KSES 2025

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization)

K-ETA is mandatory for nationals of 67 visa-waiver countries/regions and 45 designated visa-free entry countries/regions who enter Korea without a visa.(Total 112 countries/regions)
K-ETA is NOT a visa. An approved K-ETA is not a guarantee of admission to the Republic of Korea. A Korea Immigration Service officer at a port of entry will have the final determination.
http://www.k-eta.go.kr(Mobile app.: K-ETA) is the one and ONLY official website operated by the government of the Republic of Korea.
※ Assessment can take “more than 72 hours” depending on the situation (e.g., ncreased number of K-ETA applications, applicants’ circumstances, etc).
※ Applicants can easily upload photos by using the mobile application.

Currency & Banking

The unit of currency is Korean Won (KRW), expressed as ￦. Coin denominations are ￦10, ￦50, ￦100 and ￦500. Bank notes are ￦1,000, ￦5,000, ￦10,000 and ￦50,000. As of March, 2016, the exchange rate is approximately ￦1,170 for $1 (USD).

Currency exchange: Foreign banknotes can be exchanged at most banks and other authorized moneychangers.
Banking hours: 09:00 - 16:00, Monday through Friday

Credit Card

Visa, and MasterCard are accepted at almost all retail outlets, but Diners Club and American Express may only be accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants in the larger cities. Check with your credit card company for details on merchant acceptance and other available services.

Electricity

The standard electricity supply is 220 volts AC/60 cycles. Most hotels may provide outlet converters for 110 and 220 volts. Participants are recommended to check with the hotel beforehand.

Business Hours

Government office hours are usually from 9am to 6pm on weekdays and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Banks are open from 9:00am to 4:00pm on weekdays and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Major department stores are open every day from 10:30am to 8pm including Sundays.

Time Difference

Korea is 9 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +9) and does not observe daylight savings time.
http://www.worldtimeserver.com/time_converter.aspx

Tip & Tax

Tip: Tipping is not regularly practiced in Korea. Service charges are often included in the bill for rooms, meals, and other services at hotels and upscale restaurants
Tax: Upon request, visitors can receive VAT refunds of about 10 percent for purchases at "Duty Free Shopping" outlets. Goods must be taken out of Korea within three months of purchase to be eligible for a tax refund. Only foreign tourists in Korea can apply for this tax refund. Visitors can receive refund on receipts with a minimum purchase amount of KRW 50,000 (around US$ 50). To receive this refundable, present refund receipts together with the purchased goods at the customs desk at the airport on your day of departure. These receipts can be cashed in at the Cash Refund Office in front of the Airport Duty Free Shop.