South Korea is located in East Asia, surrounded by water on three sides. Its capital and largest city is Seoul. The national flag symbolizes balance between opposing forces. The national flower, Mugunghwa or Rose of Sharon, blooms from July to October and reflects the enduring Korean culture. Key facts about South Korea include its population of 50 million people, currency of South Korean Won, and driving on the right side of the road. Incheon International Airport is a major international gateway near Seoul. Public transportation within South Korea is highly developed, including trains, subways, buses and taxis. Indian citizens require a visa in advance to visit South Korea, with options for tourist, transit, or Jeju Island visas

1. Module 1: Introduction to South Korea
South Korea, surrounded by the ocean on three sides, is a unique geographical location. It is situated in East Asia and shares
borders with Japan to the east and China to the west. Seoul is the capital city. The National Flag of the country symbolizes the
active cosmic forces of yang and passive cosmic forces of yin thus emphasizing the importance of balancing one’s energies.
The white colour of the flag depicts the country’s inclination towards Peace and Harmony.
The national flower is Mugunghwa or Rose of Sharon which blooms from July to October every year. The pink and purple
blossoms transform the entire country into a blooming wonderland providing a heavenly view to locals and tourists alike! The
flower’s symbolic significance emerges from the South Korean word ‘mugung’ meaning immortality, precisely reflecting the
enduring nature of South Korean culture, the determination and perseverance of the South Korean people.

2. Some Quick Facts:
o Capital City: Seoul
o Location: East Asia
o Official Language: Korean (English is widely spoken)
o Population: 50 Million approx.
o Time Zone: 3.5 Hrs ahead of IST
o Monetary unit: South Korean Won
o Exchange Rate: USD 1 = KRW 1,100 (approx.)
o Driving: On the right (In India driving is on the Left)
o Official Tourism Website:
o www.visitkorea.in (India)
o www.visitkorea.or.kr (Global)
o www.visitkoreaforme.com/en/main.kto (FIT)
o www.koreaconvention.org (MICE)

3. International Tourist Helpline in Korea: 1330
KTO runs '1330' service to provide convenience for local and international visitors. '1330' provides not only guidance of
sightseeing but also tourism interpretation services for tourists. It is a one stop helpline available for tourists. For any
assistance during their stay, your guests can avail this unique service.
Overview of Service:
o Customer access time: Serviceable time is 24/7, that is , tourists can call at any time of the day, all days
o Service details : guidance of sightseeing, tourism interpretation, Complaints Report, BENIKEA Hotel Reservation,
connecting with tourist police
o Service Language : Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese
How to use:
o In Korea: Just dial 1330
o In another country: +82-2-1330
o 1) Korean / 2) English / 3) Japanese / 4) Chinese
o **1330 is a public service that KTO runs, so it is for free.

4. WEATHER
Korea experiences four distinct seasons, namely – spring, summer, autumn and winter. All the four seasons offer
different landscape and varied experiences to the tourists.
Spring is from March to May when the weather is
warm and the skies are blue. Flowers are in full
bloom attracting tourists to the mountains and
countryside. The temperature varies from 10-15
degrees. April is the best time to experience Cherry
Blossoms in Korea!
Spring Summer
Summer months are from June to August. The
sunny days and clear blue skies attract many
tourists to South Korea during these months. The
temperature varies from 20-30 degrees. During
this time, the weather is very good for Indians to
enjoy!

5. Autumn
Autumn is from September to November when the
weather is cool and crisp. The whole nation is painted
with vibrant hues of the falling leaves of Ginkgo and
Maple trees. Autumn is the time to go for hiking in the
mountains to immerse in the mesmerising view of the
autumn colours. The temperature varies from 10-15
degrees.
Winter
Winter is from December to February, January
being the coldest month. Winter offers an excellent
opportunity for Snow Sports. The best place for
snow sports is the mountainous regions in
Gangwon province. The Winter Olympics 2018 was
hosted in Pyeongchang city of Gangwon province,
which is just a few hours’ drive from Seoul city. The
temperature usually remains below 10 degrees.

6. TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Korea is well connected by flight from all the major countries in the world. From India, direct flights are available from
Mumbai and Delhi.
DIRECT FLIGHTS (ONLY FROM DELHI & MUMBAI)
EX-DELHI
Korean Air (5 times per week)
Sector Flight No. Timing Days of Operation
Delhi – Incheon
(Seoul)
KE 482 19:40 - 06:20 (+1) Sun, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
Incheon (Seoul) –
Delhi
KE 481 13:00 - 18:05 Sun, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat

7. Air India (4 times per week)
Sector Flight No. Timing Days of Operation
Delhi – Incheon (Seoul) AI 310
23:05 - 12:30 (+1)
(1 Hr halt in Hong Kong)
Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun
Incheon (Seoul) – Delhi AI 317
14:15 - 21:20
(1 hr halt in Hong Kong)
Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri
Sector Flight No. Timing Days of Operation
Mumbai – Incheon
(Seoul)
KE 656 02:35 - 13:35 Tue, Thu, Sat
Incheon (Seoul) –
Mumbai
KE 655 19:50 - 00:50 (+1)
Mon, Wed, Fri
EX MUMBAI (Only Korean Air)
TRANSPORT SYSTEM

8. Via Flights (1 Stop)
Via flights to Korea (1 stop) are available from all major International airports in India such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai,
Bangalore, Kolkata, Hyderabad, etc
Best Via (1stop) Flight Connections
o Via Hong Kong - Cathay Pacific (Daily flights) - flight duration approx. 4 hrs
o Via Singapore - Singapore Airlines (Daily flights) - flight duration approx. 6 hrs
o Via Malaysia - Malaysian Airlines or Air Asia (Daily flights)- flight duration approx. 6 hrs
o Via Thailand - Thai Airways (Daily flights) - flight duration approx. 5 hrs
o Via Shanghai - China Airlines or China Eastern or China Southern (Daily flights) - flight duration approx. 2 hrs
o Via Beijing - China Airlines (Daily flights) - flight duration approx. 2 hrs
o ** Singapore Airlines / Malaysian Airlines / Thai Airways / etc fly from all major international airports in India
TRANSPORT SYSTEM

9. Incheon International Airport
Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea. It is the primary airport serving the Seoul Capital Area,
and one of the largest and busiest airports in the world. As a main gateway of Korea, Seoul Incheon International Airport
connects over 50 countries and 181 destinations in the world. Declared Best Airport in the World for 12 consecutive years,
passengers at the Incheon International Airport can experience the best of services and facilities at the airport. The airport has a golf course,
spa, private sleeping rooms, an ice-skating rink, a casino, indoor gardens and a Museum of Korean Culture. Its duty-free shopping mall has been
rated the world's best for three years in a row in 2013 by Business Traveller. The airport also claims that it has only a 0.0001% baggage
mishandling rate.
Incheon International Airport is located west of Incheon's city centre, on an artificially created piece of land between Yeongjong and Yongyu
Islands. The Airport is at a driving distance of 15 mins. from Incheon city and approx. 45 mins from Seoul city.
The airport holds the record of being ranked the Best Airport Worldwide for 11 consecutive years by the Airports Council International (ACI)'s
Airport Service Quality Award from 2005 to 2016, and has also been rated the world's best among airports of its size (25–40 million passengers)
and region (Asia-Pacific) since 2012 due to the institution's decision to discontinue the Best Airport Worldwide category.
Incheon International Airport's terminal has 76 boarding gates altogether, with 44 in the main terminal and 30 in Concourse A.
The Incheon Airport experience includes-
Duty Free (one of the largest) | Live performances | Observation Deck Ecological Garden | Ice Forest (Skating Rink) | Movie Theatre | Casino |
Golf Club | Free Transit Tours (1-5 hrs long).
TRANSPORT SYSTEM

10. Free Transit Tours
Incheon International Airport offers Free Transit Tours (1-5 hrs long). These tours can be opted for by the
transit tour passenger who has same day connecting flight from third countries to other third countries within 24 hours. The details of the
different tours offered are:
Theme Duration Places Covered Timing
Seaside 1 Hour
Incheon International Airport → Eurwangni or Masirang Beach → Terminal 1 08:00~09:00
Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 11:00~12:00
Entertainment 2 Hours
Incheon International Airport → Paradise City Art-Tainment →
Terminal 1 & 2 07:00~09:00
Incheon International Airport
Incheon City
2 Hours
T1 Incheon International Airport → Songdo Hanok Village →
Terminal 1 09:00~11:00
Central Park Songdo → Incheon International Airport
2 Hours
Incheon International Airport → Songdo Hanok Village →
Terminal 1 & 2 15:00~17:00
Triple Street → Incheon International Airport
Sea & Shopping
2 Hours
T1 Incheon International Airport → Incheon Airport Maglev →
Terminal 1 13:00~15:00
Lotte Mart → Incheon International Airport
2 Hours
T2 Incheon International Airport → Eurwangni Beach →
Terminal 2 13:00~15:00
Lotte Mart → Incheon International Airport
TRANSPORT SYSTEM

11. Theme Duration Places Covered Timing
Industry 4 Hours
Incheon International Airport → Gwangmyeong Cave →
Terminal 1&2 09:00~13:00
Incheon International Airport
Temple 1 4 Hours
Incheon International Airport → Jeondeungsa Temple →
Terminal 1&2 8:00~12:00
Deokjinjin Fortress → Incheon International Airport
Temple 2 4 Hours
Incheon International Airport → Cheonggyecheon Stream →
Terminal 1&2 14:00~18:00
Jogyesa Temple → Incheon International Airport
Shopping 5 Hours
Incheon International Airport → Myeong-dong →
Terminal 1&2 13:00~18:00
Namdaemun Market → Incheon International Airport
Tradition 5 Hours
Incheon International Airport → Gyeongbokgung Palace → Terminal 1&2 8:00~13:00
Insa-dong → Incheon International Airport 10:00~15:00
TRANSPORT SYSTEM

12. Important point to be noted in the transit tours are:
(A) Its free of cost, and
(B) Korean visa is not required to avail these tours!
Terms and Conditions to opt for Transit Tours at Incheon Airport:
o Free Transit tour is only for transit passengers with less than 24 hours of lay over time at lncheon Airport.
o All tour programs are offered on a first-come, first served basis.
o Tour programs may be subject to change without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances.
o All tours are offered free of charge excluding Tradition and Temple 1 tours. The Tradition tour costs USD10, which covers a meal and an
entrance fee for the Royal Palace. The Temple 1 tour costs about USD4 for an entrance fee.
o All passengers with and without pre-online bookings should present a passport, boarding passes and valid visas (if applicable) at the Free
Transit Tour desk for registration. Registration will close 30 minutes before the tour start time at the tour desk on the 1st floor in each
terminal after immigration clearance.
*NOTE: Passport, Boarding passes and valid entry Visas are required for registration.
Click here to book Transit Tours: https://www.airport.kr/ap/en/trn/trnTourMain.do
TRANSPORT SYSTEM

13. Trains
Korean trains are classified based on their speed and
the amenities offered onboard. There are generally
seven classifications: KTX express trains, including KTX-
Sancheon, and the non-express Saemaeul, ITX-
Saemaeul, ITX-Cheongchun, Mugunghwa, and KORAIL
tourist trains. The KORAIL Pass, an exclusive railway pass
for foreign visitors, facilitates an affordable vacation
exploring different parts of Korea. The pass allows
unlimited usage of all trains including KTX express trains
for a specific period ranging from 1-7 days.
Subway
Subways are a very convenient and favoured
mode of transportation by both local and
tourists. It connects from one point to another
without any hassles, making it easy for your
guests to get around as well! Subways are
currently being operated around five major
cities including, Seoul Metropolitan Areas,
Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The public transportation system in Korea is very efficient and extensive. It comprises of flights, trains, buses, subways
and taxis.
TRANSPORT SYSTEM

14. Some Important Websites:
o KORAIL (KTX and other) http://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizBfTicketSearch.do
o SEOUL METRO WEBSITE - http://www.seoulmetro.co.kr/kr/index.do?device=PC
o BUSAN METRO - http://www.humetro.busan.kr/english/main.do
o INCHEON AIRPORT RAILROAD EXPRESS (AREX) - https://www.arex.or.kr/main.do
o DAEGU METRO - http://www.dtro.or.kr/open_content_new/eng/
o GWANGJU METRO - https://www.gwangjusubway.co.kr/
Taxi
Another convenient way of getting through Korea is by Taxis. They are fast, well maintained and reasonably priced. There are different
types of Taxis like Standard Taxis, Deluxe Taxis, Jumbo Taxis etc. They can be found at taxi stands in most busy city areas or hailed on the
streets. There are also call taxis that can be requested by phone.
Approximate Taxi Fares:
Standard Taxi - 2,800 - 3,000 won (In Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon and Busan, a surcharge of 20% applies during late-night hours (midnight-
4am) and in suburbs (N/A for other cities).)
Deluxe and Jumbo Taxi - 3,200 - 5,000 won
TRANSPORT SYSTEM

15. Buses
One of the most popular ways of travelling around Korea is by buses. There are 2 types of bus connectivity express and intercity buses.
Both of these buses have extensive networks throughout the country and prices of the tickets are considered to be very reasonable. The
buses are well maintained, punctual and tourist friendly. In most cases, both the express and intercity bus terminals are located closely at
the cities’ centre. However, in some cities such as Seoul, the terminals are found at different locations in the city.
TRANSPORT SYSTEM

16. VISA PROCEDURES (FOR INDIAN NATIONALS)
Indian nationals wanting to travel to South Korea need valid Korean visa prior to arrival. First time visitor should apply for
Single entry visa. Visitors with prior travel experience to South Korea can apply for multiple entry visa also (if required).
Types Of Visas (For Tourism Purpose)
Following are the types of visa through which an Indian national can enter South Korea for tourism purpose.
1. TOURIST VISA (Single Entry)
Temporary Visit (C-3) visa need to be applied for entry to South Korea for tourism purposes.
2. NO-VISA ENTRY FOR TRANSIT TOURISTS
Visa Free Transit Stay has 2 categories.
A: Up to 30 days of Visa Free stay for Indian nationals having valid flight visa and flight ticket to following 4 countries: USA, Canada,
Australia and New Zealand
B: Up to 72 hrs of Visa Free stay for Indian nationals having valid visa and flight ticket for onward country.
3. JEJU ISLAND – NO VISA ENTRY
Any Indian national having valid passport can enter Jeju Island without prior Korean visa and is allowed for visa free entry. Under this
arrangement visitor can stay in Jeju Island up to 30 days for tourism purpose.
** Note: Important condition to be followed for Jeju Island – No Visa Entry is one must arrive Jeju Island directly without touching
mainland Korea. One example to do that is taking direct flight from Hong Kong to Jeju Island.

17. Visa Validity & Documentation:
o Tourist visa (Single Entry) once issued is valid for 90 days.
o For Tourist Visa application following documents are required
o Application Form
o 2 Photographs
o 1 Year ITR (latest) / 6 month bank statement (in absence of ITR)
** Embassy may ask for additional documents such as employment proof, travel proof, etc. on case to case basis. However the
same need not be submitted in first go.
** Please prepare all the documents very carefully as due to incomplete documents visas are frequently getting rejected.

18. Visa Application Centers:
A: South Region (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh)
Application Center: Korean Consulate in Chennai
B: West Region (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and Union Territories of Daman and Diu, Dadra and Nagar
Havel)
Application Center: Korean Consulate in Mumbai
C: East Region (West Bengal, Orissa, Assam, Anurachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Sikkim)
Application Center: VFS Global Services, Kolkata
D: North Region (Rest of India)
Application Center: VFS Global Services, New Delhi
Visa Fees:
Tourist visa (Single Entry – up to 90 days) : INR 2800
VFS Charges : INR 975
** VFS Charges are applicable for submissions in Delhi & Kolkata
NOTE: All above mentioned VISA information is valid as per 1st August 2017. We recommend travel agents to check with relevant VISA
offices (Embassy & VFS) for any changes that may take place post launch of this training program.
Important Visa Websites:
Embassy of Republic of Korea in India (New Delhi) - http://ind.mofat.go.kr/english/as/ind/main/index.jsp
VFS Global Services (Korea Visa Application Center) - https://www.vfsglobal.com/korea/india/index.html
Korean Consulate Office in Chennai - http://overseas.mofa.go.kr/in-chennai-ko/index.do
Korean Consulate office in Mumbai - http://overseas.mofa.go.kr/in-mumbai-ko/index.do
END OF MODULE 1