The Magpies return to Asia following a successful visit to Japan last summer, prior to going on to win the club’s first domestic trophy in 70 years and finishing in the Champions League places.
The first stop on the tour will see Newcastle United travel to Singapore for the first time since 1965 to face Arsenal on Sunday, 27th July in the Singapore National Stadium.
This will be followed by two fixtures in South Korea against Team K League on Wednesday, 30th July and Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, 3rd August. It will be the first time Newcastle United have played fixtures in South Korea.
Supporters travelling to matches in Singapore and Seoul are advised to note the following considerations.
Singapore
Getting to the Singapore National Stadium (v Arsenal)
Singapore National Stadium is located in the Kallang area in central Singapore, just north-east of downtown Singapore. The stadium lies about three kilometres away from the central business district (CBD) and the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel.
The stadium is easily reached by Singapore’s MTR metro network. Station Stadium lies right next to the stadium and is on the Circle Line that connects with the downtown area around the Marina Bay Sands hotel and northern parts of downtown area towards Orchard Road. Station Kallang is an alternative a 10-minute walk away from the stadium that is on the East West Line that runs right through the CBD and Chinatown.
Sightseeing in Singapore
The official tourism board for Singapore has an extensive page of visitor attractions, and places to eat and drink in Singapore. You'll find all the key information here - https://www.visitsingapore.com/
Weather
It is essentially summer all year-round in Singapore, owing to its tropical climate and proximity to the Equator.
Expect daytime temperatures of around 32°c and evening temperatures of 25°c, so dress light and stay hydrated when you are outdoors. You may also want to bring along an umbrella as rain showers can be frequent!
Currency The currency in Singapore is the 'Singapore Dollar'. Singapore is moving towards being cashless, however most places accept cash and card payments. If you only have a card with you, it is worth checking with the vendor prior to purchase to make sure they accept card.
Key information on Singapore
Singapore has a strict policy against drug use and there are severe consequences for drug related crimes in Singapore. Evidence of drug use in your system on arrival or in transit will lead to refusal of entry or arrest.
You DO NOT have to carry ID with you at all times when in Singapore.
Use of false ID is illegal in Singapore.
The law in Singapore prohibits drinking in all public places from 10.30pm to 7.00am, except for certain restaurants, bars and licensed entertainment venues. The sale of takeaway alcohol at retail shops, including supermarkets, is also not allowed between 10.30pm to 7.00am.
Vapes and e-cigarettes are banned in Singapore. It is illegal to bring them into the country, including for personal use. Those found in possession of vapes or e-cigarettes will have them confiscated and could be fined.
You must be 21 or over to purchase, use, own, sell or supply tobacco products in Singapore. Smoking is banned at all public parks, all beaches and along certain waterways. Orchard Road is a No Smoking Zone. Make sure you smoke in designated areas only.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. Check to see whether you need approval from the Health Sciences Authority to bring in medication from the UK.
Plug sockets are type G (UK Plugs will work)
Popular ‘taxi’ apps that are useful in Singapore are Grab, Gojek and TADA. Uber is not used in Singapore.
Emergency services in Singapore
Ambulance: 995
Fire: 995
Police: 999
South Korea
Getting to the Suwon Stadium (v Team K League)
Suwon World Cup Stadium is located toward the east of the city of Suwon, almost next to the Ajou University campus. The stadium lies a few kilometres east of the Hwaseong Fortress.
Suwon is situated about 30 kilometres south of Seoul and can be reached from the capital by train or metro. Take metro line 1 in the centre of Seoul and get off at Hwaseo Station. The taxi ride from there takes 15 to 20 minutes. Alternatively, continue to Suwon Station and take a bus from there. Bus 86, 100, 720 (and 720-1 and 702-2) all run past the stadium, often via Ajou University.
Getting to the Seoul World Cup Stadium (v Tottenham Hotspur)
Seoul World Cup Stadium is located in the west of the city of Seoul on the north bank of the Han River.
The Metro station ‘World Cup Stadium’ is located right next to the stadium. The station is on line 6, which runs south of the centre of Seoul, but can be reached with a transfer via line 4 (from Seoul Station) or line 2 (from City Hall).
Sightseeing in Seoul
The official tourism board for South Korea has an extensive page of visitor attractions, and places to eat and drink in Seoul. You'll find all the key information here - VISITKOREA - Imagine Your Korea
Weather
Expect evening temperatures of 22°c and daytime temperatures of around 30°c, with high humidity levels. You may want to take a raincoat or an umbrella with you though, as Seoul at this time of year is known to have some crazy rain showers! Umbrella’s are sold in most convenience stores in Seoul at reasonable prices.
Currency
The currency in South Korea is the 'Won' and South Korea is moving towards being cashless, however most places accept cash and card payments.
There are a number of cash-less buses and metros in operation in Seoul. You can buy a ‘TMoney card’ from a convenience store and pre load it with money to use on the subway (Seoul has an extensive subway network) and buses. These will be available at convenience stores such as GS25, CU and 7-Eleven.
Key information on South Korea
In Korea the drinking age is 19. Korea is an 'open carry' country so you can drink alcohol in public however it is illegal to buy alcohol from a convenience store and drink inside the store. Fans are always advised to drink responsibly and be respectful of their surroundings.
A zero-tolerance drug crime policy is in place and penalties are severe. British nationals have been detained solely on the basis of drug tests.
It is a legal requirement to carry some form of identification
Taxi drivers tend to speak little or no English. It is helpful to have your destination written in Korean – if possible, with a map.
‘Papago’ is a translation app that many in South Korea use to communicate.
South Korean customs authorities allow you to bring small amounts of medication for your personal use, if it is kept in carry-on baggage. Take an English language prescription from your doctor at home for both your prescription drugs and non-prescription medicines. Consult the website of the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety before you travel to South Korea.
Medical and dental care in South Korea is usually of a good standard, but can be expensive. Staff may not speak English. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Plug sockets are type C and F (European Plugs will work)
Uber is available in South Korea however, an alternative app option is ‘Kakao T’ where you can order a taxi.
If you are a smoker, please be conscious that there are designated smoking areas for most premises and some streets prohibit smoking. Please pay attention to signage and adhere to them, fine are applicable if you do not.
Do not litter on the streets in South Korea.
When crossing the road on foot in South Korea, do so via ‘Zebra Crossings’.
Emergency services in South Korea
Ambulance: 119
Fire: 119
Police: 112
All seven Newcastle United pre-season fixtures will be available for supporters around the world (subject to broadcast rights) to watch live on the Official Newcastle United website and app. More here.
