So you are going to visit South Korea, but these are the basic knowledges and information must know.
Currency Rate
By looking at the currency exchange chart, you may gain some extra penny by exchange during the low peak.
Tax Refund
Step 1
Make a purchase of 30,000 won or more at a participating retail store. Participating stores are designated by the “Global Blue TAX FREE” or “GLOBAL TAXFREE” logo. Many participating shops can be found in popular tourist shopping areas such as the Myeongdong and Dongdaemun areas.
After your purchase, show the sales assistant your passport and ask him or her to issue and sign a refund form.
*Make sure to collect a refund slip from each participating store each time you make a purchase.
Step 2
When checking-in at the airport, declare the purchased goods at customs and get the "ALL GOODS EXPORTED" endorsement from customs on your refund forms.
Notes:
- For checked baggage:
① When getting your boarding pass, tell the airline personnel that you have goods for which you need the customs endorsement.
② Get a baggage tag from the airline personnel and attach it to the bag you want to check-in (don't check-in the bag yet as you need to show it to customs).
③ Proceed to the oversize baggage check-in counter (located in sections J and D).
④ Present the goods and refund forms to the customs officer at the counter to get approval.
⑤ You can now check-in your bag at the counter.
- For carry-ons:
① Get your boarding pass.
② Present the purchased goods and refund forms to the customs officer at the oversize baggage check-in counter (located in sections J and D or Gate 1, 2, 3, and 4). ☞ For any large items that have already been shipped, present the purchase and shipping receipts to customs.
Step 3
① After going through customs, proceed to the Refund Counter on the departure floor to get your cash refund.
GLOBAL BLUE
▪ Incheon International Airport: refund counter (3F, departure floor, in front of gate 28)
▪ Gimpo International Airport: credit refund counter only (2F, Delivery point of Deposited goods)
GLOBAL TAXFREE
▪ Incheon International Airport: Refund counter
(F3, departure floor, in front of gate 28 - to be opened in April 2011)
Climate and clothing
I'm travelling at the end of April. Hence, the average temperature during travel period: 10.7 - 17.9 ℃
Check there is a high rainfall during your travel period, purchase rain coat for raining season.
For females, considered good skirt leggings or tights.
You may need to consider the ultraviolet (even autumn or winter), put something on it.
Coupons
If you plan for discount shopping in Seoul, check out these coupons sites.
The coupon type ranges from beauty, food, entertainment to shopping.
Adapter and voltage
Voltage 220V
Transportation
Incheon International Airport -> Seoul station
Express train:
Adult 13,800 won(15 SGD) / Children (ages 4-12) 6,900 won - non-stop takes 45 min
Commuter train: 3,700won (4 SGD) - stops for each station, take 53 min
single-use transportation (or T-Money card), M-PASS
Taxi
Taxis can be hailed anywhere in Seoul by sticking out your hand or by visiting the taxi rank.
Regular (ilban) : Silver/Taxi
The fare for Regular Taxi starts at 2,400 won for the first 2km and 100 won for each additional 144m. If the taxi is travelling at less than 15km or stuck in traffic, the charge is 100 won for 35 seconds. Fares increase by 20% between midnight and 4am.
Deluxe Taxi (mobeom): black with a yellow cap
The Deluxe Taxi fare starts at 4,500 won for the first 3km and 200 won for each additional 164m. If the taxi is driving less than 15km or stuck in traffic the charge is 200 won for 39 seconds.
International Taxis: completely orange
starts at 2,800 won for the first 2km and 120 won for each additional 144m. If the taxi is driving less than 15km or stuck in traffic, the charge is 120 won for 35 seconds
Basic fare for 10km
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Age 19 and older
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Age 13–18
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Age 6–12
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Multiple Journey
Transportation Cards
(T-Money) Ezlink
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1,050 won
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900 won
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450 won
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Single Journey
Transportation Cards
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1,150 won
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1,000 won
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500 won
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Get a map
You can either get a map from airport, visitor centre, or railway station. However, I prefer to save public transport map to phone to easy carry around.
