by Delia Toh

South Korea is a very attractive spot for tourists all over the world. Before planning a trip, take some time to familiarize yourself with standards of procedure, travel tips, currency exchange and all the other must-knows about traveling to South Korea.

Important Documents

It is crucial that you carry a passport that does not expire within 6 months and identification information that is up-to-date before entering South Korea.

Customs

Travelers to South Korea (excluding those below age 19) may take in these items, duty-free:

1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco products
2. 57g perfume
3. 1 litre of alcohol (only those over 20 years old)
4. Gifts valued at not more than 400,000 won.

Do not take in products from communist countries, fruits, seeds and any offensive and obscene material, printed or otherwise.

The currency used is the South Korean Won, and the current exchange rate is 882.9975 won to 1 SGD.

Visitors to South Korea claim a refund of a 10% Value-added tax or special taxes on highly-prices purchases. The price of all purchases must total up to 30,000 won or more, and goods have have been purchased within 3 months of departing the country.These refunds can be claimed at the airport or at purchasing stores with the “Tax Free Korea” or “”Global Blue Tax Free” logo.

Departure Tax

All non-Koreans leaving South Korea by air are subjected to a W10,000 departure tax at the airport and a W17,000 passenger service charge if it has not been included in the air fare.

Airlines
From Changi International Airport, the following airlines reach South Korea:

-Singapore Airlines
-Korean Air
-Asiana Airlines