Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Curious Korea is a registered general travel business in Korea (licence No. 2024-000013), operating as an inbound tour operator and destination management company (DMC).

We have been operating since 2022, specialising in B2B inbound travel services.

We collaborate with international travel agencies across Europe, the Americas, Japan and Oceania.

We handle a wide range of clients: FIT, groups, MICE, corporate incentives, student groups, and VIP travelers.

We offer both customized itineraries and pre-designed packages, depending on your needs.

Yes, we can handle the full service — including hotel bookings, transportation, licensed guides, meals, and tickets.

Yes, we support various themes like K-pop & K-drama tours, food experiences, cultural programs, nature retreats, and wellness.

Yes, we're experienced in handling urgent and last-minute requests, especially for small groups and VIPs.

We provide net rates to B2B partners. Commissionable pricing can be discussed depending on the agreement.

A 30% deposit is due within 2 weeks after confirmation, and the full balance is due 15 days prior to arrival. Cancellation penalties apply depending on how early the cancellation is made.
However, for long-term partners or special cases, we're open to discussing flexible payment terms upon request.

All service & booking fees are included in our prices, but any bank transfer fees should be prepaid by the sender.

Yes, we issue official invoices and travel documents upon confirmation.

Yes, our sales and operations team speaks fluent English.

Our primary communication is via email. WhatsApp is available for urgent or time-sensitive matters only.

Yes, you will have a dedicated account manager who handles all your requests from start to finish.

Yes, we only work with licensed, professional tour guides who are experienced in handling foreign tourists.

Our guides are fluent in English and other languages upon request — such as Spanish, German, and more.

Yes, we try to assign the same guide for the entire tour unless changes are requested or necessary.

Guide fees are charged per day; half-day and hourly rates are not available.

We provide a full range of vehicles, from standard to high-end options — including sedans (up to 2 pax), vans (up to 4 pax), minibuses (up to 8 pax), and large coaches (up to 43 pax).

All vehicles are private and not shared with other groups unless requested otherwise.

Yes, our vehicles are equipped with A/C, comfortable seating, and optional Wi-Fi depending on the class.

Yes, vehicles can be used for both airport transfers and full-day touring, including overnight programs.

We offer a wide range of hotel categories — from 3-star business hotels to 4-star mid-range and 5-star deluxe or luxury accommodations, as well as hanok and temple stays, depending on your client's preferences and budget.

Yes, you can select preferred hotel locations such as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Hongdae, Gangnam, or even outside Seoul (e.g., Busan, Gyeongju, Jeju). We'll do our best to match based on availability and trip logistics.

Most of our hotel contracts include breakfast by default. If not, we'll notify you in advance or provide optional add-ons.

We do not hold in-house group rates or agent-only hotel prices, but we contract competitive rates with trusted hotel partners and quote them to you net (see "Do you provide net or commissionable prices?"). We are happy to recommend reliable options at reasonable rates for your needs.

We can arrange vegetarian, halal, or allergy-conscious meals on a limited basis and only with advance notice. Availability may vary depending on the region and type of restaurant, but we'll do our best to accommodate special requests.

Yes, packed meals may be arranged for early departures, full-day tours, or long transfers. Options may vary by region, and advance notice is required.

Tour meals often include a mix of Korean staples such as grilled meats, rice-based dishes, savory pancakes (jeon), fried chicken, and side dishes like kimchi, pickled vegetables, soups, and a range of banchan (side dishes). For groups, we can also include Korean BBQ, hot pot (shabu-shabu), or traditional set menus if requested in advance.

In traditional Korean style, meals are often served as shared dishes (banchan) at the table. However, individual set menus or plated meals can be arranged for specific group needs or dietary restrictions.

Yes. Some traditional restaurants may require guests to remove shoes and sit on the floor, although most modern places use standard tables with chairs. There is no tipping in Korean restaurants. For tour guides and drivers, however, a tip at the end of the trip is the norm — see our tipping questions above.

We usually recommend Seoul, Busan, and Gyeongju for first-time travelers. Seoul offers a mix of modern culture and historical landmarks. Busan provides coastal scenery, seafood markets, and urban beaches. Gyeongju, the ancient capital, is rich in UNESCO heritage sites and traditional Korean culture.

Seoul – Capital city, modern + historical mix, shopping, K-pop, nightlife.
Busan – Port city, beaches, seafood, local markets, laid-back vibe.
Jeju Island – Nature-focused, volcanic landscape, waterfalls, island relaxation.
Gyeongju – Historic capital of Silla dynasty, temples, tombs, museums.
Andong – Traditional Korean culture, folk village, Hahoe Mask Dance.
Gangwon-do – Mountains, ski resorts, scenic coastal drives.
Jeonju – Korean food hub, hanok village, traditional craft culture.
DMZ area – Border tour experience with historical and political context.

Jeju Island is optional but highly recommended, especially for nature lovers or those seeking a relaxing escape from the city. It works well for honeymooners, families, and those wanting coastal scenery and soft adventure. However, it requires a flight, so not all short-stay travelers include it.

Yes. Some lesser-known but beautiful places include:
Tongyeong – A quiet seaside town known for its coastal scenery and local art village.
Boseong – Famous for green tea fields and peaceful walking trails.
Damyang & Gangjin – Ideal for nature lovers, with bamboo forests, traditional hanok stays, and "slow-city" culture.
Yeosu – A coastal city with sea cable cars, night harbor views, and seafood markets.
Ulleungdo Island – A remote volcanic island perfect for hiking, sea cliffs, and nature retreats.
Suncheon – Home to Korea's top eco-destination with the Suncheon Bay Wetlands and National Garden.
Yeongju – Known for Buseoksa Temple and well-preserved Confucian heritage sites.
Gongju & Buyeo – Former Baekje Kingdom capitals, rich in ancient history, fortress sites, and royal tombs.

Cherry Blossoms: Late March to early April (starting from Jeju and moving north to Seoul). Autumn Foliage: Mid-October to early November (starting in the mountains and moving south).

Yes. Jeju Island and the southern regions bloom and change color about 7–10 days earlier than Seoul or northern areas. Climate also varies slightly, with Jeju being milder year-round.

Yes. Prices typically increase during peak travel periods, especially:
Summer holidays (late July to mid-August) – the busiest and most expensive time due to Korea's national vacation season. Spring cherry blossom season and autumn foliage season also see higher rates due to high demand. Winter is generally more affordable, except during Christmas and New Year, when prices rise again due to domestic holiday travel. Lower rates can be found in the shoulder months and non-holiday weekdays across all seasons.

Spring (March–May): Mild and pleasant with clear skies. Occasional yellow dust in April. Great for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Summer (June–August): Hot and humid. Rainy season usually hits from late June to mid-July. Late July to mid-August is the hottest and most crowded due to local holidays.
Autumn (September–November): Cool, dry, and crisp — considered the best season for travel with clear skies and colorful foliage.
Winter (December–February): Cold and dry, especially in central and northern regions. Snow is common in the mountains, and temperatures often drop below freezing.

Spring: Light layers, a windproof jacket, and long pants. Consider a mask during yellow dust season.
Summer: Light, breathable clothes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and an umbrella or light raincoat for the monsoon season.
Autumn: Layered clothing, a light sweater or jacket, and comfortable walking shoes.
Winter: Heavy coat, thermal layers, gloves, scarf, and warm footwear. In snowy areas, non-slip shoes or boots are recommended.

K-ETA (Korea Electronic Travel Authorization) normally applies to travellers from visa-waiver countries. However, a temporary exemption is in force until 31 December 2026 for 22 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macao and Singapore — nationals of these do not need a K-ETA during the exemption period. Travellers who are exempt must instead submit the online e-Arrival Card before landing (see below). The list changes, so always confirm on the official site: k-eta.go.kr. Nationals of non-waiver countries must obtain a visa through a Korean consulate or embassy.

We don't issue visa invitation letters or documents directly. However, we can provide basic travel confirmations such as itinerary details and service vouchers, which may help your clients with their visa applications if needed.

There is no general fast-track lane for tourist groups at Korean airports; priority lanes are reserved for passengers with reduced mobility, seniors and families with infants. What we can arrange is a meet-and-greet service for groups on request — staff assistance on arrival, guidance to immigration (non-escort) and coordination with your driver or guide. Group clearance itself is subject to airport and immigration authority policies and is not something we control directly.

We recommend preparing visa-related documents at least 4–6 weeks in advance, as processing times vary by nationality and embassy. Where a K-ETA is required, the application must be submitted at least 72 hours before departure — we advise applying a week or more ahead to allow for delays. The e-Arrival Card can be submitted online within 3 days before arrival.

Yes for most visitors. Since 2025 Korea has replaced the paper arrival card with an online e-Arrival Card, to be submitted within 3 days before landing at earrivalcard.go.kr. Travellers holding a valid K-ETA and registered foreign residents are exempt. We send every group a step-by-step guide with the confirmation documents.

Tipping is not a general custom in Korea — there is no tipping in restaurants, cafés or taxis. The tourism sector is the exception: for licensed guides and drivers on private and group tours, a tip at the end of the trip is customary and expected as recognition of their service.
There is no fixed rate. The appropriate amount depends on group size, the number of days and the level of service, so we suggest a figure for your clients when we prepare each proposal — and we can build it into the quotation if you prefer (see the next question).

Most clients prefer to give tips directly in cash at the end of the trip. However, if necessary, we can include tipping in the tour quotation and handle the distribution internally.

For tipping, the common practice is to quietly hand over an envelope with the tip at the end of the tour. Discretion is appreciated, and this gesture is seen as a respectful way to thank the guide or driver for their service.

We do not directly sell insurance, but we highly recommend all travelers purchase coverage in their home country before departure.

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency support throughout the tour for all our clients and partners.

Yes, we can help arrange medical assistance, hospital visits, and provide interpretation support in case of illness or injury. There may be fees involved in such cases.