How can we help you?
Q) We have very noisy neighbors who do not listen to our complaints. What can we do? Can the police help? Are there any laws in Korea regarding noise pollution?
A) According to the Office of Noise Control, they cannot take any action against such people. We suggest that you discuss this issue directly with your neighbor or you can submit a complaint to the National Environmental Dispute Resolution Commission.
The National Environmental Dispute Resolution Commission can be reached at (02) 503-9303. For more information, you can also visit http://edc.me.go.kr/bunjang/user/index.html.
Q) I have heard that an extra service charge is added to the sales slip by the merchant (not V.A.T.) when using a foreign credit card (i.e. non-Korean-issued credit card). Is this true? Isn't this an illegal practice?
A) It is illegal to add an additional service charge to people using Korean or foreign issued credit cards.
If you experience such irregularities, keep your receipt and make a complaint to the Financial Supervisory Service, which can be reached at (02)-785-3475 or http://english.fss.or.kr.
Q) I got kicked out of a taxi because of the language barrier. Are there programs in place to educate taxi drivers or bus drivers in South Korea regarding tolerance in dealing with foreigners?
A) According to the Transportation Administration Office, each year there are two programs of four to eight hours, to help educate taxi/bus drivers in customer services. If you want to file a complaint, detailed information is necessary. Specifically if the case is related to taxis, the complete six digits of the license plate are required. It will be helpful to provide the Korean letters of the plate as well.
The Seoul Help Center for Foreigners (SHC), operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Business Agency (SBA), is an organization that provides foreigners in Seoul with comprehensive information and advice in daily life, business and tourism.
Seoul Help Center for Foreigners (SHC)
Tel : 02-731-6800
Fax : 02-731-6803
http://shc.seoul.go.kr
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