Korea lies in the northeastern part of the Asia. Korea lies at a latitude between 33 degrees and 43 degrees north, and at longitude between 123 degrees and 132 degrees east. China, Russia and Japan are adjacent to Korea. Local time is nine hours ahead of GMT.

Climate
Korea's climate is regarded as a continental climate and a monsoon climate. The climate of Korea is characterized by four distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter.

Food
In the past, every Korean household has made their own soy sauce, doenjang (soybean paste) and gochujang (red pepper paste). These three are the most important seasonings for the Korean diet, so preparing them well is an important annual task along with making Kimchi. Each Korean household would keep a series of large and small crocks or earthenware jars in their backyards to contain soy sauce, soybean paste, red pepper paste, salt and various types of Kimchi. Today, ready-made traditional seasonings are available in markets, yet many households particularly in the countryside still keep the old practice.

Language

• Hanguel
  
  All Koreans speak and write the same language, which has been a decisive factor in distinguishing their strong national identity. Koreans have developed several different dialects in addition to the standard used in Seoul. However, the dialects, except for that of Jeju-do province, are similar enough for native speakers to understand without any difficulties. The Korean alphabet, called Hangeul, was created by a group of scholars under the patronage of King Sejong the Great during the 15th century. Before its creation, only a relatively small percentage of the population could learn the Chinese characters due to its difficulty.
  
  

  Hello!	안녕하세요?	An Nyung Ha Sae Yo.
  Thank You.	고맙습니다.	Go Map Seum Ni Da.
  Excuse me.	실례합니다.	Shil Lae Ham Nee Da.

  
  
  
• Currency
  
  Korea's currency unit is won which comes in 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 won bills, and 10, 50,100 and 500 won coins. You can exchange money at the airport or banks nearby. Generally, banks are open between 09:30-16:30 Monday to Friday. Automated teller machines are in operation 24 hours a day. Most of large stores, hotels and restaurants in Korea will accept major international credit cards. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, small stores are unlikely to accept credit cards.