- What is the group size on your tours?
Most groups operate on less but the maximum will always be 28 people per group.
- What is the best time to travel?
Autumn (September – November) and spring (late March – May) are the most comfortable seasons to visit.
- What are the inclusions and exclusions of the packages?
Most items have been included in the initial cost of your fully inclusive package; International airfare, all accommodation, 3 meals per day, entrance fees to scenic attractions, all transportation and daily tours, services of your National Escort and local guides, visa fees for South African passport holders and domestic taxes within Korea.
The only items not included in your fully inclusive package are the final departure taxes from your destination, tipping, beverages and personal expenditure. What this means for you is that after paying the initial cost your can sit back, relax and we will take care of the rest!
- Will my South African plugs fit into overseas power points?
Korea has an electricity supply of 220 Volts, but some older buildings may still have the former 110 Volts. The 220V requires the two round pin plugs whilst the 110V utilize the two flat pins.
- What types of meals are served on tour?
On our fully inclusive group tours, all meals are included for your convenience and enjoyment. Breakfast will be served in your hotel and will consist mainly of a standard ABF. Lunches and dinners will be served in local restaurants and consist of an individual portion of traditional Korean cuisine, with the exception of barbeque beef and side dishes like the Korean staple – Kimchi, which will be served for the entire table. If you are not familiar or comfortable with chopsticks please bring either plastic cutlery with you, or you may alternatively use the spoons which will be supplied. Seating at local Korean restaurants will require seating on the heated floor with shoes left outside the restaurant. During meal time, the local barley tea (Boricha) will be supplied free of charge along with still water. Any other beverages will be at your own expense. All meals are aimed to cater to the tastes of the vast majority of people and would consequently not be overly spicy or unusual in their taste, although Korean food is generally hot and spicy compared to Chinese and Japanese cuisine.
- Can I drink the local tap water?
To ensure an enjoyable tour by all, we strongly recommend that you do not drink tap water, nor take ice with your drinks.
- Is it worthwhile to have travel insurance?
It is a condition of travel that you take out travel insurance for your overseas travels, to cover you against any situations that may arise. Please enquire with one of our friendly staff or ask your travel agent for further details.
- What immunisation do I need, when travelling to Korea?
Please consult your doctor or contact the Travel Clinic in your capital city for your vaccination requirements.
- How far in advance should I book?
As a general rule, it is best to book as soon as you have made a firm decision on a particular tour in order to avoid disappointment, as our tours fill up rather quickly. To make a booking, contact our office to check for availability, then simply fill out our booking form and send a R2 500 deposit. You may also book online, by following the prompts on the booking form.
- Do you create tours specifically for my requirements?
We understand that group travel is not always suited for everyone, so we will happily custom make any itinerary to suit your specific needs. Please locate our tailor made itineray icon on the home page for further details.
- How much money should I allocate for tipping?
Tipping is most appreciated in the Korean tourism industry. Tipping can be a rather sensitive subject with passengers unsure as to what amount is appropriate and in order to make the situation simpler for our clients we have, over the years, established a ‘tipping system’, which is compulsory on our group tours. The amount required per person is dependant upon the duration of your tour; the following tipping requirements will apply.
For those travelling under independent arrangements please allocate approximately $7 USD per person per day to be split between guides and drivers. You will find a standard 10% charge is added to your hotel and restaurant bills.
- What are the transport arrangements like on the tours?
The travel modes on our Korean tours have been planned with both variety and enjoyment in mind. Coach tours and flights are utilised to make your holiday more enjoyable. Whilst traveling on domestic air flights, please ensure that any valuables and medications are taken on board with you and placed in your carry on luggage.
- How much free time do we get whilst on tour?
As indicated in our itineraries daily activities are planned, however the programs are flexible, as whilst at the attractions a period of time is allocated where you are free to roam as you please. Generally, apart from a few performances, the evenings are your own also.
- How do I get my visa?
Tourists visiting Korea will be granted a transit stay of up to 30 days without a visa. If you are travelling to Korea for business or other purposes, then a visa is required regardless of how long the stay.
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What is the breakaway fee?
All fully inclusive prices are based on group travel and any deviation from the set itinerary will incur a breakaway fee of ZAR700.00 per person.
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What is the fuel surcharge?
All packages that are inclusive of flights will be subject to airline fuel surcharges that will be applied from time to time by the airline and will be in addition to the cost of the tour. These fees cannot be waived.
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What is a Re-routing Fee?
A re-routing fee will be applied whenever a passenger changes the arrival/ departure city, to that of another where there is a difference in the airfare cost.
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Are there any baggage restrictions?
All passengers are limited to two (2) items of luggage each:
> One (1) suitcase or backpack, with a maximum weight of 20kg and maximum size of 70 litres.
> One (1) piece of hand luggage, with a maximum weight of 5kg. It is advisable that your hand luggage consist of a day “daypack”- a small bag which you can access during the day and carry items like your camera, drinking water, toilet paper, hat etc.
It is essential that you have a lock for each piece of luggage. Without one, railway and airline staff may refuse to handle it.