It is not necessary to tip a taxi driver unless he assists you with luggage or provides an extra service. Although the crime rate in the Republic of Korea is low, pickpocketing, purse snatching, hotel room burglaries, and residential crime do occur and foreigners can be targeted. In addition, increased incidents of physical attacks on foreigners, including sexual harassment, molestation and rape have been recently reported. Travelers can reduce the likelihood of encountering such incidents by taking the same precautions that they would take in the urban United States. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Banks are a major exception.
All banks and businesses are required by law to close on Sundays and national holidays. Foreign diplomatic missions in Seoul generally maintain strict business hours. Smaller shops tend to be open from early morning until late evening every day of the week. For longer stays and other types of travel, visas must be obtained in advance. Applicants must depart and apply for new visas at an embassy or consulate outside Korea.