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Keep your concierge’s number on speed dial There are four distinct seasons: winter (Dec-Feb) is icy, dry and hazy; spring can be windy and dusty, but blossom-lovely; summer (Jun-Aug) is steamy and wet; autumn months are foliage fabulous and clear Incheon International Airport into downtown Seoul by regular cab: 60 mins / 60,000 won (20% surcharge midnight-4am); by deluxe ‘Mobeom’ cab: 90,000 won Taxis are plentiful. There are two types: deluxe black cost double, regular are grey, white, blue + orange. Or else the subway is super easy and efficient, or try Korea’s answer to Uber, There are multiple address systems in Korea, though most have now adopted the new naming convention, it’s still a good idea to call ahead and use landmarks Be sure to bring addresses in Korean as every car is wired with a life-saving, on-the-dot GPS navigator. If that fails, have your taxi driver call for directions Outside the hotels, almost no one speaks English, so keep an interpreter on speed dial (see Very Useful) There’s no need to tip, a smile will do nicely, thank you Seoulites are extremely image conscious and often outwardly conservative, you will be judged on your appearance – avoid plunging necklines and g-strings as outerwear, or you will be treated accordingly When meeting locals, note that your age will be the first topic of conversation (rather than the weather). Be prepared to divulge, or tactfully divert the issue Some restaurants and temples require shoes off Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash-up at English language ATMs (see Shop/Myeongdong and Shop/Itaewon) Int’l code for Seoul is +82 2. If calling a local landline from a mobile, dial 02 first, dial 010 for mobiles Emergencies/fire 119, police 112, medical aid 1339

These Korean phrases will come in handy...

Annyeong haseyo Annyeonghi gaseyo / gyeseyo Gamsa hamnida Yeogiyo!

: Hello there : Bye bye : Thanks, ever so : Yo, waiter, over here! Yo, taxi driver, stop! ’kay, let’s party...