Today’s Fresh Drops

Book Before Fuel Surcharges Rise, and Japan's New Tax-Free Rules [NewsTainer]

NewsTainer 2026. 10. 22. 17:38


Oct 22, 2026 [NewsTainer] 8 Things That Save You Money — Book Before Fuel Surcharges Rise, and Japan's New Tax-Free Rules

▸ 30-second summary

① Korean airlines' fuel surcharges rise four levels in November → book by Oct 31

② Japan's tax-free shopping switches to "pay first, refund at departure" on Nov 1 · Shibuya Halloween bans street drinking

③ Super Saturday outlet sale Oct 23–26 · Korea's child support advance drops its income test · this weekend's character fair and Starlight Festival

 

▶ Watch the episode — Techne & Arte (Korean audio, English subtitles)


Hi, this is NewsTainer. Today: eight things worth knowing that can save you money and time.

1 · Prices — Korean airlines raise fuel surcharges in November; book by Oct 31 Book by 10/31 International tickets issued Nov 1–30 carry fuel surcharges four levels higher than October, at level 27. Korean Air's surcharges run 55,600–408,100 won depending on distance, with the longest routes up 45,500 won from October; Asiana's run 62,400–351,100 won. Domestic surcharges rise 4,400 won, from 20,900 to 25,300 won. Surcharges are set by the ticketing date, not the flight date, so tickets issued by Oct 31 keep October's rate (Air Travel Info). Why it matters · If you're planning a year-end trip from Korea, booking this week can save tens of thousands of won per person.

2 · Travel — Japan's tax-free shopping becomes "pay first, refund at departure" on Nov 1 From 11/1 From Nov 1, stores in Japan will no longer take the tax off at the register. Visitors pay the full price including consumption tax, get the goods confirmed by customs when leaving Japan, and then receive the refund through the store or a refund operator. You must spend at least 5,000 yen before tax at one store in one day, and customs confirmation must happen within 90 days of purchase. The sealed-packaging rule for food and cosmetics is dropped, but anything used or eaten in Japan doesn't qualify. Customs may inspect items, so keep them with you until after the check (Asia Today, Japan Travel). Why it matters · Expect extra time at the airport, and pack tax-free items in your carry-on.

3 · Travel — Shibuya Halloween (Oct 31): no street drinking, littering fines 10/31 During the Halloween period, Shibuya Ward bans street drinking from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. Smoking, street selling and touting are banned around the entertainment district, and littering carries a 2,000-yen fine. The Hachiko statue will be screened off until Nov 1, and nearby e-scooter rental stations will close. The mayor asked visitors to celebrate elsewhere or at venues where they can follow the rules (Asia Economy). Why it matters · In Tokyo for Halloween? Pick another venue over Shibuya.

4 · Sale — Shinsegae Simon "Super Saturday," Oct 23–26 10.23 – 26 All five Shinsegae Simon Premium Outlets in Korea (Yeoju, Paju, Busan, Siheung and Jeju) run "Super Saturday" from Friday, Oct 23 to Monday, Oct 26, with up to 30% off outlet prices. Max Mara, Brunello Cucinelli, Barbour and A.P.C. take an extra 20% off; Nobis, Paul Smith and Vivienne Westwood 10%. Nike is 20% off, or 30% for two or more items. Samsung Card payments earn Shinsegae gift vouchers worth up to 5%, first come first served. Yeoju adds a Porter archive sale of up to 50% (Shinsegae Group Newsroom). Why it matters · Pick your brands and outlet in advance, and half a day is enough.

5 · Policy — Korea's child support advance payment drops its income test on Oct 29 From 10/29 Korea's child support advance program, where the state pays single-parent families who aren't receiving court-ordered support, drops its income and asset test from Oct 29. It pays up to 200,000 won per minor child per month (or the agreed amount, if lower). Applicants need a legal support decision such as a court ruling or mediation record, and must have received less than the advance amount on average over the past three months. Apply via the Child Support Enforcement Agency (childsupport.or.kr) or by mail; helpline 1644-6621. It applies to decisions from Oct 29 and isn't retroactive (KB Think). Why it matters · Families who were turned away over income can check again now.

6 · Policy — Two everyday rules changing in November November From November, consumers in Korea can ask the Korean Intellectual Property Office to appraise suspected counterfeit goods, and platforms can use the report to issue refunds or block sales. From Nov 27, paid support for fertility treatment leave expands to four days (Korea.kr). Why it matters · Bought designer goods online? Keep your receipts and order records.

7 · Travel — Korea's autumn leaves: peak dates 10/28 ~ 11/6 According to the Korea Forest Service forecast, Seoraksan (Oct 20) and Jeombongsan (Oct 21) have already peaked. Gwangdeoksan peaks Oct 22, Songnisan Oct 28, Gyeryongsan Nov 1, Naejangsan Nov 4 and Hallasan Nov 6 (Kangwon Ilbo). Why it matters · For next weekend, go to Gyeryongsan; after that, Naejangsan.

8 · This weekend — Character Design Fair in Yangjae, Starlight Festival in Seoul 10.24 – 25 On Oct 24–25, the Character Design Fair mini 2026 runs alongside Comiverse 2026 Fall in Hall 1 of aT Center in Yangjae, Seoul; tickets are sold on the Comiverse site and a Comiverse ticket covers both (Character Design Fair). The same weekend, the Seoul Science Center in Nowon holds its Starlight Festival. Basic entry is free, with some paid or reserved programs, and the public stargazing on Oct 24 from 7 to 9 p.m. needs no booking but is canceled in rain (Seoul Metropolitan Government). Why it matters · With kids: character fair by day, stargazing by night.

NewsTainer's Take: "Knowing is saving. One thing you learned today can pay for a dinner this month."

🗓 Dates (KST)

Fri 10/23 – Mon 10/26 Shinsegae Simon Super Saturday
Sat 10/24 – Sun 10/25 Character Design Fair mini & Comiverse Fall (aT Center) · Starlight Festival (Seoul Science Center)
Wed 10/28 Songnisan foliage peak (forecast)
Thu 10/29 Child support advance income test removed
Sat 10/31 Last day for October fuel surcharges · Shibuya Halloween
Sun 11/1 Japan's new tax-free refund system · Gyeryongsan foliage peak (forecast)
Fri 11/27 Fertility treatment leave support expands to 4 days

Sources

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