KOCA

The Korea Office of Civil Aviation (KOCA), operating under the auspices of the South Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), is the primary regulatory agency responsible for the oversight and development of the nation's civil aviation sector. Its jurisdiction covers the entirety of South Korean airspace and the operations of South Korean-registered airlines, regardless of their international flight paths. KOCA's primary mandates include:

• Operational Safety: Establishing and enforcing safety standards for aircraft, air operators, airports, and aviation personnel.
• Economic Regulation: Overseeing airfares, passenger rights, and market competition in the air transport sector.
• Certification and Licensing: Issuing and managing certifications for aircraft, pilots, airlines, and other aeronautical entities.
• Air Traffic Management: Overseeing air traffic control services to ensure the safety and efficiency of national airspace.
• Environmental Protection: Developing and implementing policies to mitigate the environmental impact of aviation.
• Aviation Security: Implementing and overseeing security measures to prevent acts of unlawful interference in aviation.
• Industry Promotion: Supporting growth and innovation within the civil aviation sector.

Official changes from this authority that affect passengers appear in this guide's updates as they are published. Each one is checked against the official document before it goes live.

KOCA regulations aim to ensure transparency and passenger protection regarding baggage and airfares.

• Baggage allowance: airlines set the hand and checked baggage allowance for each fare and must show it before purchase.
• Ancillary Fee Transparency: All additional fees, such as those for extra baggage, preferred seating, or onboard meals, must be explicitly detailed at the time of booking. Airlines are prohibited from charging hidden fees.
• Weight and Dimension Limits: Airlines set their own weight and dimension limits for carry-on and checked baggage, provided they are reasonable and clearly communicated. KOCA monitors these to ensure rules are not excessively restrictive.
• Baggage Claims: In the event of lost, damaged, or delayed baggage, passengers have the right to file a claim with the airline. KOCA may intervene if the airline fails to comply with its legal obligations.

Bringing dogs and cats into South Korea is controlled by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA); transport rules are set by each airline:

• Documents: microchip, rabies vaccination, a rabies antibody test (for animals from countries with rabies, such as Brazil) and an official health certificate from the country of origin.
• On the flight: small animals may travel in the cabin, in a carrier that fits under the seat in front, if the airline accepts them; larger ones travel in the hold.
• Restrictions: each airline sets the breeds, weight and number of animals per flight.

In South Korea, facilities for families follow the airlines' policies:

• Lap infants: on domestic flights, babies under 2 usually travel on a lap without paying a fare; on international flights they usually pay 10% of the adult fare, plus taxes. Children who need their own seat may get a reduced fare.
• Stroller and car seat: many airlines carry a stroller and a child safety seat free of charge, checked in or up to the aircraft door; the rules vary by airline.
• Assistance: many airlines offer priority boarding to families with young children and an onboard bassinet on long flights, on advance request.

In South Korea, the law promoting mobility for persons with disabilities and airline policies ensure assistance for these passengers:

• Wheelchairs: Airlines must provide assistance for boarding and deplaning passengers with wheelchairs. Personal wheelchairs may be transported free of charge as checked baggage.
• Priority Boarding: Passengers with special needs, including those with reduced mobility, are generally entitled to priority boarding.
• Medical Forms (MEDIF): For passengers requiring specific medical assistance during flight or who have medical conditions that could be affected by air travel, completion of the MEDIF (Medical Information Form) may be required. This form must be submitted to the airline in advance.
• Request deadlines: airlines set deadlines for requesting special assistance and sending medical forms; usually 48 to 72 hours before the flight. Check your airline's deadlines.

• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT): the civil aviation office is part of it.
• Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA): bringing in animals.
• K-ETA: electronic travel authorisation.
• Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC): consumer dispute settlement standards.