Airports

Incheon International Airport, which opened in May 2011, is the biggest airport in Korea and serves as the main entrance gate for travelers visiting Korea. Incheon International Airport offers only three domestic routes: Daegu, Busan, and Jeju. It offers flights to Daegu and Busan two and seven times a day, respectively, and flights to Jeju twice a day except for Wednesdays and Thursdays (one flight each day). Most of the flights will operate under this schedule until October 2011, but direct inquiry to the airlines is recommended since the flight schedule is subject to change. To travel to Busan, Jeju, or Daegu, Gimpo Airport is a better option. Incheon International Airport is expected to have more domestic routes available in the near future.

International Airport/Location

Incheon International Airport

Incheon-si Jung-gu Unseo-dong

Tel - information:

+82-2-1577-2600, 1577-2600

Climate

Korea has four seasons, with a wet monsoon/summer season in the middle of the year (average temperature 24°C/74°F) and a cold winter from November to March (average temperature 2°C/35°F).

Seoul Attractions

Experience the best that Seoul has to offer with a guide on Seoul attractions including info on traditional sites, museums, art galleries, major landmarks, parks, casinos, shopping and more.

Local Time

Seoul is nine hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Tax

Sales taxes are included in the purchase price of each product. If you’re a visitor to Korea (non-resident) and are taking goods out of the country, you may be eligible for a tax refund upon your departure. Refundable taxes: VAT/sales tax (10%) and special taxes on high-priced goods (jewelry, etc.)

Tipping

In general, tipping is not required nor expected in Korea.  However there are some exceptions to be aware of:

Hotels: most major hotels add a compulsory 10% service charge to bills on top of the 10% VAT.* Hotel Porters: Tipping is not necessary or expected.  Housekeeping: a standard gratuity is appreciated for housekeeping service based on length of stay.

Restaurants:  Tipping is not necessary or expected.   A 10% VAT may be included in the price or added to the total, varying by restaurant.

Taxis: Tipping is not necessary or expected, except on an occasion is particularly helpful such as moving heavy packages, wherein a few extra 1,000 won bills is appreciated.

Airport Porters: Tipping is not necessary or expected.

* Generally the 10% VAT is included in prices in most shops and services in Korea, but not consistently in restaurants and therefore may be added to the final bill.

Visa/Entry

Entry visas may be required for foreign nationals entering the Republic of Korea. The IIS will on request provide required support documentation.