Korean is closer to the Japanese language linguistically. Visit Life in Korea 's language section to learn some useful Korean vocabulary and phrases. In some tourist areas, merchants may be willing to accept U.S. dollars or Japanese yen, but the exchange rate will be worse than the official rate. Most banks and hotels can exchange money, and most will also take travelers checks. Very few ATMs allow cash advances on non-Korean credit cards.
Many international banks have offices in Seoul, and a few have branches in Pusan.
Koreans descended from the Mongolian race in prehistoric times. Periods of occupation have also added Chinese and Japanese blood to the gene pool. Although they have borrowed from other cultures, especially Chinese and Japanese, Koreans have maintained their own distinctive language, culture, and customs. It is a family orientated society, heavily based on Confucianism, which even in modern times retains the basic patterns and manners of family-centered life. Additionally, a very large mosque in It'aewon-dong holds services for those of the Islamic faith.