Country code: 82.

Roaming agreements exist with a few mobile phone companies - check before departure. You may still have to hire a relevant Korean handset even though your SIM card works. Pre-booking for handset hire is recommended.

Internet is widely available in Korea. The country is the sixth highest user of Internet in the world; according to the OECD, Korea is the fourth-most connected broadband country of all OECD countries. There are Internet cafes around the country in public places such as airports, train stations and bus terminals in Korea. ‘PC bangs' are rooms full of computers, predominantly started for people to play games. They are cheap and many open 24-hours with snacks available.

Airmail to Western Europe takes up to 10 days.

Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1800. Gwanghwamun main post office in Seoul: Mon-Fri 0900-2000; Sat-Sun 0900-1800.

There are four major national terrestrial networks that dominate TV viewing in South Korea. Many Koreans are connected to cable TV services and digital satellite TV service and there are more than 100 daily Korean Cable/Satellite TV Networks. Arirang TV provides a fairly slick and comprehensive series of public service programming in English and is usually available in hotels. There is also patchy reception on the US forces station AFN, which broadcasts American-orientated TV such as news, sitcoms, drama and movies.

• English-language national daily newspapers include The Korea Herald, The Korea Times and JoongAng Ilbo, published as a daily insert in the International Herald Tribune. • Other newspapers include The Hankyoreh, which has a good English-language online presence (website: www.hani.co.kr), as does Chosun Ilbo (website: http://english.chosun.com).
• Seoul Selection is a useful English-language lifestyle magazine.
• Go to Bandi & Luni's Bookstore at the COEX Mall in Seoul for an excellent selection of English-language newspapers, magazines and books about Seoul.

• Public operator Korea Broadcasting System (KBS) operates two networks with many different channels.
• Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) and Education Broadcasting System (EBS) are also public.
• Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) is private.

• Public operator Korea Broadcasting System (KBS) operates six networks.
• Public operator Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation operates MBC Radio and music-based MBC FM.
• Seoul Broadcasting System operates SBS-FM.
• Buddhist Broadcasting System (BBS) is a Buddhist network and Far East Broadcasting Corporation (FEBC) also has religious content.
• American Forces Network Korea (AFN Korea) is a station aimed at US military personnel.