credit
cards, report it immediately to the banks and the credit card companies
to suspend credit approvals. In case you are detained by the police as a
suspect in a crime, remember that you have the rights to be informed, remain
silent and have an attorney. Since you need a trial lawyer only after the trial
proceedings begin, you can request only for your personal lawyer or a public
defender on call.

▶ Call 112 to Report an Auto Accident
Dial 112 and say "There was a car accident" first when the call is answered and
then tell them where and when the accident happened and what major buildings
there are in the vicinity.
• If you are the victim
If you are the victim, remember the offender’s license plate number and report
it to the police. If you can, check the offender’s driver’s license and report the
accident to 112. If you are in shock or injured in your head or neck, make sure
you go see a doctor and get get the injuries examined.
• If you are the offender
If somebody’s injured, take the injured person(s) to the nearest hospital or call
112 to report the accident to the police. Perform first aid while waiting for the
ambulance. You may be subject to weighted punishment if you fail to report
the accident to the police.

Important
In case the victim’s injury is serious, you must call for an ambulance (free
of charge) but if it is not serious, restrain yourself from calling for one to
leave them available for more seriously injured victims. When you hear the
siren from an approaching ambulance, go out and show them in. While you
are waiting for an ambulance, get your health insurance card, cash and/or
other items you might need in the hospital ready. Inform the emergency
squad members of your physician or the hospital you go to.

How to Call
If you are calling on a mobile phone, simply press 112 or 119. You can call
112 or 119 without inserting any coin or card on a public pay phone. If you
know there is a police station or branch office in the vicinity, it is quicker if
you go there and report in person.

▶ Emergency Numbers


▶ Call 119 to Report a Fire
• In case of a fire
First, call 119 to report the fire to the fire department. Then let the neighbors
know about the fire. Be sure to mention that it is a fire when you talk to the
dispatcher because the first station cen send fire trucks or an ambluance
depending on the situation. When you request for help, tell them that you are
reporting a fire, how serious the situation is, the location of the fire, what is
burning specifically and whether the building on fire is occupied.

Important
After reporting to the authorities, turn off the power switch. In case it is a
fire caused by gasoline or other types of oil, soak a large towel or blanket in
water and cover it over the source of the fire. If the cause is gas, shut off the
valve as quickly as possible.
After the above actions have been carried out, try to put out the fire using
a fire extinguisher or water. Do not use water in case of a fire caused by
electric power as there is an electric shock hazard.

• Fire Fighting/Rescue
119 is a system to alert the fire fighting and rescue squads to a fire and enable
them to come to the site as quickly as possible. When you report a fire, tell
them whether you are reporting a fire or in need of an ambulance first and
then accurately inform them of the location, your name and contact number.
It is extremely helpful in an emergency situation be it a fire or an medical
emergency to provide accurate information about the exact location, contact
number and the description of the situation.


Sexual Violence Counseling Centers

The center receives reports of sexual violence and provides counseling. When
the victim needs protection, it also provides a shelter and assists her with legal
proceedings.

▶ Sexual violence, harassment and rape at work
Sexual violence refers to all types of physical, psychological and verbal violence
of a sexual nature, including sexual harassment, molestation, exposure of the
genital and obscene phone calls and communications.
Unwanted physical contact, exposure of the genital and obscene jokes are all
a form of sexual violence. Especially women should be careful not to become a
victime of sexual violence. In reality, many women experience sexual violence
but fail to act decisively because they feel ashamed of the fact. Be courageous,
report the crime and get protection.

Sexual Violence Counseling Centers
A Sexual Violence Counseling Centers receives reports of sexual violence
and provides counseling. When the victim needs protection, it also provides
a shelter and assists her with legal proceedings. You can also use the
treatment programs provided by the Women Violence Emergency Medical
Assistance Center. Call the emergency hotline hotline or a counseling
assistance organization to get appriproate assistance. The phone numbers
below do not require prefixes.
Women’s Emergency Hotline 1366
This is an emergency hotline for female victims. Your call is
automatically transferred to the nearest counseling center. Depending
on the victim’s situation, they provide information on facilities that
can provide counseling, medical services and/or protective shelter.
Counseling and emergency protection is available 24 x 7.
Foreign Worker Human Rights Hotline 1588-1138
The hotline provides counseling for foreign workers and the call is
automatically forwared to the nearest counseling organization.
The hotline is open from 10 am to 6 pm everyday, including Sundays.
The Korea Sexual Violence Relief Center : (02) 576-7128
Sexual Violence Counseling Center, Korea Women’s Hotline :
(02) 2269-2962

Your Health

If you are ill or hurt and need to see a doctor, go to the neighborhood clinic
or doctor’s office. Think about what kind of doctor you need to see and find
a doctor/clinic that specializes in that area. Don’t forget to bring your health
insurance card if you have one.

Health Insurance

All employees employed under the Employment Permit Program must have
health insurance. Once you have health insurance, you enjoy the same benefits
as Koreans. The signup procedure is handled by your employer. The employer
pays 50% of the preminum and you pay the other 50%. If you show your health
insurance card at the hospital, the health insurance fund pays a portion (60%
on average) of the cost while you pay the rest. You can receive basic medical
support even if you are not properly registered.

▶ Health Insurance Benefits Do Not Apply If
Your hospital bills are covereed by your auto insurance or industrial accident
insurance; your employer pays the bills because you are hurt in an accident
while working; or you are a victim of an illegal (criminal) act and the offender
pays for the damages.

▶ If You Are a Foreigner and Do Not Have Health Insurance
If you are a foreign employee and do not have health insurance, you can use
a program that helps you pay your hospital bills if you pay a certain amount of
membership fee. To join the program, visit the nearest Foreign Worker Help
Desk office with 5,000 won signup fee, 6,000 won first month fee, two photos
and a copy of your passport. For private clinics, you pay 30 – 40% of the costs
while for general hospitals, you pay 40 - 50% of the costs.

Hospitals & Clinics

Medical facilities are divided into private clincs run by individual doctors and
general hospitals that provide medical services across a variety of specialties.
Private clinics where a small number of specialists provide medical services in
their areas of specialty, such as pediatrics, internal medicine or orthopedics, are
relatively easy to find in your neighborhood and offer easy access. On the other
hand, if you plan to see a doctor at a general hospital, it is best to make an
appointment beforehand as they can be quite crowded.
In order to provide convenient medical services, Gyeonggi Province has
designated what is called 24 Hour Foreigner Medical Centers and provides
budget assistance. The centers operate patient clinics for foreigners during the
daytime, and medical staff who speak foreign languages are on stand by in the
emergency centers at nighttime.

▶ Specialties



Herb Clinics
Health Centers and Free Clinics
Use oriental medicine for treatment. Prepare medication using tradiotnal
methods. They also use acupuncture and moxa cautery for treatment. A few
diseases including common cold are covered by health insurance.
• Acupuncture : Treat by stimulating specific points on the body using needlesharp
objects.
• Moxa cautery : Treat by applying heat to the diseased areas using mugwort
and other herbs.
• Cupping : Applies pressure to the diseased areas using certain cup-like tools
to remove unhealthy blood and facilitate blood circulation.
• Herbal medicine : Made by boiling a variety of medicinal herbs.


Health Centers and Free Clinics

These are government-run medical facilities and offer medical services for
basic diseases at low costs. They provide basic health checkups, a variety
of vaccinations and basic medicines. If you are pregnant, sign up at a health
center before 4 months into pregnancy to a variety of free medical services,
including regular checkups and iron supplements. Vaccinations for children are
also free.
In the areas with high concentrations of foreign resident population, there are
many free clinics where voluntary medical professionals work for free. Make
sure you know where the nearest free clinic is located in preparation for an
emergency.

Pharmacies

You need your doctor’s prescription to purchase medicine at a pharmacy.
You can buy medicine for common, simple symptoms, such as a headache or
indigestion, without a doctor's prescription.

▶ Emergency Medicines
In order to be able to respond quickly when you suddenly become ill or get
hurt, you must have an emergency medical kit at home. The following is a list
of basic medical items that must be included in your emergency medical kit in
case an unexpected emergency situation arises
• Fever reducer : To take when you run a fever.
• Painkiller : To take to relieve pain.
• Digestant (indigestion medicine) : To stimulate digestion when you have a
stomach ache.
• Diarreha medicine : To stop diarreah.
• Eye drops : To put in your eyes when your eyes are tired or you have an eye disease.
• Disinfectant : To apply to lacerations to prevent infection.
• Vaseline : To apply to light burns.
• Ant-itch liquid : To apply to insect bites, itchy spots, aczema and prickly heat rashes.
• Disinfecting band-aid : To apply to the wound for protection.
• Emergency medical kit : Includes emergency items, including gauze, cotton, a pari
of scissors, thermometer, disinfecting band-aids and
bandages. The price is between 20,000 and 40,000 won.


Medical Assistance for Foreign Workers

For low-income foreign workers, we recommendthat you go to one of the six
hospitals operated by the government-sponsored Gyeonggi Provincial Medical
Center. They provide free medical consultations for foreign workers who are not
being protected by the established system and a financial assistance of up to 5
million won for hospitalizations and surgeries.

▶ Gyeonggi Provincial Medical Center Hospitals (www.medical.or.kr)


You can also save your medical expenses by using a private volunteer
organization. They provide a financial assistance of up to 5 million won
per person to cover the first time consultation, surgery and emergency
consultations. There are regular clinics in Anyang, Ansan and Shiheung, and
they also run free mobile clinics.
The Kyonggi-do (Gyeonggi) Medical Association
(Address: YoungHwa-dong; phone: 031-255-1397; Internet: www.kgkma.com)
The Korea Immigration Health Association (Foundation)
(Address: SongWol-dong, Jongro-gu, Seoul; phone: 02-3147-0516;
Internet: www.mumk.org)

※ You can also call the Emergency Medical Information Center at “1339”
(no prefix). If you need interpretation assistance, call 1588-5644 (BBB
Interpretation Service).

24 Hour Foreigner Medical Center Hospitals

• Aju University Hospital (Woncheon-dong, Suwon)
– Daytime hours : 08:00 am – 17:00 pm; phone : 031-210-4311~2
– Emergency & nighttime hours : 031-219-7700 & 7770
• Catholic University Uijeongbu Seongmo Hospital
(GumO-dong, Uijeongbu)
– Daytime hours : 08:00 am – 17:00 pm; phone : 031-820-3636
– Emergency & nighttime hours: 011-9931-3435; 031-820-3300

Foreigner Free Clinics

▶ Gyeonggi



▶ Seoul


▶ When you burned yourself
If the burning is severe and the burned area is wide, you must seek professional
treatment. First, cover the burned area with a piece of disinfected gauze, check
the person’s breathing and quickly move him/her to a hospital. If it is not serious,
it is recommended that you hold the burned area under cold running water for
20 minutes or longer. Never rub the burned area and never try to puncture the
blisters. Apply Vaseline or anti-biotic ointment to the burned area.

▶ In case of an electric shock
Shut down the power immediately. If that is not possible, put on an outfit made
with conducting materials and separate the victim from the source of the shock
using a non-conducting tool (rubber gloves, etc.). After the victim is separated,
check to see if he/she is still breathing and feel the pulse. If the victim is not
breathing, perform a CPR; and if you cannot feel the pulse, perform a CPR and
a heart massage. As an electric shock may cause an internal burn injury, move
the victim immediately to the emergency room to seek medical treatment even if
he/she is conscious.

▶ When you have a bone fracture
If the fractured area looks out of shape or you can see the bone through a
break in the skin, disinfect and bandage the injured area and call for help. Keep
the injured area as still as possible and put a rolled-up blanket or a pillow under
the leg to keep it higher than the heart (in case the fracture is in the leg). If it is
a simple sprain, use the flexible bandage to wrap the injured area widely, keep
still and wait until the swelling subsides. Apply a bag of ice to relieve pain.

▶ When a finger(s) is cut off
It is possible to saw it back to its place so it is critically important to perform first
aid in a prompt manner. Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding and
hold the hand up (higher than the heart). Wrap the cut-off finger(s) in a clean
piece of gauze and place it in a bag of ice to take it to the hospital. Try not to
touch the wounded area.

Disease Management

▶ Contagious Disease Management
The contagious diseases listed below are managed by the government and
you can get free consultations, medicine and treatment at the government-run
health centers. If you have a sexually transmitted disease or AIDS, you can get
treatment without keeping your identity confidential. Since contagious diseases
can affect other people around you, go to a health center and seek medical help
immediately if you suspect symptoms.

▶ Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
These diseases are caused by bacterias and viruses and transmitted mostly
through a sexual intercourse with a carrier. They can be transmitted through
fingers or the mouth and when a mother gives birth to a baby. The safest way to
prevent the contraction is using condoms. If you find suspicious symptoms after
having a sexual intercourse, go to see a doctor (urologist for men and OBGY
specialist for women) immediately to seek diagnosis and treatment. You cannot
have sexual intercourse until the treatment is complete.

▶ Tuberculosis (TB)
When people with TB disease of the lungs or throat cough or sneeze, they can
put TB germs into the air. Then other people who breathe in the air containing
these germs can become infected. Generally, after the first two weeks of
drug therapy, most TB patients become non-infectious and therefore an early
detection and treatment is critically important. When first infected with the TB
germ, people usually do not feel sick or have any symptoms and the symptoms,
such as coughing, gradually begin to appear. Other symptoms include fever,
sweating and loss of weight.

▶ AIDS
AIDS is a disease transmitted through sexual intercourse, blood transfusion
and/or shavers. After contraction, the viruses remain dormant from six months
up to eight years. The major symptoms include a sudden loss of weight, profuse
sweating under both arms, fever, swelling in the neck and the armpits, red or
white spots in the mouth and unexplained diarreah. The patients lose immunity
against diseases and eventually life. Since there is no cure for AIDS now,
caution is the only and best way.

▶ Hepatitis
Hepatitis causes infection in the liver cells. The risk of being infected is high if
you share food, toothbrush and/or towels with the people with the dieases. It
can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse.

Communications

Mobile Phone

You can sign up for mobile service easily at the nearest mobile phone store.
Simply pay the subscription fee and purchase a phone. You can being to use
the service immediately. Mobile companies offer various fee plans. Compare
them carefully before you sign up. To sign up, you will need your foreigner
registration card, passport, credit card and your bankbook. You can choose
your number. The calling party pays for calls. Whe you sign up under somebody
else’s name, you have to go together because you need the person’s written
consent and a copy of his/her ID.

Phone Service

Call the nearest telephone office (dial 100 with no prefix) or go to the telephone
office sales counter to apply for phone service. When you apply by phone, you
need to send a copy of your foreigner registration card by fax and provide your
address. You have to pay the installation fee and purchase your own phone.
You pay the usage fee in addition to a fixed monhly charge. When you move
to another place, call the telephone office or 100 about a week before you
move and report that you are moving. Your phone number will change if you
move to another area but you may keep your number if you move within the
neighborhood. To make a long-distance call, remember to press the area code
first.

Applying by Phone
Call 100 → Talk to the service representative (in Korean or in English) and
send a copy of your foreigner registration card and a copy of your bankbook
by fax → Call again to confirm your ID
Applying in Person
Visit the nearest telephone office with your bankbook and a copy of your
foreigner registration card → Talk to the sales representative and fill out a
simple form

Pay Phone

▶ Coin Type, Card Type and Coin-Card Type
For the coin-type pay phone, you use 10-won, 50-won and
100-won coins. Insert the coin and wait for the tone. Then
press the number to call. You can make both local and longdistance
calls.
For the card type pay phone, you must purchase a pre-paid
pay phone card. You can buy the card at a telephone office,
a convenience store or a newsstand near the pay phone.
You can choose among 1,500 won, 2,000 won and 3,000
won cards.
You can use both coins and card with the coin-card type pay
phone. The procedure is the same as the other pay phones.
Emergency call & toll free call: All pay phones have a red
button for emergency purposes. No need to insert coins or
card. Simply press the button to report a crime or a fire or
call for help..

▶ Country Codes for International Calls
(Press 001, 002 or 00700 followed by the country code, area
code and the phone number)



※ International call discount hours (30% off)
Week days : 21:00 pm – 8:00 am; Saturdays : 16:00 pm – 08:00 am
; Sundays & holidays : 24 hours


Cable TV and the Internet

In Korea, a variety of broadcasting channels, including cable channels, local CA
TV and satellite channels (Sky Life), are available in addition to the terrestrial
channels (KBS, MBC and SBS). Some local CA TV providers offer high-speed
Intenet service too. If you subcribe to both local CA TV and high-speed Internet
service at the same time, you can enjoy a substantial discount.
If you want only the Internet connection service, make sure you compare
prices among service providers before you make the decision. If you have your
foreigner registration card, you can sign up for the service in your name, but in
case you don’t, you can sign up through a representative.

Internet Cafe
Korea has well developed network infrastructures and it is not hard to
find a so-called Internet cafe anywhere in the country. An Internet cafe is
a place where you pay 1,000 won per hour to use a computer with a highspeed
Internet connection. If you don’t have access to the Internet at work
or at home, go to the nearest Internet cafe to read the latest news from your
country and play a variety of computer games.

Public Agencies

Up, Myeon and Dong Offices

These office have signs that say, "○○ dong Office” or “○○ Resident (or
Community) Center.” These are public agencies that handle administrative
affairs of the administrative units. The residents report here when they move
in or move out of the community and the offices inform the residents of the
important municipal policy initiatives. They also offer a variety of education
programs to provide quality education for residents at low cost in order to meet
their demands for cultural/leisure activities.

What does a Dong Office do?

It receives move-in and move-out reports, issues family register transcripts
and abridged transcripts, and runs education programs at the community
center(ex: Korean language, English language, arts, yoga and fitness classes)
※ This is where you submit your application for a citizen ID after your
application for Korean citizenship is approved.



The Immigration Office

The Justice Ministry’s Immigration Office handles visa extensions, immigration
status changes, approvals for non-permitted activities, location of work changes,
immigration status approvals, extensions of stay, re-entry permits, foreign
resident registrations and refugee status approvals as well as detection and
extradition of illegal immigrants whose legal stays have expired.
Internet : http://www.immigration.go.kr

▶ Immigrant Status and Foreign Resident Registration
Depending on the length of of stay, there are short-term stay (90 days or
less), long-term stay (91 days or longer), and permanent stay. For long-term
permanent stays, you are required to finish foreign resident registration or report
your abode in Korea.

▶ Extradition of an Unregistered Foreigner
During the voluntary departure period, you are exempted from the fine. Go to
the airport immigration office to get your departure order slip before you start
your departure procedures. Bring your passport, air ticket and foreign resident
registration to the office on the 3rd floor of the Incheon International Airport. If it
is not during the voluntary departure period, you will be required to pay the fine
for overstaying. You must go to the nearest immigration office a few days before
your departure to begin your departure procedure. Contact the immigration
office before your scheduled departure as there can be non-scheduled
exemption periods.

▶ Reentry Visa
If you are registered for a long-term stay in Korea and reentering Korea during
the approved stay period, you need to apply for a reentry permit. If you have
entered Korea under the Employment Permit Program, you can visit your
country after obtaining a reentry visa before your departure if your visa has not
expired. Before you start your departure procedures at the Incheon International
Airport, bring your passport, foreign resident registration and the employer
agreement (letter of recommendation) to the Incheon Airport immigration office
on the 3rd floor to get a reentry visa. If you have time, it is recommended that
you visit the nearest immigration office to apply for a reentry visa before your
departure (application fee : 30,000 won)

▶ Issuance of Immigration Documents
For various immigration documents/certificates, go to the public service desk
of the nearest immigration office or branch office. You can apply for one at
the nearest city, provincial, gu, gun, up, myeon or dong office and receive the
document by fax. Or you can apply for one using the public service mail at the
nearest post office. You can also apply for a copy of your entry and departure
records, foreign resident registration certificate and/or abode registration
certificate. In order to use this service, you need an electronic certificate
installed on your computer to have your identity confirmed and pay the fee.
Short-term visitors cannot use these services.

▶ Immigration Office Contact Information


Post Office

Handles both local and international mail. They offer financial services –
deposits, transfers and insurance services and run the post office shopping mall
to sell regional specialties over the Internet.
International EMS (express mail service) is available for expedited international
mail delivery.

▶ EMS (Express Mail Service)
Delivers letters, documents and parcels to over 130 countries all over the world
in a fast and secure manner. The weight limit is 30 Kg. You can send letters,
documents, LCs (letter of credit), books, exchange checks issued by financial
institutions and commercial samples. Some countries (Australia, the Philippines,
Argentina and Bangladeshi) applies a lower weight limit of 20 Kg or less.
Depending on the country, there can be prohibited items. Check before you
send.
Internet : ww.epost.go.kr

Prohibited Items

Coins, bank notes, remittance bills, marketable securities, gold products,
dangerous items or items that can pollute and/or damage other mail, drugs,
explosive/flammable items (paint, ink, etc.), obscene or morally hazardous
items, jewelry, items prohibited by the destination country, easily perishable
items and living animals and / or plants.


Bank

▶ Opening a Bank Account
1. Go to the bank - bring your passport.
2. Get a numbered ticket and wait for your turn.
3. When it is your turn, go to teller, get a new bank account form and fill it out.
4. Write down your name, foreigner registration number, address and contact
number(s).
5. According to the teller’s instructions, enter a 4-digit password.
6. Apply for an ATM card (check card) if you need one.
7. Keep you passport to yourself and do not tell it to anyone.

▶ Making a Deposit
Fill out the deposit form or the withdrawal form and bring it to the teller. You
don't need your password to make a deposit but need both your password and
signature (or seal) to withdraw funds.

Using Bank Services When You Don’t Have a Visa :
You cannot use bank services if you don’t have a visa. Neverthelss, it is not
safe for you to keep your cash with you and you can open an account under
somebody else’s name.
Think carefully whether the person is really trustworthy. Go to the bank
together to open an account but you enter your password. Make sure you
keep your seal and bankbook.

▶ Using the ATM
An ATM is a machine to/from which you can deposit/withdraw cash or check
using your bankbook or ATM card. The exact procedure varies bank by bank
but it is easy enough that anyone can use it after one or two tries. In most cases
the onscreen instructions are in Korean. Some ATMs have English or Chinese
instructions but no other languages are available. When you use an ATM, make
sure you remember your password. If you enter a wrong password three times
in a row, you can no longer use the bankbook and the card. In this case, go to
a teller with your ID and show that the bankbook and the card belong to you.
Then you can change your password and start using the ATM again. When you
withdraw money from an ATM, you pay a fee. The amount varies bank by bank
but mostly between 500 and 2,000 won.

▶ Paying Utility Bills
Utility bills refer to your electric bill, water bill, TV reception bill, gas bill and
mobile phone bill. If your employer pays the bills, you don't need to concern
yourself with these. But if it doesn't, you should check the amounts shown on
your various ut’lity bills delivered to you by mail every month and pay them at
the nearest financial institution, such as a bank or a post office.

• Paying in Person
You can bring your bills to a financial insitituion and pay in person. Today
many banks do not accept such payments at the tellers counter. In this case,
you can use the automatic payment terminal. You need the bank’s bankbook
to use the terminal.
• Auto Transfer Payment
You can apply for an auto transfer payment so that the billed amounts are
withdrawn from your bank account on the designated date every month.
You can apply at the bank or call the billing institution and apply by phone.
After you make the arrangement, make sure you remember the payment
date to ensure there is enough money left in the account. If you fail to make
the payment due to insufficient balance twice in a row, the service will be
suspended. Make sure you cancel the auto transfer arrangement one month
before you return to your country or move to another place.

ATM Card : Allows you to deposit and withdraw cash without your
bankbook and seal.
Check Card : Allows you to deposit and withdraw cash; when you make a
purchase using a check card, the amount is debited from your
bank account immediately after the payment. You cannot
borrow money from the bank using a check card.
Bank Hours : 09:30 AM – 4:40PM, Monday - Friday


▶ Remittance
The safest way to send money is through a bank. Almost all banks offer
overseas fund remittance service. The service fee varies bank by bank.

• How to Send Money
First, open a bank account in your home country under your family member’s
name. Bring the recipient’s name, address, phone number, bank name,
account number and your ID to the foreign currency counter of your bank. The
teller will handle the rest. Keep the remittance receipt for your record. You can
save time if you bring it with you next time you go to the bank to send money.
Some people use the telegraphic transfer (money order) service but that is
not a good idea. There are only three countries – Thailand, Indonesia and the
Philippines that receive money orders from Korea and it takes very long for the
fund to arrive. Having your family member open a bank account at your home
country and sending money to that account is the best way to send money
home.
• Using Private Remittance Service
Many people use private remittance services (brokers) when they send
money home instead of official financial institutions, such as banks or the post
office. Private remittance services are faster, cheaper and more convenient.
However, there is always the risk of losing money. The service provider often
disappear with your money. Caution is required.

Transportation

The modes of public transport available in Korea include bus, subway, taxi, rail
and air. Since Korea is a country with a large population, it has well developed
mass transport networks such as buses and subways especially in and around
big cities. Taxis are relatively expensive but are used widely because they help
you save time. Practically all cities have a well developed bus transport system
and it is not an exaggeration to say that there is nowhere you cannot go by bus.
In a few large cities, including Seoul and other cities in Gyeonggi, the transit
system by mode of transport and by route is being implemented. Familiarize
yourself with the system to save time and money.

Bus

You can use cash or a transport card to pay your bus fare. The amount varies
depending on where you go: 1,000 won for city bus and 1,400 - 2,000 won
for direct bus. You get a discount if you use a transport card to pay the fare.
Transport cards and bus tokens are available at newspaper stands near bus
stops. When you pay cash, prepare exact change. Buses come every 5 or 10
minutes in large cities, including Seoul, and 20 minutes in smaller cities. The
fare varies depending on the distance in smaller cities. Go to the nearest bus
terminal to use intercity or express buses.


Airport Express (Incheon International Airport)
Electric Rail (Subway)
• Major Routes to Destinations in Gyeonggi
(Limousine/Regular Bus Boarding Locations at the Airport)

– Suwon : 7A (Incheon) – Gunpo – UiWang – Suwon (Hotel Castle)
– Seongnam : 7A (Incheon) – Gunpo – UiWang – Suwon (Hotel Castle)
– Jukjeon : 7A (Gimpo) – Gwacheon – Suji – JukJeon
– Yongin : 7A (Incheon) – Gimpo Airport – Suji – ShinGal – YongIn Terminal
– Ansan : 7B (Incheon) – Sosa Station – Ansan Station – Ansan Terminal
– Eiujeongbu : 7B (Incheon) – Ilsan – Wondang – Uijeongbu Bus Terminal
– Maseok : 7B (Incheon) – Guri – Donong – Gumgok-dong – PyeongNae –
Maseok

• To Seoul : 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B to various destinations in Seoul
• To Incheon : 2A, 2B, 3F and 4A – Dong (East) Incheon Station, SongNae
Station, Incheon Station, SongDo Resort, Airtport New City and
YongJong Pier
• To Daegu, Daejeon, Onyang (Asan), Wonju, Cheongju, Chuncheon,
Gwangju, Jeonju, Chungju, Pohang/Gyeongju, Ulsan and Busan :
8A and 8B

Electric Rail (Subway)

The electric rail is the most commonly used mode of mass transport along with
the bus and is connected to the subway system in Seoul, Busan and Daegu.
It varies depending on the city and routes but the operating hours are from
5:30 am to midnight. They stop at all the major public agencies, bus terminals,
airports and shopping malls and are extremely convenient if you familiarize
yourself with the routes. Trains come at every 2 – 10 minutes. The basic fare
is 1,000 won and an extra charge is added based on the travel distance. If
you communte everyday by subway in the Seoul metropolitan area, it is more
convenient and economical to use the 30-day pass that allows up to 60 trips.
Refer to the route chart posted above the ticket counter at every station for
detailed route information.

Get Discounts on Your Bus/Subway Transit Using a Convenient
Transportation Card

Use a transportation and enjoy fare discounts when you transfer between bus
and the subway in the Seoul and Gyeonggi area. Simply tap your card on the
reader when you get off the bus to get a discount. However, this applies only
when you transfer to another mode of transport within 30 minutes after you get
off your previous mode of transport. This transit disount program is being more
widely deployed across other cities with a subway system.

Taxi

Taxi service operates 24 hours a day. You can tell them from private cars by
their roof lights of various colors. To get a taxi, simply wait at a taxi stop or hail
one by holding up your hand on a sidewalk. When you call a cab by phone, you
will be charged an extra fee (usually 1,000 won) in addition to the fare. There
are many companies you can call for a taxi (“call taxi service”) in Korea. Ask
people around you for a number.

▶ Various Types and Characteristics

• Regular Taxi
3-4 people can ride in a regular taxi. Has a fare meter installed. The basic fare
varies by area but usually between 1,500 and 2,000 won. Extra fare is charged
from midnight to 4 am or for corssing city borders. For example, if you take a
tax from Seoul to Suwon, you pay 20% extra in addition to the meter fare.
• Mobum (Premium) Taxi
The premium taxi service uses cars with the engine capacity of 3,000 CC or
greater. Mostly black in color and available in or near the Seoul metropolitan
area. The basic fare is 4,600 won, which is much higher than that of regular
taxi service. Instead there are no extra charges for nighttime or intercity trips.
• Large Taxi (Including “Call Vans”)
Up to 9 people can ride in a large taxi. This is a convenient option when you
carry a lot of luggage or have many people in your company. These taxis are
on call and you can call one anywhere anytime. The basic fare is 4,600 won
(same as premium taxi) but the final fare is negotiable.


Rail
Trains are the fastest mode of transportation except for airplanes. Most major
cities have railway stations, which are conveniently connected to bus and
subway stations. The KTX (express rail) is the fastest and the most expensive,
followed by Samaeul and Mugungwha. The KTX runs as fast as 200km per hour
and offers service on the Gyeongbu and Honam routes.
(Inquiries : KORAIL; phone : 1544-7788; Internet : http://www.korail.go.kr)


▶ Major Railway Stations and Contact Numbers


Air

▶ Domestic Destinations
Domestic air service is available for major cities that are far from Seoul – Jeju,
Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Mokpo, Pohang and Yosu, among others. Although
the number of passengers have declined for destinations for which the KTX
service is available, including Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Mokpo, air service is
fast and safe and the overall demand is on the rise.

▶ International Destinations
Korean Air and Asiana are two major airlines of Korea and offer direct flights to
most major destinations in the world and provide connecting flights practically
anywhere in the world under alliances with the world’s major airlines.

▶ Major Airlines

Shopping

There are many places to shop in Korea. Besides department stores and
modern shopping malls, you might find the traditional markets to be an
interesting place where you experience new things. Internet shopping is also
very widely used. Department stores and big discount "marts" used the fixed
price system and the prices are not netotiable. However, you can negotiate
price and get a discount on your purchase at traditional markets.

Traditional Market

Since the ancient times, traditional markets have formed in high foot traffic
areas and are still around to offer groceries – especially vegetables and fish -
and various household items at competitive prices.

• Things are diverse and inexpensive.
• For many items, the price is negotiable.
• There are many interesting things to watch and look around.


Modern Distribution Facilities

▶ Convenience Stores and Supermarkets
These are small stores that are easy to find in residential areas and busy
streets. You can buy snacks and commonly used household items.

▶ Large Discount Stores ("Marts")
• You can enjoy discounted prices and they often offer free promotional items.
• Convenient whe you need to buy things in large quantities.
• Things are neatly sorted by category and easy to find.
• Everything is price marked.

▶ Department Stores
• Offer 100% product guarantee and quality service.
• Easy and convenient exchanges and returns.
• Things are neatly sorted by category and price marked.

When you puchased a defective item, keep your receipt handy as you can
exchange it or return it for a refund. If you bought something at a traditional
market and they refused to exchange or refund, you can ask a consumer
advocacay organization or a citizens' group for help.
• Consumer Help Desk, Korea Consumer Agency : (02) 3460-3000
• The Gyeonggi Chapter, National Council of Homemakers Classes :
(031) 267-9331

Food

Bab (Steamed Rice)
Bab means boiled and cooked rice, and Korean
steamed rice is stickier than that of Southeast
Asia. If you are not used to it, you may get
indigestion or stomach ache. Try to get used
to it because the kind of rice you used to eat
back home is usually hard to find and rather
expensive. Try eating a little at first and increase
the amount little by little.
You will get used to Korean steamed rice in
about a week or so. If you become good enough
to cook your own rice at home, try mixing some
                                                        other healthy grains into your rice.

Kimchi
Kimchi must be the most well known Korean
food. Kimchi is made by adding various spices
(ground hot pepper, garlic, ginger, spring onion,
etc.) and salted shrimp and/or anchovies (“fish
sauce") to salted and drained cabbage and
letting it ferment at low temperatures. There
are a wide variety of kimchi depending on the
season and the ingredients used. Kimchi is also
combined with other ingredients to make other
dishes: kimchi soup, kimchi fried rice, kimchi
pancake, kimchi dumplings, tofu kimchi, just to
name a few.


Guk, Tang, Jighe and Jongol

These are different types of soup cooked with vegetables, fish and/or meat.
Whether you have your meal at work or at a restaurant, you will see at least one
of them on your table.
The name changes depending on the ingredients used – ○○ guk, ○○ tang,
○○ jighe or ○○ jongol.

• Gamja tang : Pig bone soup boiled with potatoes and other vegetables.
• Dakdori tang (Dakbokum tang) : Made with chicken and vegetables boiled in
a spicy sauce.
• Kimchi jighe : Boiled kimchi and pork. Sometimes tuna, seafood or tofu is
used instead of pork.
• Doenjang jighe : A dish made by boiling doenjang, tofu, zucchini, mushrooms
and onion in water.
• Budae jighe : A dish made by boiling kimchi, ham and various vegetables in
water.
• Dongtae (sangtae) jighe : A dish made by boiling dongtae (frozen pollack) (or
sangtae [fresh pollack]) with radish slices, tofu and
zucchini.




Seasonal Food

Having been traditionally an agricultural society, the Korean people have
learned how to live in harmony with nature and as a result have wisdom
ingrained in their everyday lives. They have learned eating seasonal food keeps
you healthy and helps you make the best of the given environment. Korea
has four distinctive seasons, and fresh, delicious seasonal fruits are plentifully
supplied. Today, they grow fruits mostly in green houses and all kinds of fruits
are available regardless of the season, but eating seasonal fruits are still the
best way to eat delicious fruits. If you miss the fruits you used to eat back home,
try discount stores or department stores.

• Spring : Dishes made with fresh sprouts such as nang-ee guk, dalle
muchim, jindalle jeon; cherry and strawberry.
• Summer : Dishes that can help you keep yourselves cool in hot weather, such
as naeng-myeong and samgae tang; peach, melon, watermelon
and plum.
• Fall : New crop grains, fishes, persimmon, pear, apple, Chinese dates
(jujubes), chestnut and grapes.
• Winter : Dokkuk (rice cake soup), pat juk (red bean porriage), Korean
tangerine and orange.



Spices/Seasonings

There are a variety of fermented foods in Korea and uniquely Korean spices/
seasonings are used when cooking Korean dishes. You will find it convenient if
you know about the commonly used seasonings.

• Soysause : Dark (black) colored liquid. Tastes salty. Main
ingredient is beans. Used to add saltiness to dishes.
• Vinegar : Yellow colored liquid. Sour taste. Looks similar to
cooking oil but has pictures of apples and/or rice
(brown rice) on the label.
• Sugar : Granules. Can be white, yellow or brown. Sweet
taste.
• Salt : Granules. White. Salty taste. Looks similar to sugar.
Be careful not to be confused with sugar.
• Artificial seasoning : Enhances the taste of food. Miwon and Dashida are
two of the most well known brand names.
• Cooking oil : Yellow-colored liquid. Used for panfrying and
deepfrying. Has pictures of corn or beans on the
label.
• Sesame oil : Brown-colored liquid. Used for savory taste.
• Red pepper paste : Made with crushed red pepper. Used to add
spiciness to the dishes.
• Bean paste : Korean traditional seasoning made with beans.
Used primarily in soups.
• Salted fish (fish sauce) : Literally made by adding salt to fish. Salted
anchovies and salted sand eels are used widely.
The latter is closer in taste to the fish sauce widely
used in the Thai and Vietnamese dishes.

Where to Live

Traditional Houses

The Korean traditional houses use the ondol system. For the ondol systm, you
put flat stones on top of the banggorae (passageway for hot air) and spread
a thick layer of clay on top. When you make a fire at the furnace, the hot air
goes in under the stone layer to make the floor warm while the smoke from the
furnace is ventilated through the chimney. Today instead of ondol, different kinds
of boiler systems based on the operating principles of ondol are widely used.
In the boiler system based on ondol, you place pipes made of coopper, among
others, and spread a thick layer of cement to make the floor. The room is heated
by the hot water coursing through the pipes. In the old days, they used firewood
to make fire but that has been replaced by oil, gas and coal. The boiler system
based on ondol is one of the most prominent features of houses/apartments in
Korea. Although many people use westernstyle beds now, it is still customary
that you take off your shoes before you enter a home and keep the floor clean
at all times.



Modern Housing

▶ Standalone House
A standalone house refers to a regular house, which is a single building built
on a unit land area. Standalone houses allow families to keep their privacy and
individuality intact and make plans according to their unique needs and taste.
They usually have the front gate and a garden and stand a certain distance
away from other buildings in the vicinity, which gives it independence.

▶ Row House
A row house refers to the type of accommodation in which multiple households
reside in a single building. In most cases, row house buildings are three floors
or less. The households that share a building also share the utility bills (electric,
water, etc.), which can help you save money. It is a form of accommodation that
is more independent than apartments but less so than standalone homes.

▶ Apartment
This is a form of living accommodation in which a number of independent
households live in a single building. It is especially popular among the younger
generation. As they share heating and sanitary facilities and many amenities
concentrate in the vicinity, they offer convenience, a clean environment and
security. However, the uniform environment tends to be monotonous and there
are usually little interactions among neighbors.




Finding a Place to Live and Signing a Lease

When you need a place to live, the most widely used method is going through
a real estate agent. You can also find ads posted in a restaurant or a store near
where you work and visit the place on your own. Sometimes you can find a
place to live through your colleagues. When you use a real estate agent, they
can check the important things you must check before you sign the lease and
help you prepare necessary documents. They can also be a witness for the
lease agreement, which can be convenient, but you must pay them 0.2 – 0.8%
of the transaction amount as a fee.
If you don’t use a real estate agent, you don’t have to pay a fee but you have
to take care of everything yourself. Before you make the decision and sign the
lease, go to the place and check everything thoroughly.

Things to Check Before Signing a Lease
- Does it have a proper heating system installed?
- Does it have proper water supply? does the water drain well in the kitchen
and the bathroom?
- Is the rent within my budget? Do the math before you make the decision.
- Make sure you discuss the lease terms with the owner.
- Check the lease period, deposit amount and rent amount.
- Get a copy of the ownership register to see who owns the place.
- Pay 10% of the deposit as a downpayment; pay the rest on the day you
move in.
- Don’t forget to keep all the receipts.



Forms of Lease

▶ Employee Quarters
Most workers employed under the Employment Permit System get to live in
the company-arranged housing, which is called employee quarters. Employee
quarters are either regular houses or modified container houses. Some large
companies have employee apartments or separate residential buildings
for employees. The arrangement regarding who pays the utility bills varies
company to company and you had better check beforehand.

▶ Jonse (Lease)
This is a uniquely Korean method of lease in which you pay the owner a lump
sum amount up front to lease a living accommodation for a certain period of
time. At the end of the contract period, you get your money back. You can
lease either a whole apartment/house or parts of it (a single floor or 1-2 rooms).
Customarily the contract period is two years, and the owner cannot break the
lease agreement before the end of the term unless the leasee wishes to do so
under law.

▶ Monthly Rent
You pay a deposit and a monthly rent. The amount of the deposit is much
smaller than in the case of jonse for the same size space. The amounts of the
deposit and the monthly rent are negotiable. If the deposit amount goes up, the
monthly rent goes down and vice versa. The monthly rent varies depending on
the size and number of the space you rent and the facilities provided. In some
cases, people get roommates or housemates to share the rent. In general, you
choose jonse if you can afford to pay a lum sum payment and opt for monthly
rent if you can't. The jonse or monthly rent arrangement usually does not cover
the utility bills (power, water, gas, telephone, Internet access, TV reception fee,
etc.) and the leasee is responsible for them. Also the space is not furnished so
you have to get your own.


Using Electric Power

▶ The voltage is 220V 60Hz
In Korea, most power outlets are for 220v. If you have an electronic device
that uses 110v, you need a transformer that coverts 220v to 110v. On the other
hand, if your electronic devices require 22v but you live in a place where you
have 110v outlets, you need a transformer to convert 110v to 220v. Koreans call
a transformers a “trans” or “doranse.” You can easily find one at a neighborhood
electric device store or a repair shop.

▶ Circuit Breaker
In every house, there is a safety device that helps prevent a fire called a “circuit
breaker.” A circuit breaker cuts off power supply in case the power usage
exceeds a certain level or a problem arises in the electric flow. If the device
does not work properly, a dangerous situation may arise. Make sure you test the
circuit breaker when you are about to move into a new place. Simply press the
test buttons (red one; the color’s green if it’s exclusively for leakage). It is fine if
the switch comes down and defective if it does not.

Safety Rules to Remember When Using Electric Power
- An electric cord with the surface worn off and the coil inside showing,
attaching the cord to another object using a nail or staples, or placing a
heavy object on an electric cord, these are all fire hazard and can cause a
fire or an electric shock.
- A loosely plugged-in cable can cause overheating and lead to a fire. Also it
is safer to use a power outlet with a cover to keep your hands from coming
in direct contact with the outlet.
- Remember that water is conductive. Never touch electric devices with a
wet hand.
- Do not plug in too many electric devices to a single outlet. This will cause
power overflow and can lead to a fire.
- When you pull the plug, do not pull on the cord. It may cause the cable to
break or lead to a short circuit.
- Do not leave clothes or paper that can easily catch fire near an electric
device, power outlet or electric cable.


Using Gas

In most urban areas, you have access to city gas. The gas pipes are buried
underground along the roads and exposed outside inside the building. Most
people use city gas because it is inexpensive but you have to use LPG gas if
you live in an area where you don't have access to city gas.

▶ Using Gas
• For Cooking
Many accidents are caused by mishandling gas cookers. Always make sure
it is turned off after you finish using and make it a habit to close the middle
valve.
• Butane Gas
Many portable gas cookers use butane gas. The gas may leak if the gas can
is not properly inserted. Check immediately if the flame is unusually small or
you smell gas. When you discard empty cans, make sure you puncture them
using a sharp object (nail, pick, etc.) before you place them in the recycle bin.
• LPG Gas/City Gas
Open the valve before you turn on the stove and make sure you close it after
you are finished.

▶ Gas Safety Check
To check if there is a gas leak, mix water with dishwashing liquid in the 1:1 ratio
and apply the mixture to the connecting part of the hose. If you do not see any
reaction, everything is ok but if you see bubbles, it means there is a leak. This
requires an immediate repair. In case this happens, make sure you get the
necessary contact numbers from the owner when you sign the lease. If you use
city gas, remember that the gas company makes a visit for an annual safety
check. Make sure you stay at home if possible and you pass the check.


Heating/Cooling Devices

▶ Cooling Devices
• Electric Fan : Many homes use electric fans as a cooling device during hot
summer months. Electric fans can cause oxygen deprivation
in case you keep it on in a closed room. Make sure you crack
the window or door open for ventilation. Make sure you buy one
with the timer feature and set the timer to 1 – 2 hours before
you go to sleep for safe use.
• Air Conditioner : Most public places or large buildings are well air-conditioned.
Air conditioners keep you cool with cold air but can cause
legionellosis if you stay in an air-conditioned room for an
extended period of time.

▶ Heating Device
• Boiler : There many different types of boilers: coal boilers, oil boilers, LPG
gas boilers and city gas boilers. The coal boilers are inexpensive but
are inconvenient because you need to replace the coal regularly. The
fuel costs are high for oil boilers and LPG gas boilers and you have to
place an order every time you run out of fuel. The most convenient
option is the city gas boiler. City gas is supplied through the pipeline
and can be used for both cooking and heating. It is also inexpensive.
Make sure city gas is supplied when you look for a place to live.
• Electric heater and mat : These are widely used for heating purposes but can
rack up your electric bill. Use it with moderation.
• Gas heater : Gas heaters are widely used for keep the interior warm in winter
but avoid using them while you sleep. If you leave it on while
you sleep, it can cause oxygen deprivation and lead to serious
consequences. Ventilate often and turn it off before you go to
sleep.

Maintaining Boilers and Faucets in Winter

When it is cold outide, be careful because your boiler and faucets can
freeze up. When you leave home for a long time, do not turn off the boiler
completely and set it to “Going Out” or lower the temperature setting. To
keep your faucet from freezing up, leave it open a little bit so that the water
keeps flowing. If you are not careful and the boiler or faucet freezes up, it is
your responsibility to pay for the repair.


Disposal of Household Garbage

In Korea, household garbage is collected separately by type for effective
recycling and reuse of resources. The wastes are sorted into “to incinerate,”
“to recycle,” “kitchen scraps" and "large-sized wastes." The recyclables are
collected on a specified day of week, which varies area by area. You should be
careful because you are required to pay a fine if you do not recycle. Make sure
you purchase the right kind of garbage bags that suit the purpose.
Purchasing garbage bags: Garbage bags differ from area to area and you must
purchase the kind of bags that can be used where you live. They are available
at neighborhood stores and supermarkets designated as the “Weight-Based
Garbage Bag Seller.”
When you dispose of your garbage, make sure you use the right kind of bags
(general wastes; kitchen scraps [food wastes]; recyclables, etc.) and leave them
on the designated location. They are usually collected early in the morning and
it is best to put them out between 10 pm and 5 am. If you do not follow the rules,
your garbage will not be collected and in some cases you may be charged a
fine.




Hygiene

Refers to a place where you have your hair and or facial hair cut, trimmed,
permed and or died. Men go to barbershops and women go to beauty parlors
(beauty salons).

▶ Barbershop
At a barbershop, men get a haircut and/or have their facial hair shaved or
trimmed. The service charges vary depending on the service you get but mostly
between 5,000 and 10,000 won. Barbershops in the downtown area of a large
city will charge you a little more. Be advised that there are some large city
places that look like barbershops from outside but actually are adult massage
parlors that charge steep fees.

▶ Beauty Salon
Beauty salons or beauty parlors used to cater to women clients only but they
have many male clients today. You can get a perm or a hair cut, have your
hair dyed, your fingers manicured, or get a makeup. The service charges vary
depending on the service. For a simple hair cut, you are most likely to pay
around 8,000 won and for a perm, the range becomes wider from 20,000 won
to 100,000 won or higher.


▶ Public Bath Facilities
The temperature of the water in the large bathtub in an average public bath
house is 43 - 45℃ while the interior temperature of a Korean sauna (hot room)
is 40 - 70℃. The interior temperature of a dry sauna is 70 - 100℃ while the
temperature in a regular sauna is between 70 - 130℃. If you use one that is
right for your body for an appropriate time period, these baths/saunas can
help stimulate metabolism, relieve stress and ease muscle pains. The Korean
public bath facilities are divided into bath houses, saunas and Korean hot room
saunas.
• Public bath houses : Have tubs and showering facilities
(Fee : About 3,0000 – 5,000 won)
• Sauna : Have tubs, showering facilities and rest areas
(Fee : About 3,0000 – 5,000 won)
• Korean sauna (hot rooms) : Have tubs, showering facilities, rest areas and
sleeping rooms; except for the tub rooms, men
and women share the rest of the facilities
(Fee : About 7,000 – 10,000 won)
The admission fee for saunas and Korean saunas include access to the rest
area, sleeping rooms, fitness rooms and other facilities. Most men use the soap
provided while women bring their own soap and lotion. You can use the one
provided or purchase a new one at the spot. When you buy food, use grooming
service and/or massages, you should pay extra. You can get a body scrubbing
service if you pay 10,000 won or so.

Safety Precautions
- If you are pregnant or have a heart condition, do not use sauna.
- You will sweat a lot - drink water every 30 minutes or so to stay hydrated.
- After drinking liquor, avoid sweating in hot rooms as you can get easily
dehydrated.
- If you have a skin condition or a contagious disease, never go to public
bath facilities.

Three Things That You Should Never Do in a Public Bath Facility
- Getting into the tub with your underwear on: Strictly prohibited.
- Scrubbing your body while in a bathtub : Strictly prohibited.
- Washing your laundry : Strictly prohibited.


Other Amenities

▶ Photocopy & Fax
Many stationary stores have photocopy and fax machines but they are mostly
for black-and-white copies. For color photocopies, go to one of the bigger
stores.
The fee varies depending on the paper size. They charge about 50 won for A4
size one black-and-white photocopy. For fax service, they charge between 500
and 1,000 won for sending one page A4 size document.

▶ Photo Printing
To get your photos printed, go to a photo print shop. If you use a film camera,
leave your film at the shop, and if you use a digital camera, leave your memory
chip or a CD containing your picture files.


▶ Restrooms
Public restrooms can be found in public parks, public buildings, subway stations
and gas stations. They are all accessible free of charge. In most cases, the
ones for women and the ones for men are separated. They use various signs,
including "W.C.." "화장실,” “Toilet,” “化粧室” and in some cases picture signs.