Pyeongtaek City Foreigner Guide

Major Contact Numbers
▶ Emergency Calls
▶ Civil Service Consultation
▶ Support Organizations for
Foreign Residents Services and
Contact Numbers
▶ Information Calls and Websites

Emergency Calls
Cases TEL Description

Telephone issues 100 The telephone is not functioning
Crime 112 Theft, assault, etc
Fire / First-Aid / Rescue 119 For fire emergencies or injuries requiring emergency medical service
Accidents / Civil Affairs 120 Call for any complicated events or issues
Water Service Problems 121 Civil service consultation and reporting of problems related to water
service
Electrical Power Service Problems 123 For power outages or possibilities of electric shock
Environmental Pollution 128 Environmental pollution and destruction are punishable by law
Emergency Medical Services 129 Emergency medical service is required

Lost Child / Runaway Report 182 A child has been lost Or has run away from home
Privacy Infringement 1336 Private information has been stolen.
Emergency Medical Service during
Consecutive Holidays 1339 Emergency medical service is required during consecutive holidays
Women In Crisis 1366 Hidden family and sexual violence

Child Protective Services 1577-1391 Never hit a child! Child abuse is a crime.
Civil Service Consultation
Inquiries TEL Description

Directory Services 114 What is the phone number for OOO?
Accurate Standard Time 116 What time is it now in New York?
Weather 131 A typhoon? Never. The forecast said it would be clear all week
Law Information 132 Know the law for smart prevention and counteraction
Information and Consultation
related to Post Office 1588-1300 Inquiries related to the postal service
Foreign Tourist Bureau 1330 Information for tourists in various languages 24 hours a day all
through the year
Traffic Conditions 1333 In a traffic jam? Information to avoid and get out of traffic jams
Bank Service 1369 Banking services

Teen Harassment 1388 Consultations or reporting of cases of teen harassment
Corruption 1398 Consultation or reporting of corruption

Prohibited / Illegal Food Report 1399 Consultation or reporting of prohibited or illegal food
Seoul 02, Gyeonggi-Do 031, Incheon 032, Gangwon-Do 033, Chungcheong-

nam-Do 041, Daejeon 042, Chungcheongbuk-Do 043, Busan 051, Ulsan 052,
Telephone Area Codes
Daegu 053, Gyeongsangbuk-Do 054, Gyeongsangnam-Do 055, Jeollanam-Do
061, Gwangju 062, Jeollabuk-Do 063, Jeju 064
04 Guide for Foreigners Living in Pyeongtaek

Guide for Foreigners
Living in Pyeongtaek
Support Organizations for Foreign

Residents Services and Contact Numbers
Organizations TEL Services

Planning & Budget Dept. 659-5101 General administration and coordination for support of foreign
residents in Pyeongtaek
Welfare Administration
Dept. 659-4323 Education through home visits of Multiculture Family
659-5324
Enterprise Economy
Support for foreign investment companies
Pyeongtaek Dept.
Municipal Pyeongtaek Health 659-4558 Health care service for female marriage immigrants and their children
Government Center
659-4739 Free medical examinations for foreign residents
Songtan Health Center 610-8567 Free medical examinations for foreign residents
Women’s Hall 659-4951 Teaching Korean and skills and providing assistance for adaptation
for foreign residents

Pyeongtaek Police Station 8053-0376 Ensuring safety for foreigners residing in Pyeongtaek
Suwon Immigration Office 278-3316 Foreigner registration, extension of stay, application for citizenship
- Business related to foreign worker employment permit system
646-1260
- Instruction, monitoring and guidance for workplaces employing
Pyeongtaek Job Center foreign workers
- Business for foreigners residing in Korea
- Research and policy suggestion for supporting foreign residents
Pyeongtaek Multiculture Family
Center
659-8196 - Cultivating instructors for teaching Korean to and supporting
foreign residents
- Teaching Korean and skills and providing assistance for adaptation
for foreign residents
Pyeongtaek Migrant Community
Center
652-8855 - Consultation regarding difficulties faced by foreigners
- Providing a place for sharing information and friendship and
cultural events
Burak Community Social Welfare Center 611-4820 Teaching Korean to female marriage immigrants and operating
self-supporting groups
Hapjeong Community Social Welfare Center 655-5337 Teaching Korean to foreign residents
Hyeondeok Elementary School 682-2628 Teaching Korean and providing assistance for adaptation for female
immigrants
Wonpyeong-Dong Residents’ Committee 659-4879 Cultural experience program
Multiculture Family Support Education Counseling and Culture Program for

Center
659-4323 Multiculture Family
Korean Language School “Make Kimchi”
Fall Sports Meeting of Immigrants Vocational Education
Major Contact Numbers 05

Information Calls and Websites
Organizations TEL Homepage

Pyeongtaek Municipal Government 653-3000 http://www.pyeongtaek.go.kr
Pyeongtaek Council 610-8265 http://www.ptcouncil.net
Pyeongtaek Police Station 657-0112 http://pt.ggpolice.go.kr/
Pyeongtaek Office of Education 650-1205 http://www.goept.kr/
Pyeongtaek Fire Station 652-1119 http://www.pt119.or.kr
Songtan Fire Station 662-2119 http://www.st119.or.kr
Pyeongtaek Post Office 655-2800 http://450.epost.go.kr/
Suwon Immigration Bureau 278-3316 http://suwon.immigration.go.kr/
National Health Insurance Corporation 1577-1000 www.nhic.or.kr
Pyeongtaek Job Center 646-1266 http://pyeongtaek.jobcenter.go.kr
Korea Telecom 100 www.kt.co.kr
Korea Electric Power Corporation 123 www.kepco.co.kr
Korea Railroad 1544-7788 http://www.korail.com/
Korean Airline 1588-2001 http://kr.koreanair.com/
Asiana Airline 1588-8000 http://www.flyasiana.com/
Incheon International Airport (032)741-0114 http://www.airport.kr/
Gimpo International Airport (02)2660-2475 http://gimpo.airport.co.kr/
Bagae General Hospital 652-2121 http://www.bagaehospital.com/ (41-2 Pyeongtaek-Dong)
Goodmorning Hospital 652-2981 http://www.goodmhospital.co.kr/ (883 Hapjeong-Dong)

Pyeongtaek Dongyang
Express Bus Terminal 655-2453 55-5 Pyeongtaek-Dong
Pyeongtaek Inter-City Bus Terminal 652-2618 185-245 Pyeongtaek-Dong
Songtan Inter-City Bus Terminal 662-5331 770-6 Jisan-Dong
China 02) 738-1038 FAX 738-1077, 54 Hyoja-Dong, Jongno-Gu
Philippines 02) 796-7387 FAX 796-0827, 34-44 Jinseong Bdg., Itaewon 1-Dong, Yongsan-Gu
Thailand 02) 795-3098 FAX 798-3448, 653-7 Hannam-Dong, Yongsan-Gu
Vietnam 02) 739-2065 FAX 739-2064, 58 Samcheong-Dong, Jongno-Gu

Embassy in Korea
Indonesia 02) 783-5675 FAX 780-4280, 55 Yeoui-Dong, Yeongdeungpo-Gu
USA 02) 397-4114 FAX 795-3606, 32 Sejong-Ro, Jongno-Gu
Sri Lanka 02) 735-2966 FAX 737-9577, Unit No. 2002, Gyobo Bdg., Jongno 1-Ga, Jongno-Gu
Mongolia 02) 794-1350 FAX 794-7605, 33-5 Hannam-Dong, Yongsan-Gu
Japan 02) 2170-5200 FAX 734-4528, 18-11 Junghak-Dong, Jongno-Gu
Uzbekistan 02) 574-6554 FAX 578-0576, 701 Diplomatic Center, 1376-1 Seocho 2-Dong, Seocho-Gu

Information on the
Republic of Korea
▶ History
▶ Location / Population
▶ Weather
▶ Language
▶ National Flag (Taegeukgi)
▶ Political System
▶ Religions
▶ Etiquette
▶ Food
▶ Holidays
▶ Education
Information on the Republic of Korea
History
Gojoseon
Dangun Wanggeom, the son of the legendary Hwanwung, was the founder
of Gojoseon. It was a society of ancient culture with advanced agrarian and
Bronze Age civilizations. Militarily, Gojoseon was strong enough to compete
against the Yen Dynasty in China but in its bid against the Yen, lost power
due to the invasion. Gojoseon then became Wiman Joseon as Wiman, escaping
from the Han Dynasty, took Gojoseon.
As the power of Wiman Joseon diminished, several tribal states merged and
Buyeo was founded. Jumong, the son of Haemosu who was the general of
Buyeo, established Goguryeo. Onjo, the son of Jumong, founded Baekje. And
the legendary Bak Hyeokgeose established Silla.
Era of Three Kingdoms

As the Era of Three Kingdoms--the Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla--began, each
Kingdom had its heyday. The first Kingdom rising to power was Baekje, during
the reign of King Geunchogo in the 4th century. The next to follow was Gogu-
ryeo, during the reign of King Gwanggaeto in the 5th century. King Gwanggaeto
suppressed Baekje and aided Silla when the Japanese invaded. King Gwang-
gaeto extended his territory into almost all of Manchuria in China. Following its
peak during the reign of King Jinheung in the 6th century, Silla brought down
both Goguryeo and Baekje with help from the Tang Dynasty. Finally, the Era of
the Unified Silla began.
Unified Silla – Era of the Later Three Kingdoms

With the weakening of the Unified Silla, post-Baekje and post-Goguryeo realms
were established by Gyeon Hweon and Gung Ye, respectively. In post-Gogu-
ryeo, Wang Geon expelled Gung Ye to establish Goryeo. At the point when King
Gyeongsun of the Unified Silla surrendered to Wang Geon and post-Baekje had
faded due to internal power struggles, Goryeo opened a new era by bringing
and end to the post-Baekje state.

Goryeo
To strengthen sovereign power after its foundation, Goryeo implemented the
a Review Act and Civil Service Examination System. Goryeo built the Thousand
League Wall in the north to prevent invasion of barbarians. A military reign was
established by the rebellion of Jeong Jungbu in 1170 and Choi Chungheon
took over the reins of government. The Mongol Invasion began in 1230 and
the Royal Dynasty moved its capital to Ganghwa-Do (island) when it failed to
protect the original capital from being overrun. Goryeo collaped as Yi Seonggye
withdrew his army from Wihwa-Do (island) in 1392.
Joseon
Republic of Korea
The kings of Joseon put forth tremendous endeavor to stabilize the civic life
and strengthen sovereign power after the establishment of Joseon. In the reign
of King Sejong, the country achieved impressive development in all areas in-
cluding literature and science. In the later Joseon Dynasty,
rule of government began from King Sunjong, who
instituted royal authority being retained
by a specific clan. The lives of the
farming community were greatly
impoverished due to this rule
and a number of peasant revolts
occurred. The regent Heungseon Daewongun
seized power and forced a policy of isolationism on the
country (Soeguk Policy). The enlightenment policy of Empress Myeongseong
opposed this policy and conflict between these two powers began.
Modernization
Two great powers existed at the end of Joseon Dynasty: one was a wijeonng
cheokksa (the defense of orthodoxy and the rejection heterodoxy) faction that
looked to China and the other a modernizing faction that looked to Japan and
Western culture. The conflict between these two factions was in fact a conflict
between Japan and China. As both countries kept a close eye on Joseon, an in-
evitable Sino-Japanese War occurred, with Japan the eventual victor. Following
this, Japan began to meddle in the internal affairs of Joseon and a movement
supporting a return to the feudal regime of the past occurred. Japan interrupted
this movement and increasingly suppressed Joseon, causing Joseon to turn to-
ward Russia instead.
Information on the Republic of Korea 09
Hindered in its efforts, Japan momentarily retreated but soon began pressing
Joseon again. With the success of the First World War and the Russo-Japanese
War, Japan publicly declared Joseon to be a Japanese colony.
Following Independence from Japanese Imperialism

With Japan’s defeat in the Second World War, Joseon regained its indepen-
dence. But with the trusteeship proposed by the U.S. and Russia, an internal
ideological dispute took place with Korea, which expanded to tragic conflict.
Thus, South and North Korea established their own governments and this is
the main reason for the heartrending division of the Korean peninsula. Within
two years after the establishment of independent governments, North Korea
attacked the South, beginning the Korean War. The Korean War pitted the two
Koreas against each other, obliterating any opportunity for cooperation.
Location / Population
▶▶ The Republic of Korea is bordered by China and Russian to the north in Far-
East Asia. Korea, located between China and Japan, is a peninsular country
with the Yellow Sea to the West and the East Sea to the east. About 70% of
the territory is mountainous with the southwestern region mostly plain.
▶▶ South Korea’s population density is extremely high in consideration of its small
territory (99,538), with approximately 48.5 million Koreans as of 2007.
※ The Korean peninsula would be approximately 222,000 ㎢ if unified.
Weather
▶▶ Korea has four distinctive seasons : spring, summer, autumn and winter.
▶▶ Spring days are pleasant because it is mostly warm and clear. Summer is hot,
humid and rainy. Autumn days are mostly cool and fresh whereas winter days
are cold and dry due to the influence of the Siberian air mass.

Language
▶▶ Korean is the official language of the

Republic of Korea, a unique language called “Hangeul”.
▶▶ Created by King Sejong in 1443, Hangeul alphabet is composed of
14 consonants and 10 vowels. Hangeul is evaluated as a very significant
alphabet because it is almost entirely phonetic for the Korean language.
Republic of Korea
National Flag ( Taegeukgi )
▶▶ Taegeukgi is the flag of the Republic of Korea.

The design of the flag symbolizes the yin and yang theory of Eastern phi-
losophy. The upper red part of the circle in the center represents the yang,
the active force of the universe, whereas the lower blue part represents the
passive force. The two forces work together to ensure continuity, balance, and
harmony. The circle at the center is surrounded by four trigrams in the four
corners of the flag. The trigrams symbolize heaven, earth, the sun (or fire), and
the moon (or water), which are cosmic elements. The white background of the
flag symbolizes peace and the Korean people’s sincerity and homogeneity.
Political System
The Republic of Korea is governed by a presidential

system. The separation of power among the legislative, judiciary, and executive
bodies is clearly respected. Furthermore, local government systems are implement-
ed to enhance democracy, efficiency, and balanced development in all regions of
the country.

Religions
▶▶ The constitution of the Republic of Korea guarantees freedom of religion.

▶▶ According to a survey of the National Statistical Office in 2005, 53.1%
of Koreans have a religion. Buddhism (23% of the population), Protestant
Christianity (18%), and Catholic Christianity (11%) are the three major re-
ligions.
Etiquette
▶▶ The Republic of Korea is a country that emphasizes etiquette. Filial piety to-
ward parents, respect for older people, and the consideration of those around
you are considered important virtues that must always be put into practice.
[ Major Etiquette Rules ]

- When meeting an older person, Koreans courteously bow their heads.
- When shaking hands with older people, Koreans use both hands. The left hand
is used to support the right hand.
- When older people pour wine into their glass, Koreans use both hands to hold
their glass, and turn their head to the side to drink.
- In Korea, most people do not wear shoes in their homes and foreigners should
also remove their shoes off when visiting Korean homes.
- Ceding seats to the elderly, handicapped and pregnant women is expected in
subways, on buses, etc.
Wedding Ceremony
▶▶ In most cases, wedding ceremonies are held in wedding halls. Weddings are
also held in Protestant and Catholic churches.
▶▶ People invited to weddings give “congratulatory money” put into white en-
velopes to the newlyweds. Invitees write their names on the envelopes and
submit them at the reception desk located in the front of the room where the
wedding is held. Formal dress is generally expected at wedding ceremonies.

Funeral
▶▶ Funerals are held in funeral halls, hospitals, churches, and Buddhist temples.
▶▶ When attending funerals, Koreans give “condolence money.” They write their
names on white envelopes and submit it to the reception desk in the front of
the funeral service area. Black formal dress is generally expected at funeral
services.
Food
Republic of Korea
▶▶ Korean dishes are healthy foods generally rich in
nutrients and low in calorie. The main ingredients of Korean dishes are grains,
seafood, and vegetables. Korean meals consist of rice, soup, and a variety of
side dishes. Korean food is characterized by the development of fermented
foods including soy sauce, bean paste, and jangajji (slices of radish or cucum-
ber dried and seasoned with soy).
▶▶ Famous Korean dishes include kimchi, bulgogi, galbi, bibimbap, naengmyeon,
gimchijjigae, and doenjangjjigae.
[ Table Manners ]
- Younger people may begin to eat only after older people have begun.
- Older people take their seat before younger people.
- Younger people do not leave the table before older people have finished
the meal.
- Talking low during meals is allowed
but loud noise is not accepted.
- Using a spoon and chopsticks at the
same time is not good manners.
- A spoon is used for rice and soup.
Chopsticks are for side dishes.
- Spoons and chopsticks should not
be placed on rice bowls.

Holidays
▶▶ National Holidays : The Anniversary of the Samil Independence Movement

(March 1), National Liberation Day (August 15), National Foundation Day
(October 3)
▶▶ Public Holidays : New Year’s Day (January 1), Buddha’s Birthday (April 8 of
the lunar calendar), Children’s Day (May 5), Memorial Day (June 6), Christmas
(December 25)
▶▶ Traditional Holidays : Seolnal (Korean New Year’s Day, January 1 of the lunar
calendar and the days before and after), Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day,
Harvest Moon Day, August 15 of the lunar calendar and the day before and
after)
Education
▶▶ Primary school (6 years) : from age 8 to 13

▶▶ Middle school (3 years) : from age 14 to 16
▶▶ High school (3 years) : from age 17 to 19
▶▶ University (4 years) : from age 19
※ Nine years for primary and middle school education is compulsory.
After completing high school, students enroll in universities after taking the
University Study Aptitude Test. (For those who do not attend regular schools,
they are eligible to enter middle schools, high schools and colleges through a
qualification examination.)

About Pyeongtaek
▶ Location
▶ General Information
▶ Nature / Environment
▶ History / Culture
▶ Symbols
About Pyeongtaek
Location
▶▶ Pyeongtaek lies in the southernmost part of Gyeonggi-Do. It is bordered by

Yongin/Anseong in the east, Cheonan and Asan of Chungcheongnam-Do in
the south, Asan Bay in the west, Hwaseong in the northwest and Osan in the
north.
Incheon Gangwon-Do
Seoul North Jinui-Myeon
Seotan-Myeon
Gyeonggi-Do West
Sinjang 1-Dong
Pyeongtaek South Jisan-Dong
Sinjang 2-Dong Songbuk-Dong
Chungcheongbuk-Do
Seojeong-Dong
Chungcheongnam-Do Gyeongsangbuk-Do Godeok-Myeon
Songtan-Dong
Cheongbuk-Myeon Jungang-Dong
Vijeon 1-Dong
Jeollabuk-Do Segyo-Dong
Oseong-Myeon Tongbok-Dong
Gyeongsangnam-Do Vijeon 2-Dong
Poseung-Myeon Anjung-Eup
Jeollanam-Do Wonpyeong-Dong
Busan Sinpyeong-Dong
Paengseong-Eup
Hyeondeok-Myeon
Jeju-Do
General Information
▶▶ Pyeongtaek is the center of Pan-Yellow Sea Region, the interface of the G2

(USA and China) leading the global economy. National key industry facilities
include Pyeongtaek Port, one of 4 trading ports in Korea, Pyeongtaek Power
Plant, LNG and LPG bases.
▶▶ Pyeongtaek is 453.31㎢, about two thirds the size of the Seoul area. As of the
end of December 2008, the population was 406,721(male: 206,604 female:
200,117). The number of registered foreigners in Pyeongtaek is 10,782(male:
6,550 female: 4,232).
▶▶ Annual precipitation amounts to 1,300㎜. The annual average temperature is
12 ℃. Pyeongtaek is a plains area bounded by a 24.5㎞ coastline. The oceanic
climate from the West Sea has a great impact on Pyeongtaek.
As a hub of trade/logistics based on a regional traffic network including 3 high-
ways, rapid transit railways, the Gyeongbu railway and a metropolitan sub-
way, Pyeongtaek is a prime location for industry and currently is home to
1,400 active plants. Pyeongtaek is an all-weather farm belt producing 16%
of Gyeonggi rice and Pyeongtaek pears.

Nature / Environment
▶▶ Pyeongtaek is the lowest area in Korea with a

higher elevation in the eastern region than the west. Mountains are, for the
most part, of low elevation and there are many rivers and streams. The moun-
tains are found mostly in the northeastern region while the southwestern
area is plains. The highest mountain in Pyeongtaek is Mt. Baekwun (192m),
while the lowest one is Mt. Deokdong (just 30m MSL).
▶▶ The widest rivers in Pyeongtaek are Anseong-cheon (river) and Jinwi-cheon
(river). Anseon-cheon was called Wungcheon-gang (river), Honggyeong-cheon
Pyeongtaek
(river) or Han-cheon (river) in the Goryeon or Joseon Dynasties. Jinwi-cheon
had the name “Jangho-cheon” (river). Jinwi-cheon is the source of dozens
of small and large streams including Osan-cheon (stream) and Hwangguji-
cheon (stream).
History / Culture
▶▶ People have lived in the Pyeongtaek region since

the Prehistoric Age. A relatively large number of people lived Pyeongtaek in the
Neolithic Age when farming began. Artifacts proving the existence of humans
include the Bangchuk-Ri artifacts found in Godeok-Myeon, the Jije-Dong arti-
facts, and the Meonggeoni artifacts of Wonjeong-Ri, Poseung-Myeon. People
engaged in hunting, fishing and farming on a small scale in the mountains
and rivers of the Pyeongtaek area during the Neolithic Age. As the Bronze and
Iron Ages passed, our ancestors came to finally settle in this region.
▶▶ Until the Joseon Dynasty, the centers of Pyeongtaek were Jinwi-Myeon and
Paengseong-Eup. The present Pyeongtaek downtown was formed with the
construction of the Gyeongbu Railway in 1905. As businesses and habitation
grew up around the railway station, the station area became the center of
Pyeongtaek.
About Pyeongtaek 17
About Pyeongtaek
Symbols
Bird : Flower : Tree :

White Heron Pear Blossoms Pine Tree
C.I
Super Pyeongtaek, the city brand, refers to a“Dynamic and powerful city with bound-
less potential and limitless resources”
C.I
B.I
Character
B.I
Super O’ning, the general brand for the agricultural products and specialties of Pyeong-
taek, is an abbreviation of “Super the origin of the morning”. It refers to “clean, trusted
food that helps us greet the fresh morning.”

Guide to
▶ Transportation
▶ Waste
▶ Housing
▶ Health Insurance
▶ Medical Service
▶ Free Medical Examination for Foreigners
▶ Bank Transactions
▶ Mobile Phone / Telephone Service
▶ High-Speed Internet
▶ Postal Service
▶ Electricity / Gas / Water
▶ Shopping
▶ Taxes
▶ Keeping public order
Guide to Living in Pyeongtaek
Transportation
1. Transportation Information
Go to the Pyeongtaek city website “http://www.pyeongtaek.go.kr”. Click “Living/
Culture ▶ Transportation Information” from the menu at the top. This will allow
you to check the timetables for the International Port Passenger Terminal, Rail-
ways, Subways, Express Buses, Intracity Buses, Cross-Country Buses and Shuttle
Buses.
2. Transportation Card
A transportation card can be used for public transportation including buses and
subways. A transportation card also gives a bit of a discount.
You can buy a transportation card at any kiosk in a bus stop or other designated
store. The price ranges from 2,000 to 7,000 Won. The card can be recharged by
increments of 1,000 Won.
Transportation cards are not currently available throughout the country. Trans-
portation cards available in Seoul, Gyeonggi-Do and Incheon include the T-Mon-
ey Card, U-Pass Card and EB Card.

3. Driver’s License
International Driver’s License
- Holders of an International Driver’s License can drive in Korea for one year from
the date of issuance of the license.
Required Documents for Changing a Foreign License to

Korean License
- Foreign license, passport or foreigner registration card, 3 photos, translated
and notarized copy of foreign license (except English), certificate from your
embassy, processing fee of 10,000 Won.
Transportation
Acquisition of a Korean Driver’s License
- A Korean driver’s license is classified into two types--Class I and
Class II--depending on the vehicle type
- To acquire a license, you need to pass a written test, a course test and a
road test.
Application Documents for the Driver’s License Test in Korea

- Written test : passport, foreigner registration card, 2 photos (3cm x 4 cm),
processing fee of 9,000 Won.
- Course test : passport, foreigner registration card, application form,
processing fee of 13,000 Won.
- Road test : passport, foreigner registration card, processing fee of
15,000 Won.
Aptitude Test and Renewal

- Class I driver’s license holders must take an aptitude test within the regular
aptitude test period specified on the driver’s license. A Class II driver’s license
holder must renew the license within the renewal period specified on the
driver’s license.
※ For more information on driver’s licenses including test centers, contacts and tests,
please visit http://www.dla.go.kr.
※ Information is available in English, Japanese and Chinese.
Guide to Living in Pyeongtaek 21

4. Useful Road Traffic Act

Careful driving is needed when driving on complicated or congested roads. You
must abide by the Road Traffic Act.
- Seat belts: The driver and front seat passenger must fasten their seat belts.
- Always wear a helmet when driving a motor bike.
- No mobile phone usage: A fine will be imposed for those who use their mobile
phone while driving.
- No drunk driving: Drunken driving will be punished per blood alcohol levels,
including the suspension or invalidation of the driver’s license.
- Exclusive Bus Lanes : This system promotes the use of the bus as public transpor-
tation. This system is effective during the peak traffic times (Blue Lane).
- Fines : Exclusive Bus Lane violation (40,000~50,000 Won), parking violation
(40,000~50,000 Won), traffic signal violation (60,000~70,000 Won).
※ The Road Traffic Act is extremely strict.
※ Any violation of the Road Traffic Act will cause the cancellation of the driver’s
license and the imposition of a fine (20,000 to 60,000 Won).
※ Please call 112 or the nearest police station in the case of traffic accidents.
Public Transportation
Buses
The bus is the most frequently used public transportation.

Buses are divided into Intracity Buses and Cross-Country Buses. Intracity buses
include general buses and seated buses. If a general bus is not running or runs
infrequently, a shuttle bus typically runs in a village. Cross-country buses are
used for travel to other cities; the express bus travels on the highway and cross-
country buses use national roads.
The bus fare is paid with a transportation card or with cash. The transportation
card gives a discount.

You can check the timetables and route maps of buses on the Pyeongtaek
city website. The intracity bus announces and shows route maps and stops in
Korean only. Please prepare your route in advance to avoid complications if you
have difficulty using the Korean language.
[ Bus Fares ]
Transportation Transportation
Bus Passengers Card (Won) Cash (Won) Bus Passengers Card (Won) Cash (Won)
Adults 900 1,000 Adults 800 900
General Bus Teenagers 720 800 Shuttle Bus Teenagers 640 700
Children Children
under 12 450 450 under 12 400 400
Transportation
※ The intracity bus is 1,000 Won for the first 10km, with an additional 100 Won per 5㎞.
The maximum fare is 1,600 Won.
[ How to Use an Intracity Bus ]
Bus Stop Arrival of a Bus Transportation Card Reader

※ When using a transportation card, place the card near the front card reader when board-
ing the bus. When getting off, place the card near the rear card reader.
Taxi
General Taxis are of two types : a Deluxe Taxi and Call Taxi.
General Taxi : Use this taxi from a general taxi stop. A vacant taxi will have a lit
indicator lamp reading “Vacant” in red in front of the assistant seat. The basic
fare is 2,000 Won for the first 2㎞ with an increase per mileage and time trav-
eled. A late night charge (24:00~06:00) is 20% of the fare.
Deluxe Taxis : Marked “Mobeom Taxi” in Korean, the deluxe taxi offers a higher
quality of service than a general taxi. The fare is more expensive than a general
taxi. No Deluxe Taxis are available in Pyeongtaek.
Call Taxi : You can request a taxi to come to the place where you are or to a
house. Add 1,000 Won to the fare of a general taxi.

Trains
Trains include the KTX (a rapid transit railway), Saemaeul and Mugunghwa.
KTX (rapid transit railway)

This is the quickest means of ground transportation and enables travelers to go
to any place in Korea within 3 hours. It is equipped with facilities for the physi-
cally challenged, phones, faxes and multimedia facilities.
※ Pyeongtaek has no KTX station. The nearest station is the Cheonan/Asan Station in
Asan, Chungcheongnam-Do.
General Trains
Mugunghwa-Ho and Saemaeul-Ho, with mobile public phones and dining
cars.
Trains Hours General Coach Special Coach
Pyeongtaek Seoul Saemaeul-Ho 1 Hour 6,600 Won 10,100 Won
Mugunghwa-Ho 1 Hour 4,500 Won -
※ Fares vary per day. For more information including timetables and online reservations,
please visit http://www.korail.com.
Pyeongtaek Station (under construction) Ticket Office
Platform

Subway
A subway has more stations than the train. A subway with moderate fares runs
from Seoul to Cheonan. Pyeongtaek Station, Jije Station, Seojeongri Station, Song-
tan Station and Jinwi Station are the stations located in Pyeongtaek.
[ Route Map of Subway Line No. 1 ]
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Car Ferry
A car ferry runs from the International Port Passenger Terminal of Pyeongtaek Port
( http://www.pyeongtaek.go.kr/pub/hbr/hbr.jsp ) to 4 cities including Rongcheng
City, Shandong Province in China.
Lines Operators Traveling Hours Number of Services Contact

Longyan Port in
Daeryong Shipping 3 times
Rongcheng City,
Agent Co., Ltd.
12 hours (388㎞)
( MON/TUE, THU, SAT )
031-682-0992
Shandong Province
Rizhao Sea Port,
3 times
Rizhao, C& Ferry Co., Ltd. 16 hours (684㎞)
( MON, WED, FRI/SAT )
031-682-9124
Shandong Province
Lianyungang Port,
Yeonwunhang Ferry 2 times
Lianyungang,
Co., Ltd.
20 hours (740㎞)
( MON, THU/FRI )
031-684-3100
Shandong Province
Qiandao Port,
Cheongdo Pungyang 3 times
Qiandao, Shandong
Ferry Co., Ltd.
17 hours (592㎞)
( TUE, THU, SAT )
031-684-1993
Province

Waste
Korea has been implementing a volume-based waste charge system to maximize

the reduction of waste and effectively promote recycling for the protection of the
environment. Disposal by waste type is explained below.
1. General Waste (for incineration / landfill)

Place waste in a standard waste bag marked specifically for your district. These
are sold in corner stores and shops. Leave this bag in the designated place any
evening (20:00 ~ 04:00) from Monday to Friday. The garbage will be collected at
the specific time.
[ Waste bag price (Won) ]
3ℓ 5ℓ 10 ℓ 20 ℓ 50 ℓ 100 ℓ
80 130 250 500 1,250 2,500
2. Food Waste
Place food waste into the bags designed specifically for food waste and place
these bags in a nearby food waste collection bin or the food waste container for
apartments. The municipal waste service will collect the bags. Food waste is re-
cycled to produce feed therefore, harmful materials such as plastic and bottle caps
should not be included. Recycle organic food trash only.
※ For apartments, food waste bags are not needed because the cost for the food waste bag
for each household is included in the management expenses.
※ Waste bags are sold in supermarkets or convenience stores (designated shops).
Waste to be separated from food waste

( place the items listed below in general waste bags )
Peelings of : walnuts, chestnuts, acorns,

Fruit pineapple and coconut, pits of peaches,
apricots and persimmons
Meats Bones and skin of beef, pork and chicken
Shells / Shells from clams, oysters, abalones, crab and

Crustacea lobsters ; insides of globefish
Sediments Tea bags, medical sediment

Food waste and general waste containers General waste (place in designated area)
3. Recyclable Wastes
Waste
Place recyclable wastes including plastic, cans, bottles or paper in the desig-
nated containers.
Recyclable Wastes :
▶ Packing materials subject to the Extended Producer Responsibility system :
cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, plastics.
▶ Wastes subject to the Extended Producer Responsibility system : batteries,
tires, lubricants, electronic goods, fluorescent lamps.
▶ Other recyclable wastes : paper, scrap iron, clothes, farm waste and others.
How to Separate your Recyclables

- Recyclable waste collection days are designated for each apartment and resi-
dential area.
- For residential areas, collection days are set up according to the regulations
of the relevant local authorities.
- Remember to leave your recyclables in the designated area on the specific
days to facilitate collection.
4. Large Items
To throw away large items such as furniture and home appliances, buy stickers for
large items in a supermarket or a convenience store (designated shop) and attach
them to the item (a fee will be charged). Call the relevant government office to
request the collection of the item. The government office will tehn collect it on the
day specified.

Housing
1. Housing Types
Types Description
- Row houses with more than 5 floors

Apartment
- These are guarded
(Mansion)
- Have subsidiary facilities (shopping centers, public parking lots)
Single-Family House - Single-family house built on private land
- Low-rise apartment building of less than 5 floors
Villa - Simpler and wider than apartment
- There are guards or caretakers
- Both offices and apartments exist in one building

Officetel - There are guards or caretakers
- Public parking lots
- Small, low apartments

Row Houses
- No guards or caretakers. Public parking lots.
2. Rent
Types of Rent
Types Description
- A deposit is paid according to the lease agreement (for 1 to 2 years).

- The deposit is returned after the lease agreement is terminated.
Jeonse
- 10% of the deposit is paid as earnest money when executing the lease
(Deposit –based
agreement.
rent) - 90% of the deposit is paid when moving in.
- The house shall be maintained in the status at the time of move in.
- A deposit is paid for one or two years. Rent is paid every month.
- This deposit is 10 to 20 times higher than monthly rent.
Wolse - 10% of the deposit is paid when executing the lease agreement as
(Monthly rent) earnest money.
- 90% of the deposit and the first month’s rent are paid when moving in.
- The deposit is returned when the lease agreement is terminated.

Cautions regarding Lease Agreements

- It is preferable to make a lease agreement through a real estate agency or
realtor rather than a direct contract between the leaseholder and tenant, to
ensure safety. A commission is paid to the real estate agency or realtor after
the lease agreement or purchase agreement is drawn.
- Before executing agreements, the provisions related to the agreement (de-
posits, contract period, rent payment method, etc.) and the transcript of the
land register (collateral security, provisional seizure, etc.) of the rented house
should be carefully verified.
- The “verification date” is entered on the lease contract in a Dong office when
Housing
providing move-in notification after moving into a rented house. The “verifi-
cation date” protects the tenant’s rights on a preferential basis.
- Maintenance expenses do not include the utility charges on electricity, gas,
water, air conditioning or heating. The tenant is responsible for these charges.
In addition, it will be clearly specified between the tenant and the leaseholder
regarding who will pay overhead charges (parking lot, elevators, etc.).
3. Purchase of House / Real Estate

To stimulate the real estate market, the Korean government has entirely opened
the real estate market to foreigners on the basis of the Foreigner’s Land Acqui-
sition Act, Foreign Investment Promotion Act and Foreign Exchange Transac-
tions Act (Real Estate).
For more information on the purchase of houses, real estate and apartments,
consult a real estate agency specializing in transactions for foreigners
4. Move-In
In Korea, most people use a moving service which provides all move-related
services from packing to delivery of belongings
When using a moving service, contact the moving service company to get an
estimate. The moving service company will visit the house for this. After receiv-
ing an estimated cost, you can make a contract after negotiations. Carefully
check potential problems that might occur during the move when making your
contract.
For any damages including loss or breakage while moving your belongings,
you will need to ensure proof to verify the damage. Next, make a claim for said
damages with the moving company.

Health Insurance
Health insurance is classified into workplace health insurance and regional health
insurance. The health insurance system enables everyone to receive medical ser-
vices according to the need of the insured using the fund formed by the premium
paid by the insured.
Foreigners can become members of Korea’s national health insurance. Members
pay a certain amount of premiums every month. Members pay about 20~50% of
the medical examination and treatment fees and the rest is paid by the National
Health Insurance Corporation.
Eligibility
- Spouses and children of nationals of the Republic of Korea who stay in Korea
on family visitation visas (F-1 visa).
- Foreigners who have lived in Korea for more than one year on the follow-
ing visa types are eligible: cultural arts (D-1), overseas study (D-2), industrial
training (D-3), general training (D-4), journalism (D-5), religious affairs (D-6),
business supervisor (D-7), corporate investment (D-8), trade management
(D-9), professorship (E-1), foreign language instructor (E-2), research (E-3),
technology transfer (E-4), professional employment (E-5), special occupation
(E-7), employed trainee (E-8). Their spouses and children who are less than 20
years old (F-3) are also eligible.
- Those who reside in Korea with a residency visa (F-2)
- Overseas Koreans who reside in Korea with an overseas Koreans visa (F-4)
Acquisition of Eligibility and Application

▶ When to Acquire Eligibility
- After completing the foreigner registration
- For overseas Koreans, after reporting the domestic residency or completing
the foreigner registration.
▶ Application Procedure
- Submit the application form to your branch of the National Health Insurance
Corporation.
- Required documents: Foreigner registration cards or certificates of domestic
residency, certificate of income

Premium Standards
- The premium rate for the insured in the workplace is applied to foreign em-
ployees whose income can be verified.
- Average premium rates for an insured household in each area are applied to
foreigners without income or those whose income is difficult to verify. (30%
discount for overseas students)
- Premium rates for family visitation and residency visa holders are the same as
for Korean nationals on the basis of income and property.
※ For more information on health insurance, please visit the website of National Health
Insurance Corporation (http://www.nhic.or.kr).
※ An English page is available now.
Health Insurance / Medical Service

Medical Service
1. Types of Hospitals
General Hospitals
General hospitals have a wide variety of medical departments, and each de-
partment is staffed by medical specialists. General hospitals are equipped with
extensive facilities including in-patient facilities accommodating more than
100 patients (Tertiary hospital)
Hospitals
Hospitals have several medical departments and have more than 30 beds. (Sec-
ondary hospital)
Clinics
Small hospitals specialized in a specific medical treatment (surgery, internal
medicine, pediatrics, dentistry, etc.), often in a community (Primary hospital)
Oriental Medicine Clinic
Hospital treating illnesses on the basis of oriental medicine including acupunc-
ture and traditional herbal medicine, etc.
Public Health Center
Public medical organization providing simple medical services at a low cost.
※ Patients will receive a basic medical examination in a primary hospital and

will be referred to a secondary or a tertiary hospital depending on the sever-
ity of the problem. This requirement is not applied to emergency cases.

2. General Procedures of Medical Examination
Wait near the Upon being After treatment, Submit prescription

Submit correspond- called, consult pay fees and
▶ ▶ ▶ ▶ cines at a pharmacy,
and purchase medi-
application ing medical with the receive prescrip-
department doctor tion, if any if needed.
3. Purchase of Medicine
- Since the implementation of the SDP (Separation of Dispensing and Prescription)
in Korea, it is necessary to bring doctors’ prescriptions when purchasing medicine
at pharmacies.
- Medicine to treat simple symptoms such as headaches or indigestion can be
purchased from pharmacies without prescriptions.
4. Vaccination for Infants and Children

- BCG : vaccination within four weeks after birth
- DPT : DPT is a vaccination against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus. The
DPT is administered three times, at the second, fourth and sixth months after
birth. Boosters are given on the 18th month after birth and between four and
six years of age.
- Polio : The polio vaccine is administered at the second, fourth and sixth months
after birth. A booster is given between four and six years of age.
- MMR : The MMR is a vaccination against measles, mumps and rubella. The first
MMR is administered between the 12th month and 15th month after birth. The
second MMR is given between four and six years of age.
- Japanese Encephalitis : The 1st vaccination is given
anywhere between the 12th to the 24th month after
birth. The 2nd vaccination follows one week after the
1st. A 3rd vaccination is given one year after the 2nd
vaccination. Additional boosters are given to children
of 6 full years of age and 12 full years of age.
※ Free vaccinations are available for infants and children at
certified public health centers. Please contact the relevant
public health center for more information.

Free Medical Examination for Foreigners
Eligibility
Free medical examinations are available for foreign workers, their children and
married immigrant women before acquiring citizenship who are not covered by
a health care system such as health insurance and medical benefits.
Benefits
Full coverage for the entire period from hospitalization to discharge from hos-
pital, within a limit of 5 million Won per case (for cases requiring more than 5
million Won, benefits can be extended up to 10 million Won after review)
Medical Service
Available Services
- In-patient treatment, one day outpatient surgery
- One prior outpatient examination related to the hospitalization or surgery,
three outpatient examinations following treatment.
Medical Facilities for Free Medical Examinations

Hospitals Addresses TEL
Gyeonggi Provincial Medical 886-9, Jeongja 2-Dong, Suwon,

Center Suwon Hospital
( 031) 888-0114
Gyeonggi-Do
Gyeonggi Provincial Medical 433, Uijeongbu 2-Dong, Uijeongbu,

Center Uijeongbu Hospital
( 031) 828-5000
Gyeonggi-Do
Gyeonggi Provincial Medical 798, Geumchon-Dong, Paju,

Center Paju Hospital
( 031) 940-9173
Gyeonggi-Do
Gyeonggi Provincial Medical 215, Gwango-Dong, Incheon,

Center Icheon Hospital
( 031) 639-4800
Gyeonggi-Do
Gyeonggi Provincial Medical 455, Dangwang-Dong, Anseong,

Center Anseong Hospital
( 031) 674-7520
Gyeonggi-Do
Gyeonggi Provincial Medical 243-4, Sineup-Dong, Pocheon,

Center Pocheon Hospital
( 031) 539-9114
Gyeonggi-Do

Bank Transactions
Korean Currency
The unit of Korean currency is the “Won.” Coins come in six different denomi-
nations: 1 Won, 5 Won, 10 Won, 50 Won, 100 Won, and 500 Won. Bills come in
three different denominations: 1,000 Won, 5,000 Won, and 10,000 Won.
Opening a Bank Account

- To open a bank account, visit a local bank with your foreigner registration
card and the passport and fill out the application form. Personal data such as
name and address must be provided. Opening a bank account is completed
after depositing a specified amount of money into the account.
- Using the cash card issued at the time of opening the bank account, you can
withdraw money from automated teller machines which are found in many
locations.
Eligibility
Most credit card companies and banks issue credit cards to foreigners. Require-
ments for the issuing of credit cards and the documents required differ by bank.
Visit your local bank for a consultation.
Money Exchange
Some banks provide foreign currency exchange services. To exchange money, a
passport or foreigner registration card is required. As almost no Korean stores
accept foreign currency, it is therefore recommended to change your foreign
currency into Korean Won.

Overseas Remittance
There are three ways to transfer money to overseas banks: wire transfer, tele-
graphic transfer, and remittance check. Money can be transferred to overseas
banks in any banks providing foreign currency service.
- Wire transfer : This is the fastest and safest method. The name of the bank,
the name of the branch of the bank, the bank account number, address, tele-
phone number, and bank code must be supplied for the transfer.
- Telegraphic transfer : This is for transfering money by postal money order. This
method takes longer than other methods.
Mobile Phone / Telephone Service

Bank Transactions /
- Remittance check : A bank check is sent directly to the recipient abroad. Loss
can occur.
Take a number ticket from When your number is called, Use an ATM for a bank card
the ticket machine. go to the teller.
Mobile Phone / Telephone Service
Mobile Phone
- Subscription: Visit any agency of the 3 mobile operators in Korea (SKT, KTF, LGT).
Fill out the subscription form and pay the new subscription fee and mobile phone
price. Charges vary by mobile operators so check each operator’s service prod-
ucts. Membership cards provide a discount to theaters, entertainment parks or
restaurants.
- Required documents: foreigner registration card, passport, bank account for au-
tomatic payment of monthly fees, etc.
[ Websites for the 3 mobile operators in Korea ]
▶ SKT : www.sktelecom.com (available in English and in Chinese)
▶ KTF : www.ktf.com (available in English)
▶ LGT : www.lgtelecom.com (available in English)
Payphones
- Payphones use coins, cards or credit cards

- The four kinds of payphone cards range from 2,000 Won to 10,000 Won. Pre-paid
phone cards are sold in at transportation card kiosks or banks.
- Collect Call : A collect call is useful if you do not have cash or credit card read-
ily available. Collect call service is available for all calls excluding international
calls.
Home Phones
- Visit the nearest branch of Korea Telecom (KT) with your foreigner registration
card and passport to have your phone connected.
- It is important to provide an accurate address for the connection of your phone.
Paying phone bills using an automatic payment from your bank account is the
most convenient way to pay.
- Installation fee : 60,000 Won / Basic rate per month : 5,200 Won
※ Cautions regarding Application
▶ It is necessary to provide an accurate address and your foreigner registration
card when requesting the connection.
▶ Installation fees and basic rates vary by service provider. Contact individual
service providers for more information.
[ Websites and contact numbers of wired communication service providers ]
▶ Korea Telecom : www.kt.co.kr (available in English and Chinese)
☎ 100 without area code
▶ Hanaro Telecom : www.hanaro.com (available in English)
☎ 106 without area code
International Calls
- Service code of international call service provider + country code + area code +
phone number
[ Major international call services (service codes) ]
Korea Telecom (001), Dacom (002), Onse Telecom (008), SK Telink (00700),
Onse Telecom (00365)
※ Rate plans vary by service providers. Contact individual service providers for
more detail. Discounts up to 30-50% can be received for calls made in the
morning/after midnight and holidays.

High-Speed Internet
Subscription :
Call Internet service providers to request service. New subscription fees and
monthly fees differ depending upon the service providers. The longer the contract
period is, the cheaper the monthly fee is in general.
[ Websites and phone numbers of major service providers ]

▶ Megapass : www.megapass.co.kr ☎ 100 without area codes
▶ Hanafos : www.hanafos.com ☎ 106 without area codes
▶ LG Powercom : www.xpeed.com ☎ 1644-7000
High-Speed Internet / Postal Service

※ All websites not available in English.
Postal Service
Domestic Mail
- Domestic mail is classified into general postal service (express and normal)
and parcel service (express and normal).
- Express service generally enables overnight delivery whereas it takes about
four days in the case of normal service.
- Postage differs depending upon the weight of the postal item.
International Mail
- There are three types of international mail: general, parcel post and interna-
tional express mail.
- Postal items up to 30kg can be mailed. Postage depends on kinds, sizes and
weights.
Business Hours
- Weekdays : 09:00 ~ 18:00
- Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: closed.

Electricity / Gas / Water
Electricity
The standard voltage for home appliances is 220 volts in Korea. Foreigners
should check the voltage for any appliances that they bring from their home
countries.
Gas
To use city gas, contact a city gas provider in the relevant area to request gas
supply. An engineer from the city gas provider will visit your home and connect
the gas on the appointed date.
If LP gas is used in the residence, contact a nearby gas provider for the con-
nection of LP gas.
Water
Water is available in almost all houses. Check the water valve first if the water
doesn’t run after turning on the tap.
Shopping
Traditional Markets
The traditional markets of Korea have a long history and are run by a number
of small-scale merchants. Drop by any traditional market in Korea and you will
feel affection from the people there. You may also be able to buy goods at a
cheaper price by bargaining with the vendors.
Markets Location TEL

Tongbok Market 7-29 Tongbok-Dong, Pyeongtaek 665-0489
Anjung Market 221-10 Anjung-Ri, Pyeongtaek 682-2665
Seojeong Market 317 Sejeong-Dong, Pyeongtaek
Songbuk Market 745-14 Jisan-Dong, Pyeongtaek 662-3368

Jungang Market 317 Sinjang-Dong, Pyeongtaek
Paengseong Market 148 Anjeong-Ri, Pyeongtaek 691-9440

Inside View of Sejeong-Ri Market Inside View of Tongbok Market
Department Store
Electricity / Gas / Water / Shopping

A department store is a massive retail establishment that is organized through
classifying shops by product and customer and by managing all affairs for the
promotion of sales and improvement of service.
Discount Store
A discount store, or “wholesale market”, is a general distributor selling prod-
ucts at prices lower than those asked in general markets using mass-sale sys-
tem of self-service.
Supermarket
A supermarket is a retailer focusing on groceries items. Small supermarkets
are generally located in small communities with larger supermarkets found in
cities.
Convenience Store
A convenience store is a retailer operating for 24 hours. It sells simple miscel-
laneous goods.
▶ New Core Department Store Pyeongtaek ▶ E-mart Pyeongtaek

- Location : 830 Vijeon-Dong, Pyeongtaek - Location: 50 Jije-Dong, Pyeongtaek
- Business Hours : 10:30 ~ 22:00 - Business Hours : 10:00 ~ 23:00
- TEL : 031-650-6105 - TEL : 031-371-1234

Taxes
Taxes in Korea consist of national taxes collected by the central government (in-
come tax, corporate tax, education tax, etc.) and local taxes collected by local
governments (sales tax, registration tax, property tax, etc.).
Foreigners residing in Korea must pay taxes.
[ Tax Payments ]
- Upon receiving tax notices, taxes can be paid at financial institutions including
banks and post offices.
- Taxes can be paid by automatic transfer from banks or by credit card.
※ For more information on tax payment, please visit the website of the National
Tax Service www.nts.go.kr.
※ Available in English.
Keeping public order
It is the obligation of all to observe the public order to keep the urban environment
clean and secure an advanced system of order. Those who violate the public order
shall be fined.
[ You must observe the following ]
- No smoking in non-smoking areas, no spitting on streets,
- No urinating in streets, no illegal dumping of waste,
- No throwing butts/wastes,
- line-up,
- No jaywalking,
- observing traffic signals,
- Fasten your seat belts in moving vehicles.

Tourism Pyeongtaek
▶ Tourist Attractions
▶ Festivals
▶ Cultural Assets
▶ References for Cultural Assets
Tourism Pyeongtaek
Tourist Attractions
Pyeongtaek-Ho (lake)
Pyeongtaek-Ho is an extensive artificial lake formed by the construction of a
sea wall in Asan Bay.
Park-goers can relax on the grass, enjoy the pine forest pathway around the
lake or savor some fresh seafood from the West Sea in the raw fish restaurants
nearby. Pyeongtaek-Ho is a representative tourist attraction of Pyeongtaek.
The wooden boardwalk along Pyeongtaek-Ho gives an opportunity to take a
peaceful walk and appreciate the lake scenery.
A fountain sprays water up to 105m high in the middle of the lake and will
refresh you mentally. The rape flowers and barley along the sandbank park
lining the lake enhance the scenic beauty.
Experience facilities for water sports include yachting, wind surfing and water
skiing while family excursion facilities such as excursion boats, motor boats,
paddle boats and tandem bikes are also available.
The boardwalk and formative overhead walkway, formative works and tour-
ist attractions symbolizing Pyeongtaek, the Pyeongtaek-Ho Drive-in Theater,
cafes, raw fish restaurants and roasted shellfish restaurants next to the Art
Museum are also good attractions.

Pyeongtaek-Ho Art Museum

The first floor of the museum is an art gallery, the second floor is a perfor-
mance hall and the third floor is a meditation hall. Visitors can view works of
art all throughout the year. The distinct pyramidal exterior is eye-catching as
well. There are various things to see including an outdoor fountain and the
museum is one of the best-known tourist attractions of Pyeongtaek, providing
a bird’s-eye view of Pyeongtaek-Ho.
Tourist Attractions
Jinwi-Cheon (river) Amusement Park
This park has sports facilities including a swimming pool, campground, nature
study field, basketball court and Jokgu court. The upper area of the stream is
crystal clear as a water supply source protection area. In warmer weather, it
is an excellent place for spending a peaceful time with one’s family, friends or
colleagues. Summer is the season for the “Catching Fresh Fish in Jinwi-Cheon”
festival while a “Smelt Festival” is held in winter. Visitors can enjoy a variety
of activities in the experience yard (air walks, ice fields for sleighing, bottle
gourd craftwork and a Found-Object Art gallery). Take a taste of the water at
the Jinwi Water Intake Station, a nature protection area.
Tourism Pyeongtaek 43
Tourism Pyeongtaek
Attractions for Foreign Tourists

Shopping centers and entertainment facilities are heavily clustered around the
K-55 air base of the US Army in Sinjang 1-Dong, Sinjang 2-Dong, Jisan-Dong,
Songbuk-Dong and Sejeong-Dong. Approximately 230,000 tourists visit the
area every year.
The shopping malls neatly arranged on the 565m-street in front of the US
Army base, K6 (Camp Humphreys), the US Army Garrison, forms a beautiful
city sight and offers more convenience for tourists to browse.
Pyeongtaek Port Promotion Center

Pyeongtaek Port has been advancing as the hub port for trade with China
and Southeast Asian countries. Export and import through Pyeongtaek Port
reached 45.4 billion USD in 2007. Automotive vehicles, optical instruments
and steel manufactures are exported through Pyeongtaek Port with major
imports including gas, home appliances and farm products. Car ferries run
between Pyeongtaek Port and Rongcheng City, Rizhao, Lianyungang and
Qiandao in China.
Clearly highlighting the history and future vision of Pyeongtaek Port, the Pyeo-
ngtaek Port Promotion Center is located in an area overlooking Pyeongtaek
Port opening to the West Sea. Groups are welcome to take a look around
Pyeongtaek Port in a port guide boat (reservations are required at least three
days prior to the tour).

Wutdari Culture Town

This town is the experience center for culture and arts. The town was formerly
a school in Geumgak-Ri, Seotan-Myeon. The Pyeongtaek Culture Center trans-
formed the closed school into a creative culture and arts space, Wutdari Cul-
ture Town. The town provides about 40 experience programs including ceramic
arts, pressed flowers, stone flower art, wood crafts, rice-cake mallet pounding
and folk games. There is also a performance stage on the grounds. Rabbits,
goats and ducks live on an animal farm. Visitors can cultivate chemical-free
vegetables including cabbages and sweet potatoes on the weekend farm. This
town is a good place to visit for everyone from children to the elderly. Accom-
Tourist Attractions
modation facilities are soon to follow.
Agricultural Technology Center

The Agricultural Technology Center is the agriculture museum of Pyeongtaek
displaying the past, the present and the future of agriculture in Pyeongtaek
through exhibits including artifacts from the Agricultural Age, specialties such
as rice and pears, and fabrics dyed with natural dyes and pigments.
A 880㎡ greenhouse displays various plants (5,200 plants; 161 species).
These plants include diverse flowers including a tiger lily, herbs, tropical plants,
44 species of cactuses and home gardening tools.
The center holds the Pyeongtaek Spring Flower Festival between late April and
early May every year. Visitors can enjoy all events and facilities for free.
Tourism Pyeongtaek
Festivals
The Pyeongtaek Culture, Arts and Peace Festival

This folk culture festival focuses on the farmers’ music in Pyeongtaek and is
the great festival of Pyeongtaek including performances by the top 5 farmers’
musical groups in Korea, a Wutdari farmers music competition, a street perfor-
mance of farmers’ bands from villages, performances and display of intangible
cultural assets of Gyeonggi-Do, traditional folk game events and folk culture
as well as arts performance by international friendship countries.
Sosabeol Danoje
Dano Day is considered to be a great festival because it was thought that the
force of Yang was the most powerful of the year. To remember the meaning of
Dano, the Dano Festival opens a space for harmony among residents.
Various kinds of events include washing your hair with iris, swinging, demon-
strations of rice-cake mallet pounding, and the display and tasting of Dano
food. A village farmers’ band competition, Korean wrestling, swinging and
seesawing competitions are also held.

The Catching Fresh Fish by Hand Festival

In the season melting under the sweltering heat waves, everyone can enjoy
playing in the water and catching a big, fresh fish by hand in the cool river.
Have a unique experience by catching fresh fish at the Jinwi-Cheon Amuse-
ment Park. A fish exhibition aids in an understanding of nature. Other various
kinds of events are also a great experience. In winter, visitors can slide on the
ice and there are sculptures made using recycled materials.
Festivals
Pyeongtaek Port Marathon
The Pyeongtaek Port Marathon is held to improve citizen health and has turned
into a dynamic, energetic race along with the development of Pyeongtaek Port
as the hub port for Northeast Asia trading and logistics.
The race is classified into 5㎞, 10㎞, and half-marathons (21.0975㎞).
The half-marathon is open to those who
are over 18 years old while the 5㎞ and 10
㎞ races welcome everyone. About 15,000
people take part in this race in Oct. every
year.
Winners receive a variety of prizes and
presents. This is a large-scale amateur
marathon that excludes marathoners reg-
istered with the Korea Athletics Federation
from the winners list.
Tourism Pyeongtaek
Cultural Assets
Simboksa Seokjobirojanabul-jwasang
Simboksa was founded in 1549 (the 5th year
of Joseon King Myeongjong’s reign) and
has since been renovated and repaired sev-
eral times. It is said that a fisherman named
Cheon Eulmun living in Munsanpo, Paju took
a Buddha statue from the sea while fishing in
Asan Bay with his colleagues.
Seokjobirojanabul-jwasang (Treasure No.
565) is enshrined in Daejeokgwang-jeon
(Hall of Great Peace and Light). Birojanabul
is characterized by a hand shape holding the
thumb upright with the other fingers, as the Beopsinbul (law-body Buddha)
protecting the teachings of Buddha. The statue clearly displays the style of the
late Silla period and is estimated to have been created during the late Uni-
fied Silla. The Yeonhwadaejwa (lotus stand) in which two lions support a lotus
flower (upturned lotus) on the upper ground stone is also of note.
Mangisa Cheoljoyeorae-jwasang
It has been said that Mangisa was built by the
Great Monk Namdaesain in 942 (25th year
of Goryeo King Taejong’s reign). In the 19th
century, the present temple was restored on
a site about 1㎞ west of the original site, and
the statue of Buddha was enshrined.
Cheoljoyeorae-jwasang (Treasure No. 567)
in Daewungjeon (main temple) was created
under the influence of the development of
Zen Buddhism and the emergence of a pow-
erful clan in the late Silla and early Joseon
periods.
Eojeong under Myeongbujeon (Hall of the Judgment of the Dead) came about
as King Sejo was deeply impressed by the taste of the water here while travel-
ing the country to treat skin problems in the early Joseon Dynasty. He named
it “Gamrosu”.

Pyeongtaek Farmers Music

Pyeongtaek Farmers Music combines the Dure Farmers Music of Pyeongtaek
with the professional dramatic entertainment music of Wutdari. The name
“Pyeongtaek Farmers Music” was first used in the Korea Farmers Band Com-
petition in 1958, which was held to celebrate the birthday of then-President Yi
Seungman. The present Farmers Band was formed by reorganizing the Pyeo-
ngtaek Farmers Music group in the 21st Korea Folk Arts Competition in 1980.
It was designated as Important Intangible Cultural Asset No. 11-B in 1985. The
Pyeongtaek Farmers Music Training Center is located in Pyeonggung-Ri. The
Pyeongtaek Farmers Music Village is under construction next to the Pyeong-
taek-Ho Art Museum.
Cultural Assets
Tourism Pyeongtaek
References for Cultural Assets
Tangible Cultural Assets

Titles Locations Designation No. Periods
Simboksa 275 Deokmok-Ri,
Treasure No. 565 Late Silla
Seokjobirojanabul-jwasang Hyeondeok-Myeon
Mangisa 548 Dongcheon-Ri,
Treasure No. 567 Goryeo
Cheoljoyeorae-jwasang Jiwi-Myeon
Wolleung-Gun Wongyun 480 Doil-Dong, Pyeongtaek Treasure No. 1133 Joseon
Seonmugongsingyoseo
Daedongbeop Sihaeng 140-1 Sosa-Dong, Gyeonggi-Do Tangible Cultural
Joseon
Ginyeombi Pyeongtaek Properties No. 40
Gyeonggi-Do Tangible Cultural
Sambongjim Mokpan 189 Eunsan-Ri, Jiwi-Myeon
Properties No 132
Joseon
117 Gaeksa-Ri, Gyeonggi-Do Tangible Cultural
Paengseongeup Gaeksa Paengseong-Eup Properties No 137
Joseon
Poseung-Myeon Wonjeong-Ri 109 Wonjeong-Ri,
Folklore Remains No. 1 Joseon
Bongsudae Poseung-Myeon
Jeongdojeon Sadang 189 Eunsan 2-Ri, Jiwi-Myeon Folklore Remains No. 2 Joseon
Hanon Janggun Chungsin 594 Geumam-Ri,
Jeongmun Seotan-Myeon
San 35, Dokgok-Dong,
Tomb and shrine of Suseonggun Pyeongtaek
San 37 Echong-Dong,
Chunguigak Pyeongtaek
San 84 Doil-Dong,
Wongyun Sadang Pyeongtaek
San109-436 Wonjeong-Ri,
Wonjeong-Ri Artifacts Poseung-Myeon
Folklore Remains No. 7 Bronze Age
Portrati Scroll of Shin Sukju 905 Gojan 3-Ri,
and Gamsil Judok Cheongbuk-Myeon
Sambongjim Mokpan Paengseongeup Gaeksa
Daedongbeop Sihaeng Ginyeombi Hanon Janggun Chungsin Jeongmun Wongyun Sadang

Intangible Cultural Assets

Intangible cultural assets are those assets that have great historic or artistic
values without having a physical form, such as music, dance, plays, ritual rites
or craftsmanship. One of most distinguished intangible cultural assets of Pyeo-
ngtaek is Pyeongtaek Farmers Music. There are many intangible cultural assets
in Pyeongtaek including the tug-of-war of Dongryeong village or Dongchang
village and amusements of entire community in each village.
Date of
Titles Locations Designation No. Designation Periods
Pyeongtaek 283- 1 Pyeonggung-Ri, Important Intangible
Dec. 1, 1985 Joseon
Farmers Music Paengseong-Eup Cultural Assets No. 11-B
References for Cultural Assets

Cultural Assets Materials
It is also called “Folklore Materials” and includes materials related to daily life
such as houses, food, clothing or accessories, tools or various kinds of events.
Pyeongtaek Hyanggyo (Confucian School) and Jiwi Hyanggyo are representa-
tive materials in Pyeongtaek.
Date of
Pyeongtaek 185 Gaeksa-Ri, Gyeonggi-Do Cultural Assets
Sep. 19, 1983 Joseon
Hyanggyo Paengseong-Eup Materials No. 4
322 Bonjeong-Ri, Gyeonggi-Do Cultural Assets
Honghaksa Bigak Paengseong-Eup Materials No. 5
Sep. 16, 1985 Joseon
Jinwi Hyanggyo 167 Bongnam-Ri, Jiwi-Myeon Gyeonggi-Do Cultural Assets Sep. 16, 1985 Joseon
Daeseongjeon Materials No. 40
Pyeongtaek Hyanggyo
Honghaksa Bigak Jinwi Hyanggyo Daeseongjeon
Tourism Pyeongtaek
Monuments
Monuments are classified into historic or scenic sites of great artistic or aes-
thetic values and natural monuments. Historic sites of great historic or aca-
demic value include shell mounds, ancient tombs, fortress sites, palace sites
and temple sites. Scenic sites of great artistic or aesthetic value include well-
known scenic areas, flowering plants, trees, habitats of fish or insects, valleys,
waterfalls, lakes, coasts, islands, and unique mountains or hills. Pyeongtaek
has several monuments including Anjeong-Ri Nongseong (castle wall) and An
Jaehong Saengga (Birthplace of An Jaehong).
Date of
Yidaewon Janggun San 83- 3 Huigok-Ri,

Poseung-Myeon
Gyeonggi-Do Monuments No. 56 June 2, 1980 Joseon
Myo and Sindobi
Wongyun San 82 Doil-Dong, Pyeo-
Gyeonggi-Do Monuments No.57 June 2, 1980 Joseon
Janggun Myo ngtaek
Nongseong San 41 Anjeong-Ri,
Gyeonggi-Do Monuments No. 74 April 17, 1981
Era of Three
(castle wall) Paengseong-Eup States
646 Dureung-Ri, Godeok- Japanese
An Jaehong Saengga Myeon
Gyeonggi-Do Monuments No. 135 Dec. 31, 1992 Colonial
Yidaewon Janggun Myo Wongyun Janggun Myo
Nongseong (castle wall) An Jaehong Saengga

Map of Pyeongtaek
Date of Publication : Jan. 1, 2009

Planning and Budget Division, Pyeongtaek Municipal Published by : International Cooperation Team, Government
Inquiry : 031 – 659 - 5101
Printed by : Ganaan Printing
Translation and Design : Langstech Translation Center, Kunkuk University
Photo : Pyeongtaek Culture Center

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Major Contact Numbers

▶ Information Calls and Websites

Cases TEL Description

Emergency Medical Services 129 Emergency medical service is required

Women In Crisis 1366 Hidden family and sexual violence

Civil Service Consultation

Inquiries TEL Description

Bank Service 1369 Banking services

Corruption 1398 Consultation or reporting of corruption

Seoul 02, Gyeonggi-Do 031, Incheon 032, Gangwon-Do 033, Chungcheong-

04 Guide for Foreigners Living in Pyeongtaek

Support Organizations for Foreign

Organizations TEL Services

Major Contact Numbers

- Business related to foreign worker employment permit system

Multiculture Family Support Education Counseling and Culture Program for

Korean Language School “Make Kimchi”

Fall Sports Meeting of Immigrants Vocational Education

Major Contact Numbers 05

Information Calls and Websites

Organizations TEL Homepage

Goodmorning Hospital 652-2981 http://www.goodmhospital.co.kr/ (883 Hapjeong-Dong)

Thailand 02) 795-3098 FAX 798-3448, 653-7 Hannam-Dong, Yongsan-Gu

Vietnam 02) 739-2065 FAX 739-2064, 58 Samcheong-Dong, Jongno-Gu

Indonesia 02) 783-5675 FAX 780-4280, 55 Yeoui-Dong, Yeongdeungpo-Gu

USA 02) 397-4114 FAX 795-3606, 32 Sejong-Ro, Jongno-Gu

Mongolia 02) 794-1350 FAX 794-7605, 33-5 Hannam-Dong, Yongsan-Gu

Japan 02) 2170-5200 FAX 734-4528, 18-11 Junghak-Dong, Jongno-Gu

06 Guide for Foreigners Living in Pyeongtaek

Era of Three Kingdoms

Unified Silla – Era of the Later Three Kingdoms

08 Guide for Foreigners Living in Pyeongtaek

Following Independence from Japanese Imperialism

10 Guide for Foreigners Living in Pyeongtaek

▶▶ Korean is the official language of the

▶▶ Taegeukgi is the flag of the Republic of Korea.

The Republic of Korea is governed by a presidential

Information on the Republic of Korea 11

▶▶ The constitution of the Republic of Korea guarantees freedom of religion.

[ Major Etiquette Rules ]

12 Guide for Foreigners Living in Pyeongtaek

Information on the Republic of Korea 13

▶▶ National Holidays : The Anniversary of the Samil Independence Movement

▶▶ Primary school (6 years) : from age 8 to 13

14 Guide for Foreigners Living in Pyeongtaek

▶▶ Pyeongtaek lies in the southernmost part of Gyeonggi-Do. It is bordered by

▶▶ Pyeongtaek is the center of Pan-Yellow Sea Region, the interface of the G2

16 Guide for Foreigners Living in Pyeongtaek

▶▶ Pyeongtaek is the lowest area in Korea with a

▶▶ People have lived in the Pyeongtaek region since

Bird : Flower : Tree :

18 Guide for Foreigners Living in Pyeongtaek

20 Guide for Foreigners Living in Pyeongtaek

Required Documents for Changing a Foreign License to

Application Documents for the Driver’s License Test in Korea

Aptitude Test and Renewal

Guide to Living in Pyeongtaek 21

4. Useful Road Traffic Act

The bus is the most frequently used public transportation.

22 Guide for Foreigners Living in Pyeongtaek

Adults 900 1,000 Adults 800 900

[ How to Use an Intracity Bus ]

Bus Stop Arrival of a Bus Transportation Card Reader

Guide to Living in Pyeongtaek 23