South Korea

South Korea's aviation sector is among the most technologically advanced in the world, with Incheon International Airport (ICN) serving as its primary hub, consistently ranked among the best globally. Air traffic is regulated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT), which oversees flight operations, safety, and service standards. The Korea Civil Aviation Authority (KOCA) serves as the technical regulatory arm. The domestic market is served by carriers such as Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, along with several Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) that adhere to rigorous punctuality and safety standards.

• K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization): required for visa-exempt visitors; apply on the official website or app at least 72 hours before boarding (fee: 10,000 won). Until 31 December 2026, citizens of 22 countries and regions (such as the US, Japan, the United Kingdom and several European countries) are exempt from it.
• Passport: must be valid for the whole stay (at least 6 months is recommended).
• Visas: study, work and long stays require a visa from a South Korean consulate or embassy.
• Q-CODE: the online health declaration is optional.

In South Korea, the reference is the Consumer Dispute Resolution Standards of the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC), used to settle complaints (they are not an automatic compensation law), together with the user protection standards of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT).

• Delays on international flights caused by the airline: 2 to 4 hours, compensation of 10% to 20% of the fare; 4 to 12 hours, 20%; more than 12 hours, 30%. Causes outside the airline's control, such as bad weather, do not give the right to compensation.
• Cancellations: refund or rebooking; compensation depends on the notice given and the reason.
• Denied boarding (overbooking): the airline must offer alternative transport and compensation, plus meals and a hotel when needed.
• Complaints: first with the airline; then with the Korea Consumer Agency.

There is no law establishing a minimum free baggage allowance for all tickets; baggage policies are determined by the contractual conditions of each airline.

• Regulation: The KFTC requires airlines to clearly disclose excess baggage fees at the time of purchase.
• Carry-on Baggage: Most airlines follow the international standard of 7kg to 10kg, but South Korean LCCs strictly enforce fees for baggage exceeding permitted dimensions. It is mandatory for the policy to be explicitly stated in the carrier's website terms of use.

South Korea maintains strict sanitary protocols coordinated by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA).

• Microchip: Mandatory for identification (ISO 11784/11785 standard).
• Vaccination: The animal must have a rabies vaccine administered after the microchip implantation and at least 30 days prior to arrival.
• Antibody Test: A rabies neutralizing antibody titration test certificate is required, performed by an approved laboratory, with a result of at least 0.5 IU/ml.
• Veterinary Certificate: The animal must carry an official health certificate from the country of origin, validated by local authorities.

• Unaccompanied Minors: Children traveling alone must follow specific airline rules (Unaccompanied Minor service), which generally require the designation of a guardian at the destination.
• Documentation: It is recommended to carry a notarized letter of consent signed by both parents, especially if the child is traveling with third parties or only one parent.
• Facilities: Airports like Incheon feature exclusive family rest areas, nursing rooms, and priority queuing for families with young children.

Korean legislation, through the Act on Promotion of the Mobility of the Transportation Disadvantaged (covering persons with disabilities, the elderly, and pregnant women), guarantees full accessibility.

• Accessibility: Airports feature adapted infrastructure (elevators, tactile paving, accessible restrooms).
• Assistance: Passengers with reduced mobility are entitled to boarding/disembarking assistance and wheelchair transport, provided it is requested from the airline 48 hours in advance.
• Priority: Senior citizens and pregnant women have priority at check-in, security, and boarding.

• Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT): https://www.molit.go.kr
• Official Korea Tourism Organization (KTO): https://english.visitkorea.or.kr
• Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA): https://www.qia.go.kr
• K-ETA System (Electronic Entry): https://www.k-eta.go.kr
• Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) - Consumer Protection: https://www.ftc.go.kr
• Embassy of the Republic of Korea: https://overseas.mofa.go.kr